The Way of Energy: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercise

by Lam Kam Chuen

For centuries, the Chinese exercise system called Chi Kung has been shrouded in secrecy. The Way of Energy is the first comprehensive guide to the most powerful form of Chi Kung ever developed—“standing like a tree”.

A gentle, yet profoundly beneficial form of exercise, which requires very little movement, this form of Chi Kung unlocks deep reserves of energy builds internal stamina, strengthens immunity, relieves chronic illness, and promotes the natural regeneration of the nervous system.

Using step-by-step instructions and more than 100 drawings and full-color photographs, The Way of Energy tells how

-perform the entire sequence of rejuvenating positions
-combat stress by practicing Chi Kung while standing, sitting, working, playing, and even sleeping
-prevent and treat a wide range of common ailments

Continuing our best-selling series of books for mind and body which includes The Sivananda Companion to Yoga, The Dance Workshop, and The Book of Stress Survival, The Way of Energy will help you achieve physical fitness, mental clarity, and a profound inner strength and vitality.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Martial Arts, Spirituality, Fitness, Self Help, Taoism

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1991

Reviews

[DROPPING OUT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began to study Qi Gong many. Yeats ago but was sidetracked by the opportunity to study Taiji with a famous master. Well, I studied with him for a year and had graduated to Push-Hands, when I suffered an injury that led me to drop the whole enterprise.

I recently decided to try to return to T'ai Qi but was unable to find the right teacher for me. Then I rediscovered Master Lam Kam Chuen's book in my attic,.

There are many forms of Qi Gung, but the method in this book is Zhan Zhuang, "standing like a tree." While outlooks mindless.y simple, it is complex.

There is a Sufi saying, that the person who has himself as a master has a for for a master.

So while finding a Taiji teacher was difficult, finding one for Qi Gung was more so.

Nevertheless, Master Lam's instructions and illustrations led me to try to teach myself.

To my surprise, I found he correctly anticipated the problems I would encounter, and I was especially encouraged by what growth and improvement I experienced after even a short period.

[antnp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for a primer on zhan zhuang qigong standing meditation

[Kim]

A masseur suggested this book. I have learned from it how to hold a book while reading.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got tremendous results using this book.

[Moss Miro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes this is the way. Master Lam Kam Chuen is the way. Thank u

[Akbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a really short, but straightforward, book. The instructions are clear and the diagrams helpful, and it doesn't waste time on lengthy theory and history. The book itself focuses on the Zhan Zhuang qigong, from basic to more advanced stances, and also a bit on Ba Duan Jin exercises. The author emphasizes that the training should be taken step by step, building the bodily energetics slowly, for weeks or months (no jumping into advanced levels if you are a beginner!).

While the book provided enough details, i do supplement the information with Mark Cohen's and Tom Bisio's books as well, for they provided some helpful instruction on micro-adjustments.

This book would be a preliminary for the next book, The Way of Power, which focused more on the martial aspect. In my opinion though, both books should be combined into a single, one-stop reference edition, so students can follow a systematic instruction from beginning to advanced levels.

[Damian McMorron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early days, but who would have thought
Standing still,Zhan Zhuang could have such an effect.
The Chinese have known of Chi for thousands of years, the lifeforce within, without, of one and all.Great stuff.
Am also reading Richard Gordon's "Quantum Touch 2-The New Human" which takes Chi
to a whole different level, amazing discoveries WOW

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The real foundation in QiGong is the Standing Position. Zhan Zhuang is the most easy variation of them and I recommend Lam Kam Chuen book. It is easy to understand and he explains how to practice and what to expect.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

useful, simple exercises

[Joshua]

Very comprehensively illustrated & described.

[Delfin Labao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Works wonders if you do it everyday!

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, wholesome book on how to stand like a tree. Zhangzhuang is for everyone!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first encountered Lam Kam Chuen on YouTube. I liked his easy manner and clear explanation. He has a number or a set of videos where you progressively can learn qigong, for him this is mainly Zhan Zhuang. These videos can complement this book is you prefer video to static pictures. I thought though the illustrations were quite good and better than a lot of other books I've read, and I sometimes find a paper reference useful. I also tend to re-read books I like and at times find things I didn't notice or rethink things as I learn more. The book is clear, and I could follow along. It also follows a logical progression that perhaps fits the Western mind more than some of the more esoteric qigong books.

I love doing Standing Post and I'm sure many will consider standing pose/meditation boring, but I love it. There are also many benefits from still poses or standing meditation including eventually adding power, particularly useful for martial art practitioners. For me it seems to concentrate energy/power. I feel better and more peaceful after doing it. A Kung Fu Sifu friend told me his teacher would do a standing pose for 45 minutes. I enjoyed the book and can recommend it.

[Sergio Ledward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gran libro para aquellos que quiera conocer el arte del Chi Kung. Es bueno para empezar, pero aún mejor para usarlo como compañero de práctica a lo largo de los años.
Lleno de ilustraciones, ejemplos, poesía, guías prácticas. Lo recomiendo mucho

[Damun Gracenin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chi Gung, like Hinduism, has a million faces. This is one, good for learning basic ways to move your chi.

[Silas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very plain spoken and clear survey of the Zhan Zhuang method of Chi Kung exercise. The exercises were clearly described and the illustrations were effective at converting the positions. While the mechanism was not detailed, the effects of the exercises were. It is a very effective introduction to these exercises. My only complaint is that it assumes you will have a teacher, and does not give a good guideline of how to progress in the system other than gradually. Still, it is a great way to get started.

[Carla]

para ler

[Gordon Laatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great instruction on Chi Gung meditation.

[Steen Sigaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeg har oplevet at øvelserne i denne bog giver et godt udbytte selvom det kan være svært at forstå hvorfor.

[wujimon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books I ever received on zhan zhuang and still one of the best!