QiGong or C'hi Kung (also massage)


There are literally thousands of styles of Chi Kung (Qigong) in China. Some are famous and involved. Some are obscure and quite simple. There is also a lot of misinformation on the topic. For instance the term "Ch'i Kung" or Ch'i Exercise, was rarely if ever used before 1950. Ch'i Kung is, in some sense, a newly created designation compiled from older sources. Like the ubiquitous "Medical Chi K'ung" it is a term with little meaning more meant to capture attention and a market than anything else. Formerly, Ch'i Kung, which was more commonly known as "Nei Kung" was divided into three classical forms based on its use and origin: Scholarly, Martial and Religious. Each had attributes and characteristics and any could be used for health. The idea that you did this exercise for that illness was not often utilized and was far more personalized and sophisticated than much of what we see today. Nonetheless, this is a great study and should be scrutinized with care and intelligence. This is why we have so few book listed considering the immense popularity of the subject. As in the case of Feng Shui books, few are good enough to waste time with.

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#ECK73 Empty Force:
The Power of Chi for Self-Defense and Energy Healing

Paul Dong and Thomas Raffill
179 pages illustrated $16.95
PLUM price US $13.95


"Empty Force, or Ling Kong Jing, is an extraordinary technique that harnesses the power of chi (the body's vital energy), enabling masters of the art to defend themselves against opponents and heal themselves and others without physical contact. Through the practice of this method, one gains mastery of the mind and spirit and gives rise to a physical force that can affect others—a powerful maifestation of the achievement of harmony wth nature. "

There is little doubt that Empty Force is the most controversial of topics from the area of Kung Fu and Chi Kung. This is a reissue of one of the first books written in English on the subject.

  • The Mystery of Chi
  • The Empty Force
  • The Empty Force Masters
  • The Great Debate
  • Martial Arts, Tai Chi and Chi Kung
  • The Healing Power
  • A "How-To" Guide to the Empty Force
  • The Students Speak
#ECK74 Keep-Fit Self-Massage
Li Ye Pu & Bai Hao Man
185 pages, softbound, photographs and illustrations, oversized, US $14.95


There are quite a few books like this which show Chinese massage techniques coupled with acupuncture points. The essential advantages of this text combine simplicity, an organized and simple introduction to massage and a limited number of points. Once that's established the book lists many complaints treated through applications of the stated points and methods. For instance we see in the Table of Contents such complaints as: stiff neck, constipation, diabetes, arthritis, insomnia, bronchitis, Raynaud's disease and many others. A little massage practice, on oneself or others, would be of help.
#ECK75 6 Healing Movements
Master Gin Foon Mark
80 pages, softbound, photographs and illustrations, oversized, US $14.95


Gin Foon Mark has been around for a long time. A master of Southern Mantis, a student in temples since his childhood, an inheritor of a fine martial lineage: he is well chosen to write a book like this. This is a significant text because the Six Healing sounds are famous and well documented in Chinese history. In this case we have the benefit of Mark having studied directly from Ma Lai Tong, the developer of this version of the sound Qigong and a famous Qigong expert. This book covers many topics such as tongue position, basic postures, exercises for separate organs, circulating qi on the microcosmic orbit and more. Thin but packed with information.

#ECK82 The Way of Qigong
Kenneth S. Cohen
428 pages, softbound, US $16.95

If, by chance, you actually want to sound like you know anything about the subject of Qigong, you should immediately go out and buy this book. Kenneth S. Cohen is a scholar, and from personal experience, a gentleman. He has also written what must be a source book for every practitioner. He calls this "The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing" and he's afraid of neither. He has garnered a ton of scientific work while clearly and patiently explaining the essence of Qigong. Do we agree with everything? Two martial artists, three opinions as they say. But for integrity, honesty, thoughtfulness and just plain work, this jumps to the list of essential volumes. You think we're positive about this book? Wait till you read the review. Buy the book and buy it at full price and support someone who is actually doing some significant work in the field.

#ECK85 A Tooth from the Tiger's Mouth
Tom Bisio
240 pages, softbound, US $13.95


This new book is not exactly a Qigong text. It does talk about the many interesting and useful aspects of martial arts as related to general health and particularized Chinese medicine. It covers diet, poultices and plasters, moxibustion and other treatments for the vicissitudes inevitable in life and martial practice. A lot of folk medicine here and one of the first books where the Western knowledge of medicine and the Eastern approach are casually and easily married. This is an authentic branch of Chinese medicine roughly equivalent to "sports medicine" only centuries older and in some cases more effective. It has been associated with Kung Fu practice for millennia.
See a review of this text.

#ECK76 The Art of Chi Kung
Wong Kiew Kit
162 pages, softbound, US $18.95 PLUM PRICE $16.95


In this fascinating text Sifu Wong Kiew Kit explores the principles philosophy of Chi Kung, explaining its beneficial effects, and then guides you through a series of Chi Kung exercises which you can learn and practice at home. Teacher Wong Kiew Kit has been studying, teaching and promoting Chi Kung for decades. But there's more. He's a no-nonsense aficionado who believes both principally and philosophically in what he teaches. In other words he authentically wants to help people. He writes well and directly. He knows what he teaches. He has demonstrated publicly to show the efficacy of his work. He also discourages people from thinking of Chi Kung as a quick cure or "treat your friend's cancer in a week" malarkey. This text deals in specifics like Chi Kung for stress management, for sexual problems, for longevity, etc. One chapter is on distant Chi transmission, another on the conceptual basis of miracles. Wong is not afraid to deal with the sketchy topics because he is absolutely convinced of the rationality of his work. He didn't discover Chi Kung last month...

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#ECK79 Rooting Pine Exercises
Bow Sim Mark and the Chinese Wushu Research Institute
51 pages, softbound, oversized, US $14.95


Bow Sim Mark is an exceptional teacher. This English/Chinese book shows the fruits of her decades of research into Chi Kung. These straight forward but profound exercises are to Chi Kung what "core" exercises are to working out. Ms. Mark is a top researcher and has received high praise from here teachers. She had also produced a generation of top teachers and competitors such as the tireless Nick Gracenin. Not complicated but very succinct.
#ECK81 Qigong Essentials for Health Promotion
Jiao GuoRi
256 pages, Hardbound, US $17.75


This text has been around for more than twenty years. It is one of the best overall books on the subject from the first days when Qigong was coming to the attention of the west. Many techniques and practical methods are shown with interesting and informative explanations. Case histories, precautions, details of applicability, fifteen Tai Chi methods, Eight Pieces of Brocade, Five Animals, eye massage. This book, coupled with Ken Cohen's Way of Qigong, would give you the essentials of a good tool kit.

#ECK77 Chinese Chi Kung for physical and mental health
edited by Captain Tom Marks, US Army, Translated by Dominic Liu
37 pages, softbound pamphlet, US $6.75


This little pamphlet was one of the first books every translated into the English language. Interestingly enough such practices as Qigong were almost exclusively recognized first by the martial arts community. It sets down in simple terms, often question and answer, the basics of Chi Kung. Finally, there is a special section on the treatment of nocturnal emissions. Small pamphlet, no illustrations. This is probably the 1975 edition. Limited supply.

#ECK78 The Taoist (free standing) Eight-Sectioned Chi Kung
by Dr. Leung Ting shown by Sifu Siu Yuk Men
26 pages, softbound oversized, US $8.50


This book is a FULL COLOR rendition of the famous 8 pieces of brocade. The pictures are very clear and the instruction is side-by-side showing the standing version of this exec rise. This first edition came out in 1995 and this is the first time we've seen it. Not that common. The format is a slick paged full color production with some front notes and then the formal explanation of each of the eight sections. Almost a posture from its size and clarity.

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#ECK96 Secrets of Chinese Meditation
Charles Luk (Lu KuanYu)
240 pages, softbound, US $14.95

This is a classic text that presents a rare opportunity: a chance to study the ancient and original sources which are the basis for most contemporary texts on consciousness development. This concise volume is a presentation of different methods of meditation as practiced in China, including extracts from ancient and modern classics as well as detailed suggestions for practice. It includes: 25 basic meditation methods from the Surangama Sutra A series of practical instructions by ancient and modern Ch'an masters for controlling the mind. Detailed suggestions for practicing the vital T'ien T'ai systems for calming the mind
...and more.

#ECK94 Taoist Yoga
Charles Luk(Lu KuanYu)
240 pages, softbound, US $12.95

Often referred to as "Taoist Yoga," this is a fine text on the art of Chi Kung. One of the first ever written and widely available in the English language. Still a classic it contains not only some instruction but, more importantly, a properly respectful attitude that this (Chi Kung) is something more than a New Age exercise for the Spa of the Future.

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#ECK99 Buddhist Chi Kung
Shing Lung edited by Leung Ting
95 pages, softbound, US $5.95

This is a manuscript from the private collection of the famous Kung Fu teacher, Leung Ting. This book's title is "The Secret Manuscripts of the Great Five Buddhist Chi Kung". This book is illustrated with quaint old line drawings. The English and Chinese sit side by side with the Chinese hand written. This manuscript was first brought to the public in 1921. Songs or poems with valuable Chi Kung information are also translated. Some very interesting observations on the nature of Chi Kung are added in the front piece. A good historical collectible for anyone's Chi Kung library. Gives you the feel of how this information has been transmitted for hundreds of years.

#ECK86 Essential Anatomy for Healing and Martial Arts
Marc Tedeschi
Oversized
143 pages, US $19.95

This unique book will familiarize practitioners and martial artists with basic concepts of the human body, as defined by both Western and Eastern Medical traditions. Written in a clear, concise style, this beautiful and informative text presents information previously unavailable in a single source.

  • Over 133 line drawings and 60 photos in color and B/W
  • Twenty essential self-massage and revival techniques
  • Detailed principles of pressure point fighting
  • Comprehensive listing of pressure points in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean along with translations of the names

This is a long-overdue text that is very nicely and clearly illustrated and perfect resource for martial artists interested in point location from both a healing and martial perspective. We would show you a picture of the inside but all it is is a series of extremely comprehensive lists of point correspondences. Definitely a good reference volume.

 

 

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