The Power of Ch'i-Secrets of Oriental Breathing for Health and Longevity

For most of us, breathing is an effortless, automatic process that we take for granted. The premise of Chi, however, is that our general health andphyusical well-being are directly linked to our capacity to berathe properly. The 'ability to control the process of breathing, to distribute oxygen to

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all parts of the body, to concentrate and release this power supply at will, is what the Chinese Masters call Chi.'

Chi is an ancient practice developed with grat patience over the centuris. The author relates how he discovered chi and how it affected his ife. After practicing chi through a period of physical sickness, pain, and emomtionaldistress, Mr. Pike became fit and healthy adn attinged a new ouitlook and renewed vitalitiy.

The author gives yo some simple tesats to determine what phyical and emotional conditionyou are in. Along with his facinating personal story, Mr. Pike gives a history of chi and tells wht is involved in its practice.

A chapter of preparation for the exercises themselves shows yo th e corect stances and how to warm up. The Eight Precious Sets of Exercises (Pa Tuan Tsin) are clearly described and illustrated. ONe does not have to be a gymnast to executge them. They consist of squatting, stretching, rotating limbs, bending, and pressing while simultaneously deeply inhaling and exhaling. They can be practiced for a short period of time each day, in place of, or as well as, any exercise rouitine yoiu inow have.

Mr. Pike's story and his clear, simple instructions wil inspire you to 'start breating for your life and love.'

'At last we have a book on the vital but little known subject for health. In a liftetime of stydying chinese medicine and its place in the martial arts and our everyday lives, I have come across many books on the subject, Geoff Pike's The Power of Chi is by far the most authoritative and interesting I have yet read. It combines the elements of both the text book and the novel: the author's personal quest for health and longevity is presented along with an accurate and clear explanation of the ancient breathing exercises which can be of benefit to every one of us.'-Dean Rainer, Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Master of Kung Fu

'Eminent scientists have suggested that there are four basic criteria for the achievement of helath and longevity: correct diet, moderation in drinking, no smoking, satisfactioninwork and the avoidance of stress. Having read The Power of Chi, I am led to propose yet another criterion: correct and deep breating. The author of this outstanding book has presented on a comprehensive and clear manner a collection of deep breathing exercises which are vital to good health, longevity and personal well-being. I am convinced that people in all walks of life will be healthier and happier if they adopt the exersises set forth in The Power of Chi.'-Sir George Halliday, F.R.A.C.S.

Contents

Introduction
Before we begin
What is chi?
Part one: facing the condition you are in
The hill
Some simple tests
Part two: there is no success without health
Enter Mr. Wu
The brotherhood
The oath
The first month
Facts and fantasies
Part three: secrets of Shaolin
The many moons of wu shu
Great masters of chi
Part four: the gift of breath and how to use it
The meaning of chi
Eating, drinking, smoking and chi
The time and place
Part five: the preparation
The stances
The warm-up exercises
Part six: Pa Tuan Tsin
Part seven: extra exercises
Part eight: meditation and chi
Part nine: the power of chi

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