Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health

Although thin, this book contained more information than I expected. It talks about what is qi and what is qigong
(including its history), it tells the life story of this set's creator - Marshall Yue Fei, and enumerates the main
qigong purposes (i.e for healing, maintaing health, prolonging life, martial arts and enlightenment). The two main
categories are explained: Wai Dan (External Elixir) and Nei Dan (Internal Elixir). In Taoist terminology, the book
talks about the three treasures: Jing (essence), Qi (energy) and Shen (spirit), which can be nurtured through
Qigong training. In order to succeed, one needs to regulate the body, mind, breath, Qi and spirit - only then the
benefits which one can reap from training will be reaped.
With HMOs, insurance headaches, premiums driven up by the 65 percent of Americans who are overweight, increasing
daily stress, we all could use a magic elixir for energy and increased quality of life. Who better to provide it
than the Chinese, inventors of tai chi chuan, green tea as a curative, and acupuncture?
Qigong, as alternative health expert Dr. Wang Jwing-Ming explains, functions like tai chi chuan or yoga as a way
of maintaining longevity, youth, energy and health. Dr. Yang explains that most practitioners of qigong seek
enlightenment, awareness and health through wai dan (physical tai chi type qigong) or nei dan (meditation).
Once you have read the half of the book devoted to the nature of qigong, like most Westerners, you're itching to
get started. Dr. Yang stresses that qigong is not about fancy moves, but about careful attention. The exercises,
like weight or strength training, require several repetitions. The qigong exercises may seem slow. However, for
those who are sick and tired of being sick and tired, patience will pay off when you choose to set aside 10-20
minutes a day. The accompanying videotape purports to be another great investment in your health. Dr. Yang
skillfully shows us the path to wellness.

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