Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity

by Shifu Yan Lei

For the past 1500 years, the Qigong workout for longevity has been secretly passed from generation to generation at the Shaolin Temple of Zen in Henan Province, China. Now, for the first time, a 34th-generation fighting disciple from the temple shows how to optimize energy, alleviate stress, boost the immune system, and achieve optimum health. The complete workout is shown with easy-to-follow instructions and images, covering everything from stretches and stances to the Instant Health self-massage. This comprehensive guide provides detailed advice on adapting Shaolin Qigong to suit any life stage, and includes training tips, Zen wisdom, and a personalized mind-body workout created especially for the busy Western lifestyle.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Health

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[John Hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This utterly superb book not only beautifully details how to do the stretches, but has many pearls of wisdom littered throughout the book.

I don't think this book is aimed at beginners, though they could pick up much from this.

As a huge fan of Bruce Lee's 'Tao of Jeet Kune Do' and 'Fighting Method' books, it is no small matter finding a fine martial arts book.

The book is a work of art - but it has the substance to back it up and that is a major achievement.

Shifu Yan Lei is the real deal - you can tell that. So many 'master's prefix their name with such titles and in some cases, they are great at what they do. This man is a case in point.

If you are a martial artist, or just want tips to stay healthy and strong into old age (as opposed to just living to an old age) - buy and learn from this book.

Highly recommended.

[Satyajit Shukre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shifu Yan Lei's Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout for Longevity is a well-written book that provides a workout manual and a holistic approach through ancient Shaolin practices, highly relevant in today’s world where mindfulness and physical fitness are valued.

The book is written in three parts, and Part 1 not only introduces concepts like Qi, Qigong, and Kungfu, but also enriches our understanding with the origins of the Shaolin Temple, Chan Buddhism, and personal anecdotes from the author.
Part 2 delves into the fundamentals of Shaolin Qigong, offering insightful guidelines about breathing, posture, and the mind. Values like belief, concentration, loyalty, peace, and skill are shown to be important for training.
Part 3 provides clear illustrations of the workout, detailing various stages from the warm-up, stretching, stances, the main workout, and self-massage. The Qigong workout itself is the Shaolin version of Ba Duan Jin, named “The Eight Treasures” by Shifu Yan Lei.

The book is peppered with numerous quotes from Chinese scriptures and teachers, which complement the author’s words such as, “Let the breath breathe itself” and “The aim of practice is to gain a deeper understanding of oneself,” adding depth to the narrative.
Overall, Instant Health is a succinct and engaging book, simple enough for beginners and providing an insightful peek into Shaolin Qigong for existing Qigong or martial arts practitioners.

[Luca Andreol · Rating 5 out of 5]

QI GONG
Workout for longevity

🚀 Il #libro in 3 Frasi

1. Without a strong and healthy body enlightenment was impossible to reach.

2. correct movement, concentrated mind.

3. Our aim is to conquer ourselves not others.

🎨 Impressioni
Libro interessante che passo per passo come praticare il Qi gong.
👤 Chi dovrebbe leggerlo?
chiunque interessato, lo spirito Shaolin e alla pratica del Qi gong.
☘️ Come il libro mi ha cambiato?
Mi ha spinto a scaricare un video da praticare giornalmente.
✍🏻 Le mie tre frasi preferite

1. Usually when we inhale, our stomach expands and when we exhale it contracts, but with the breath of Qi, we do the opposite. When we inhale our stomach contracts and the air goes into our lungs and chest, and when we exhale our stomach expands.

2. Keep the practice simple and set attainable goals for yourself.

3. I am not a perfect person. The Buddha's flower is the lotus and it grows from mud.

📒 Sommario + Note

PART ONE
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF SHAOLIN TEMPLE LONGEVITY
PART TWO
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SHAOLIN QIGONG
PART THREE
THE QIGONG WORKOUT FOR LONGEVITY

[Jim Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information well explained. Looking forward to the experience.

I found this book informative, well-written and easy to understand. It will no doubt enhance my experience. I plan on ordering the next book in this series of instructional material.

[Magnus Szubzda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book from one of the greatest Masters of Shaolin.

[Luke Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for stretches and breathing techniques. Makes the body feel good.

[Christine Cordula Dantas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all the text and attempted the first (warm up) exercises. Since this book will be used as a reference for the days/months/years to come, I am writing this brief review on my preliminary impressions on the overall edition, text instructions, pictures, etc. Excellent! A very carefully done book, clear and inspiring. I am eager to actually learn the movements, I am confident that I will be able to learn a lot from this book. The instructions are clear as well as the pictures. Surely there is a limit and learning from a master is ideal. But to start from zero, this book is what I was looking for. I enjoyed reading about Shifu Yan Lei's past, and the tips for meditation and breathing. It's also a motivational text, beautifully edited.