Harnessing the Power of the Universe-A Complete Guide to the Principles and Practice of Chi-Gung

Chi-gung-which literally means 'energy work'-is a system of cultivating health, vitality, and longevity that is based upon the fundamental principles of Taoism and the universal laws of nature. Practiced by the Chinese for thousands of years, chi-gung works with the energy found in our own bodies

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and in the surrounding environment to help overcome the imbalances that sap our strength and give rise to disease. The simple meditative movements, breathing exercises, and massage techniques that are the basis of chi-gung can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness. Here, Daniel Reid-one of the leading authorities on Chinese healing practices-gives readers everything they need to know in order to start their own practice of chi-gung, including:

key concepts of the Chinese approach to good health.
breathing practices, massage, meditation, and other techniques.
how to tailor your chi-gung practice to fit your individual health needs.
specific practices for common ailments and chronic illnesses.
how to find a qualified chi-gung teacher.

Daniel Reid is a leading Western authority on traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist healing practices. The author of several books-including The Complete Bookof Chinese Health and Healing, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and The Tao of Sex, Health, and Long Life-Daniel Reid has studied and practiced Chinese medicine for over twenty years.

Contents

A note on Romanization
Preface
Introduction: Basic terms and concepts
Polarity
Trinity
The five elemental energies
Meridians
Types of human ebergy
Basic modes of moving energy
Managing energy with the 'water mind' of intent
Chi-gung as a pillar of life
Chapter 1 Historical development of chi-gung in China
Yin and Chou periods
Warring states, Chin and Han eras
The three kingdoms, and Northern and Southern dynasties
Tang dynasty
Sung and Yuan dynasties
Ming and Ching dynasties
Modern era
Chapter 2 Major categories of chi-gung practice
Major schools of thought in chi-gung
Moving forms and still forms
Cultivationg nature and cultivating life
Forms based on physical posture
Forms for balancing body, breath and mind
Chapter 3 Chi-gung and the three powers: The hamronyof heaven, earth and humanity
Microcosm and macrocosm: 'The universe within' The rhythmic cycles of nature and the cosmos
Chapter 4 Chi-gung and the three treasures: The alchemy of essence, energy and spirit
Nei-gung: The internal alchemy of energy work
Chi-gung and essence
Chi-gung and energy
Chi-gung and spirit
Chi-gung and psychoneuroimmunology
Chapter 5 Chi-gung and halth: Healing with energy
Chi-gung as preventive healthcare
Curtive applications of chi-gung
Chi-gung hospitals and research centres
Chapter 6 Elemental energies: Ways of working with chi
The art and science of breathing
Guiding energy with the body
Guiding energy with the mind
Working with sound
Working with light and colour
Working with aroma
Working with touch
Working with sexual energy
Chapter 7 Fundamentals of form: Posture, breath and integration
Four postures for chi-gung practice
Seven ways of breathing in chi-gung
Integration of body and breath
Integration of enegry and breath
Chapter 8 Precepts of practice: Pinciples, pointers and precautions
Guiding principles of balance and harmony
Important points of practice
Precautions
Chapter 9 Introduction to traditional styles of chi-gung
Tai chi chuan
Eight pieces of brocade
Hsing Yi
Pa kua chang
Play of the five beasts
Shao lin temple style
The six syllable secret
Standing pylon
Micorcosmic orbit
Chapter 10 Basic chi-gung set for daily practice
Moving meditation set
Warm-up: Balancing body, breath and mind for practice
Main practice: Mobilizing, circulating and balancing energy
Cool-down: Collecting and storing energy
Still meditation
Chapter 11 Signs and sensations
Deviations and corrections
Deviations and corrections
Chapter 12 Chi-gung and the Tao of cultivating life: A systematic path to health, longevity and spiritual power
Applying chi-gung to daily life
Cultivating life as the gound for chi-gung
Learning how to 'lock the gate'
The orgasmic upward draw for women
Cultivating the right mind for practice
Afterword
Appendix
Index

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