We received this (unsolicited) review of Wujishi Breathing Exercises, from our friend Tim, in Alaska.
Wujishi is one of those important resources in the martial world that eventually goes out of print and drifts away…except in this case, we tracked down the publisher, bought the copyright, and republished it in 2013. It is one of the first books to be published on what is now a rather popular topic–Zhan Zhuang–or standing exercises. It is a component of the qigong of most traditional martial practice and, of course, is the basis of Yiquan.
Tim writes:
“It might seem counter-intuitive to many people that so much can be accomplished “just standing there” rather than doing a lot of complex movements. Some people might find what is described in the case-histories in the book hard to believe. I am experiencing some of the changes described in the book:
My hair color is changing from gray back to darker color
The hair on my head is getting thicker (balding reversing)
Cysts (fat deposits) on my arms are slowly dissolving
Spider veins in my ankles are disappearing
My energy and mental clarity are improving
Type 2 diabetes reversing (this might be partly diet changes, too)
These changes take time to happen–but they do happen. It works like a slow moving magic bullet.
From my experience I would say to people–yes, what is described in the book is real and it is worth spending the time to take up the practice of Zhan Zhuang. While I don’t claim to be an expert on Zhan Zhuang, my impression of “Wujishi Breathing Exercises” is that it teaches what is essential in a simple manner, yet is also very effective.
I am starting to learn the Zhan Zhuang practices taught by C S Tang in his “YiQuan” book. Starting with “Wujishi Breathing Exercises” is good background for further study.
After seeing that Zhan Zhuang practice can actually reverse aging, I’ve been giving copies of “Wujishi Breathing Exercises” to relatives and co-workers. I just sent a copy to my employer’s wellness library–this book is so remarkable I want to share it with anyone who will listen!”
Anyone else have things to say or report about standing practice? We would love to hear…
I was taught a Yiquan-like set by my late Qigong Master, Paul Dong. I also took a training session with Cai Songfang in Orlando in the 1990’s as well. I have found boundless benefits from both practices. I am now 56, and still look like I am in my early 30’s. From the exercises my muscle & tendon development are outstanding. My blood pressure is excellent, my blood/oxygen level at my fingertips is close to 100% when measured during wellness visits. In the past 14 months I have lost over 55 pounds, which has greatly reduced pains in my sciatic nerve, and reduced the ache caused my spinal stenosis in my lower lumbar area. The benefits just keep coming, and I will continue on my current training path and see what other benefits can be realized from these seemingly simple standing meditation exercises.
Here is a picture of my calves, developed through standing practice: