QiGong Illustrated

Wish there was a DVD with this, but what a wonderful Qigong book. I've practiced with an assortment of teachers over the past few decades, live and on DVD. Either there is no explanation of what the movements are or it's too much information that doesn't seem to have a structure, or too many movements without going into each with any depth. This book is simple and succinct. It is a fantastic beginner book, I'm not sure what experienced Qigong practicioners would think but I'd like to know. Included in this book is a brief explanation of the different types of Qigong, two Qigong sets, the Daoist Five and Eight Piece Silk Brocade, a few individual movements and an introduction to the Five Elements...and lots of pictures illustrating the movements. This book gave me the missing piece to the puzzle of my ongoing Qigong practice, it deepened it and has me interested in studying at the International College of Medical Qigong where Christine trained.

Even though I had this book in a pile of my other reading material I did not have a chance to read it until recently. As a teacher of Tai Chi and other martial arts, I knew a little about Qigong from my years of training in Tai Chi. However, since my fairly recent medical problems I began teaching my personal seated Tai Chi workout programs, which also included various Qigong exercises. I found this book an excellent basic guide to other Qigong movements I was not familiar with before reading this volume. The information is organized in this book in such a way that it is easy to learn and understand. The nine chapters include: Art and practice of Qigong, posture, breath, intention, structuring a Qigong routine, Qigong for internal organ strength, Qigong for optimal health, Qigong for stress relief and Qigong for relaxation. I especially liked the clear series of photographs showing each step of the Qigong routines. This made it easy to learn most of the routines. My only complaint, which has nothing to do with Qigong itself, was my physical limitations made it impossible to practice all the routines. Nevertheless, I picked up enough new routines to add to my present seated workout programs for my students. In conclusion, this is a book every Tai Chi and Qigong student or teacher should have in their personal library. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths)

Excellent book for anyone just staring with medical Qigong! Very well written. Clear and concise. The illustrations are excellent. The author includes lots of insight into Qigong along with some interesting history. Anyone committing to practice Qigong as outlined and instructed by this author will be busy and no doubt healthier for at least the next five years.

This is well written, well illustrated, simply explained for the inexperienced as well as practicing Qigong person. I take classes from Christina beyond these listed and taught in book. Don't think you could go wrong buying a copy . Better yet, check out her website, [...] See how Qi Gong can change the world one person at a time. Maybe I should say one class at a time. As I am working my way through her Medical Qigong Therapy program one level at a time....

Excellent book on the subject of Qigong. I always feel that if I can learn one new thing in a book, then the price is worth the cost. This book is definitely worth the price. There is a wealth of information and written in plain language so there is no confusion. And the illustrations are all well done. I've read many books on the subject and this is one of the best.

Although not in the classical style, the book is a good intro for the two most popular Qui Gong practices as well as giving the reader an explanation of the fundamentals of Qui Gong. If you are looking for a good dvd for a classical Eight Silk Brocade, you might want to look at larry Cammarata's dvd The Eight Pieces of Brocade.

I first found this book in my library. (At Amazon, it so far down the list of "QiGong" books I had trouble finding it to buy, even when I typed "Taoist priest," which the author amazingly is, into keywords.) That priest status and the depth of study it requires gives the author a depth of field from which to write about QiGong practice, benefits, and Qi (chi) and how to see and use it, and the philosophy that underpins the exercises. It is sort of refreshing that the illustrations, photos mostly, aren't of a cute, willowy young person but a solid, grounded mid-aged person. It is a good reference book, which is why I'm buying one copy today for myself and another for a friend.

Beautifully written and illustrated. easy to follow and makes a great deal of sense. Ms Berea is on the National Qogong Association's Board of Directors which encouraged me to become a member. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Helps to understand better this practice

As expected.