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The Root of Chinese Qigong 3rd. ed.: Secrets for Health, Longevity, and Enlightenment
Long considered a classic text by teachers and students, The Root of Chinese Qigong offers the principles and theories of qigong practice. This third edition includes Dr. Yang is acclaimed for helping readers understand qigong concepts deeper and more clearly by expressing them in familiar methods for the Western mind. He takes these ancient concepts and presents them in a logical way that helps practitioners stay on the right path to deepen knowledge and skill. In this book Dr. Yang teaches sitting and standing meditation, demonstrates qi massage techniques, and examines the Qi pathways in your body. He explains correct breathing methods, shares secrets for quieting the mind, and discusses how to increase your body's qi supply. He further explains important concepts such as the Three Treasures and regulating the body, breath, and mind. Contents include Whatever style of qigong you may practice, making sense of qigong theory and principles is the best way of achieving your goals sooner, more accurately, and deeper.
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 22, 2011
Not really a book yoou read, but a book you study (and regularly go back to if you practice qigong). I practice Chinese martial arts and I am into qigong. What I really enjoyed about this book (and in Yang, Jwing-Min's general approach to this theme) is the analogies he makes between the human body energy system and notions from Electrodynamics, putting the more symbolic (less scientific we would say) terminology and concepts of Chinese culture into a more familiar line of thought to us westerners: Physics. Not that I really need a scientific explanation to make sense out of any thing but the ones presented in this book were quite enjoyable to read and analyse. Dr. Yang has a Ph. D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and his diggings into Physical Science while explaining traditional Chinese concepts are quite interesting. A good book for the one who's looking into these arts for the first time, and maybe wanting to dive deeper into them in the future. Will enable the reader to build a solid foundation on general Chinese health and spiritual theories from where to explore further.
August 13, 2016
This is my first book on the subject of Qigong and I believe I made a good start. It's a fantastic read! One feels like breathing the special breathing techniques while reading the book! One feels transparent inside, while reading the book! I am totally mesmerised!
Among others, I have learned about the way that Qi is stored and flows into the body through a balanced way of living, through special breathing, though the part of diet lacks a great deal of information.
Qigong is a whole new philosophy and mindset with its own unique information about the way that the living energy (Qi) is stored and circulates in the body. There's a whole different circulatory system -the Qi circulatory system- with its own vessels and energy reservoirs in the subtle body; there is terminology and divisions and subdivisions of almost every aspect we are dealing with in Qigong. Thus, to learn about Qigong is to study Qigong, to learn the theory and to start practicing some day with a master, that's the only way to delve into a deep level. By gradually starting sensing inside the body where the Qi comes from and then to learn how to manipulate that energy for your own benefit -for healing, longevity or enlightenment- and also to help others.
This book is a thorough introduction into Qigong and the author is very clear about this, highlighting it with bold letters at the beginning of the book.
Of course with that said, I keep returning, studying this extensive theoretical basis time and time again.
Among others, I have learned about the way that Qi is stored and flows into the body through a balanced way of living, through special breathing, though the part of diet lacks a great deal of information.
Qigong is a whole new philosophy and mindset with its own unique information about the way that the living energy (Qi) is stored and circulates in the body. There's a whole different circulatory system -the Qi circulatory system- with its own vessels and energy reservoirs in the subtle body; there is terminology and divisions and subdivisions of almost every aspect we are dealing with in Qigong. Thus, to learn about Qigong is to study Qigong, to learn the theory and to start practicing some day with a master, that's the only way to delve into a deep level. By gradually starting sensing inside the body where the Qi comes from and then to learn how to manipulate that energy for your own benefit -for healing, longevity or enlightenment- and also to help others.
This book is a thorough introduction into Qigong and the author is very clear about this, highlighting it with bold letters at the beginning of the book.
Of course with that said, I keep returning, studying this extensive theoretical basis time and time again.
June 15, 2018
This is an excellent book on Qigong that explores the biological aspects of Qigong in relationship to breath and the cultivation of internal energy. The author does an excellent job of sharing detailed information about Qigong. I felt like the book filled in a couple of gaps and helped me understand the internal cultivation of energy even better. There are also some useful exercises you can do in the book that will help you apply the concepts to your life. I highly recommend this book if you want to understand and implement qigong in your life.
July 17, 2019
A very strong introduction to understanding the system of Qi. Call b.s if you must, but this is from the perspective of an individual very well versed in qigong.
This is meant for the westerner, as many of Yang jwing-ming's books are.
This is an interesting compliment to any practitioner of the east Asian martial arts systems. It will give you an answer to what it is that the creators of your combat systems were "trying to get at".
This is meant for the westerner, as many of Yang jwing-ming's books are.
This is an interesting compliment to any practitioner of the east Asian martial arts systems. It will give you an answer to what it is that the creators of your combat systems were "trying to get at".
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March 2, 2015This book needs to be studied in depth. Lots of information.
July 15, 2022
3.5 stars
I was looking for something that a layperson could easily use/refer to. This was extremely technical, more suited to someone training with a QiGong master.
I was looking for something that a layperson could easily use/refer to. This was extremely technical, more suited to someone training with a QiGong master.
July 22, 2022
The book covers an impressive array of material on the foundations of qigong.
However the structure of the book and the style of writing are awkward sometimes to an off-putting extent. It progresses in a way that is not very intuitive, nor very logical, after a very sketchy account of the historical context, which I found underwhelming for a book the promises "foundations".
The author is also somewhat biased on a few subjects, from Buddhism to his idea of "the West". It edges racism when it goes to the extent of stating that "there's no wonder why advances in science, technology and medicine could only happen in the north of the world (i.e. China, Europe and the U.S.), although in different domains", implying that analytical intelligence is directly commensurate to climate.
I still think that the book has a few merits and that some renderings of concepts are just unfortunate wordings, but it did need far better editing both in form and substance.
However the structure of the book and the style of writing are awkward sometimes to an off-putting extent. It progresses in a way that is not very intuitive, nor very logical, after a very sketchy account of the historical context, which I found underwhelming for a book the promises "foundations".
The author is also somewhat biased on a few subjects, from Buddhism to his idea of "the West". It edges racism when it goes to the extent of stating that "there's no wonder why advances in science, technology and medicine could only happen in the north of the world (i.e. China, Europe and the U.S.), although in different domains", implying that analytical intelligence is directly commensurate to climate.
I still think that the book has a few merits and that some renderings of concepts are just unfortunate wordings, but it did need far better editing both in form and substance.
October 27, 2019
This is full of interesting background about qigong. But so much that I cannot absorb at one go, so I would say that this book is very useful as a reference book and one which I would come back again.
One interesting point shared in the book is about "dan tian" (the of the key centres of energy in the body). That the delivery of nutrients to a baby in a mother's abdomen via the umbilical cord before birth is sent one way just from mom to child, but the baby's active pumping of the abdomen helps propel the nutrients too (I would guess like some kind of peristaltic movement). So the dan tian just below the naval is a store of original energy. This parallels yoga practises and teaching, there the digestive system and abdomen is so important, and there are various practises to keep this healthy and energetic.
One interesting point shared in the book is about "dan tian" (the of the key centres of energy in the body). That the delivery of nutrients to a baby in a mother's abdomen via the umbilical cord before birth is sent one way just from mom to child, but the baby's active pumping of the abdomen helps propel the nutrients too (I would guess like some kind of peristaltic movement). So the dan tian just below the naval is a store of original energy. This parallels yoga practises and teaching, there the digestive system and abdomen is so important, and there are various practises to keep this healthy and energetic.
May 27, 2020
Definitely read Qigong Fever first. This then becomes a foundational book before diving into Jwing-Ming's other books. All of which are dense and requiring note taking and time to assimilate. Often some original text is shared with Jwing-Ming's interpretation.
December 27, 2022
This isn't really a book that you finish. It is an amazing qigong reference book written for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. I LOVED it! This book helped deepen my practice and help me understand what was happening in my body. Definitely recommend.
January 6, 2024
Interesting
February 25, 2019
I'm using this as a reference book because I don't have a lot of time to read and because it is so chock full of excellent information about what makes qigong healing work.
As a certified qigong healer, myself, I can't get enough of this book. It's not easy to find information on the whys and hows of this ancient healing modality, which was practiced and taught in secret for so many years in China.
I like the book so much that I have sought the teacher and I will be getting some of his video classes and demonstrations. He's in Northern California. I'd love to take his training, but I have a different master now, and it gets expensive.
Jwing-Ming Yang is highly respected in the qigong community. He is the real deal.
As a certified qigong healer, myself, I can't get enough of this book. It's not easy to find information on the whys and hows of this ancient healing modality, which was practiced and taught in secret for so many years in China.
I like the book so much that I have sought the teacher and I will be getting some of his video classes and demonstrations. He's in Northern California. I'd love to take his training, but I have a different master now, and it gets expensive.
Jwing-Ming Yang is highly respected in the qigong community. He is the real deal.
October 1, 2018
The book has while trying to be comprehensive, has too many details which are too overwhelming for a casual reader, while not explaining other details for fear of people practising without guidance.
It's like reading an ancient Greek or Roman medical digest, back when there are only five elements, etc. Without modern testing and more interest, it is doubtful it will go beyond just speculations even if the results are somewhat positive.
Only the serious Sinophile may find this a good read.
It's like reading an ancient Greek or Roman medical digest, back when there are only five elements, etc. Without modern testing and more interest, it is doubtful it will go beyond just speculations even if the results are somewhat positive.
Only the serious Sinophile may find this a good read.
December 10, 2019
Learning from other cultures
It is our responsibility to encourage the general public to accept, study, and research other cultures. In this way, the human race will be able to adopt the good parts of each culture and live in a more peaceful and meaningful way.
These are the author’s words. They reflect the reason I chose to read this book and others. We need to share our knowledge.
It is our responsibility to encourage the general public to accept, study, and research other cultures. In this way, the human race will be able to adopt the good parts of each culture and live in a more peaceful and meaningful way.
These are the author’s words. They reflect the reason I chose to read this book and others. We need to share our knowledge.
April 3, 2009
If you can look past the fast he has a huge chip on his shoulder about the generic attacks on TCM, that he seems to think romantic science's place is inside Enlightenment science's, and that he follows Taoist sexology (but only briefly on one or two pages), you'll find this is a vomitingly high-end reference.
May 28, 2018
I took a Qigong class at my local YMCA and really enjoyed it. It lit an inner light that yoga did not, so I see qigong as a practice I want to incorporate into my daily life--but I am driven to understand it more.
I am reading this book to learn about the traditions underpinning and practices of what today is called Qigong. Dr.Wang's presentation is straightforward and well-organized.
I am reading this book to learn about the traditions underpinning and practices of what today is called Qigong. Dr.Wang's presentation is straightforward and well-organized.
August 28, 2007
A good introductory book on qi gong that presents some interesting and novel ideas and gives a lot of information on breathing, acupuncture meridians and channels and offers great advice for qi gong practitioners.
August 28, 2012
Another interesting tome by the author on Chi Kung. Yang Jwing-Ming has an impressive body of knowledge when it comes to subjects such as Chi Kung, though it tends to repeat itself over the course of several of his books. A welcome addition to anyone's library of Chi Kung material.
September 30, 2013
After having a few workshops with Dr. Yang at "A Taste of China" over the years, I have much respect for his teaching and writing. His books are an absolutely amazing resource for all Chinese style martial artists
May 24, 2020
I think this is a very detailed book. I wish it had more of a course laid out for practicing and improving the methods. The book included exercises and details on how to execute them, but doesn't really provide a "program" of development that I would find helpful
May 29, 2022
Essential
If you are starting on your Qigong journey this is a must read! The knowledge acquired from this book is essential before becoming a practitioner. It's inspiring to say the least. Xiang shou (enjoy).
If you are starting on your Qigong journey this is a must read! The knowledge acquired from this book is essential before becoming a practitioner. It's inspiring to say the least. Xiang shou (enjoy).
March 14, 2024
What a book! This is a MUST for anyone serious about developing their understanding of Qigong, Tai Chi, or Chinese Medicine in general. Makes me wish I had read this much earlier in my own journey in these fields!
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February 23, 2008reading...
May 24, 2008
Takes an open mind to finish this book. Very long read. Science of energy within the human body and how to manipulate it is an age old quest.
July 26, 2011
Sure doesn't tell much,lol???
August 28, 2012
A decent, though somewhat "wordy", introduction to the world of Qigong. Covers a lot of material - though tough to follow, unless you are really motivated.
February 27, 2018
lịch sử khí công.
kèm các khái niệm, phân chia của nó.
có hướng dẫn cách tập sơ sơ.
lâu rồi hk đọc lại.... hk nhớ rõ nữa.
Các sách cảu tác giả này liên quan, nhiều ý trùng nhau.
kèm các khái niệm, phân chia của nó.
có hướng dẫn cách tập sơ sơ.
lâu rồi hk đọc lại.... hk nhớ rõ nữa.
Các sách cảu tác giả này liên quan, nhiều ý trùng nhau.
January 6, 2021
Excellent resource for the details of breath, movement, meridians and acupressure points.
March 15, 2024
Interesting
August 27, 2024
It was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews