QiGong or Chi Kung (also health related topics)

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 Kung" 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.

Click picture to see if there is a larger version.

Often, when someone asks about why I practice Chinese Martial Arts, I respond with a premise similar to what Sifu Paul Crompton offers in his lesser-known book, Meditative Sensation Walking:

"If you have questions about the way you live your life, and have found  shelves and magazines, this may be the book for you. It contains no theories. You have everything you need, right now, you have your life, such as you need, right now. You have your life such as you have lived it, and your body the place in which you have lived it.

The foundation of this book is a group of relatively easy — but not really — alterations and additions to your daily human acts and motions; for instance, bending over. Only the simplest movements, but done with the greatest awareness.

Walking is the key action in the text; as you walk, you continue this attentive process. It is not worship. It is neither theater nor history. He elaborates on each movement with more than 20 exercises, every one highly concentrated, centered on the meditation in the movement, and vice versa.

Is it workable? Is it functional? There's no way to know without the experience. The technique derives from the high skill of Bagua, and Crompton has developed a detailed set of skills which aim directly for what so many people often term "energy work." We are impressed with the focus, and think this could be a useful text for the serious martial artist.

Chi Kung lives on one of those planets where the real thing is constantly being diluted, assimilated, misrepresented, and generally besmirched. It's the kind of practice that allows for weak approximations. However, correct guidelines, acquired over 2000 years for true "Dao Yin," practice, recorded by paintings and poems, are out there, and clearly help align an authentic approach.

A book like Master Yu’s, which clearly demonstrates and analyzes her subject, pretty much covers the things that "need to be" validated instead of scrambled. Many balls to juggle here: for example, she shows major acu-points on the body specifically described from the Chi Kung angle.

Add to this a prize bigger than the original gift: the presentation of the routine at the core of this book, the famous Wild Goose Chi Kung (developed, if memory serves, from the Li Family). This is one of those beautiful and, at the same time, efficacious sets of Chi Kung that makes up for the un-real things. The Wild Goose, even if you have only a few sources and references, is such an honest standard you can only benefit from its right practices. 

Think of the smallest and easiest health/warm up routine, then cut it in half for difficulty, and you have Liangong, a sophisticated approach to simple, do-able exercises firmly anchored in Chinese martial and medical knowledge.

These workout modules link together in an umbrella fashion that take about twenty minutes to perform. Designed by founder Zhuang Wang Ming, the routine is presented by well-known and -respected teacher Yu Wen-Mei. Her personal and very clear postures are demonstrated in solid photos and well-balanced instructions.

This vintage text comes from a time of sincere outreach, where experienced teachers published information they had previously only offered to their local students. The photos are many, and the teaching is complete. Liangong, drawn from many sources over much time, echoes significant applause from generations of students and teachers.

Drawing on information from Zhang Bao Yang, Wang Ji Wu and He Yu Qi all students of Wang Ji Wu; Miller and Cartmell have created a text based on Xing Yi but geared toward Nei Gong (Internal Training). Few people today realize that "Chi Kung" is a neologism referring to what has generally been termed Nei Gong for centuries.

In other words "Breath work" was always called "Internal Work". What's the diff ? Nei Gong implies a greater discipline, more power and most importantly a more rigorous application of the principles with more formal structure. Chi Kung implies a watered down version one might teach one's grandmother if she's had no previous training. There is a place for either but, with the sudden popularity of "Chi Kung" it is refreshing to see this admittedly technical but basically sound text on the subject from a Xing Yi Boxing standpoint.

Included are sections on: Wang Ji Wu and his lineage
LiuHe (6 Harmony) Xing Yi written transmission
Xing Yi Standing Practice
Health and Strengthening Exercises from Xing Yi.

Take a look at Tim Cartmell's DVD  of this series.

On the specific subject, namely the sleeping Gong (special formalized method or exercise), he breaks down and explains the steps utilized in the discipline. The very idea of a sleep meditation follows a profound concept found in Chinese therapeutics . This special method comes up again and again in various braches of learning. It’s based on the idea of adopting some natural way of acting and using it as a pattern on which to construct a “practice.” For instance, much Kung Fu looks like kids slap-fighting to the uninitiated. The reason is that, past a certain point of training Kung Fu technique reiterates what children do, only now with Iron Hand Training, fighting skill and so on. Chen’s and similar methods base their rejuvenative powers things like Bagua walking, Tai Chi standing, Qigong breathing and, amazingly, Taoist sleeping. All this follows from the “simple” recognition of the “extraordinary power of the ordinary.”

A varied collection of key concepts that might be a little thick for the new student; a lot of vocabulary all in the same place.

KA008
Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic
Translated by Tom Bisio, Huang GuoQi and Joshua Paynter

"The Authentic Classic of Nei Gong is an obscure text of unknown origin yet it stands alone as the definitive text on internal energy and the generation of internal power. Hand copied and passed from teacher to student, it is one of the "secret transmissions" of Chinese martial arts. The Authentic Classic of Nei Gong is a practical manual on internal energy development and its fundamental importance in the martial arts and fa jin. Divided into four parts the text takes the reader step by step through the details of Nei Gong Practice and in the final section, its application to self-defense. These four sections are: 1. Nei Gong Jing (Internal Energy Classic)), 2. Di Long Jing (Earth Dragon Classic), 3. Shen Yun Jing (Transported Spirit Classic), 4. Di Long Jing (Earth Dragon Classic).... this text is accompanied by extensive footnotes and diagrams that clarify the more obscure passages which otherwise pre-suppose a knowledge of Daoist tests and imagery from the I-Ching. The appendices further explicate the relationship of the Authentic Classic of Nei Gong to the internal martial arts Xing Yi Quan."

As a later addition to the world of Chinese martial arts, Bagua is the inheritor of many branches of information. In addition to its signature circling and twisting, it is also a system comprising much Kung Fu information that is commonly scattered and hard to find.

Tom’s newest offering is a series of books which can progressively or individually bring you into the world of Bagua Nei Gong training. (Martial artists often prefer to use Nei Gong over the more common”Qi Gong” for a number of reasons, including the somewhat more sophisticated concepts involved in the study of Nei Gong). Many of these will be familiar to practitioners of martial and Daoist studies. In Mr. Bisio’s Gao style, there are nine distinct sections of Nei Gong listed as:

Patting • Dao Yin Guiding Qi • Standing and foundation • 12 Postures standing • Fundamental actions • Circle Walking • Tian Gan • Bone Marrow • Daoist “Returning” Meditation

This series is particularly good at listing those Key Points in each posture and movement. Also, the methods shown in all books to this point can be trained in any order, allowing customizing for the student.

This series is particularly good at listing those Key Points in each posture and movement. Also, the methods shown in all books to this point can be trained in any order, allowing customizing for the student.

KT047 Tai Chi Ruler
Chinese Yoga for Health and Longevity: Second Edition
by Terry Dunn

Originally published as the first significant text on this subject in the English language. Terry Dunn, the creator of the most popular Tai Chi video of all time, explains a number of patterns with the Tai Chi ruler, a small carved instrument for Qigong practice. This is a very good introduction to a subject which, if you get into it, has surprising depth. For instance the history of the ruler traces its origin back to Chen Hsi Yi the legendary Taoist creator of Liu He Ba Fa and a good friend of the first emperor of the Song dynasty and the legendary creator of Tai Tzu boxing. Small world, isn’t it? The Ruler has some very useful aspect for Qigong training. For instance, if the practitioner wants an instrument but does not want to carry around a weapon the Ruler is perfect. By definition it coordinates the two hands. It also contains a rather profound self defense method but that’s another story.
NOTE: The Tai Chi Ruler refers to the "Great Extremes" of Yin and Yang, not the style known as Tai Chi Chuan or Grand Extreme Boxing. Nonetheless you may also find it in that section due to its name.
Second Note: This is a revised edition of the earlier book and has a new cover.
And more: The VHS companion of this book is in the process of conversion to a DVD. Ask us the status of this when you order.

Here is the companion DVD to this text.

Back in stock ! KT015  Taoist Yoga
Charles Luk(Lu KuanYu)
$12.95, 240 pages, softbound,

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.
 

#KH006 HARA:
The Vital Center of Man
Karlfried Graf Dürckheim
$14.95, 202 pages, softbound,

It would be an understatement to say this is a classic. KGD sets out the structure and meaning of the Hara ( in Chinese, the Dan Tian) as not only a spiritual center but a ego-preserving practice, a transcendental aspiration and an esthetic pivot point. He shows the relation of breathing. posture, and other "outward" aspects of life to the deeper, and very vital aspects of what it means to be human. This book was one of the first to introduce the Western world to those life-affirming aspects of Zen and cultural wisdom extending from the roots to the blossoms of Japanese culture. Dürckheim has had a profound influence not only on meditators and seekers but on humanistic psychology as well. Of all of his books this one is best known and widely appreciated.

#KN007 Nourishing the Essence of Life   
Eva Wong
$15.95 normally, PLUM price $14.35, 104 pages,

This book presents three classic texts on the nature of the Tao. It examine the macrocosm of the universe related to the microcosm of the human body. We see this reflected in the three levels of Taoist teachings, the Inner, the Outer and the Secret (Xuan). The Outer level deals with Human life in its social and familial setting. The Inner level deals with the energetics of the individual practitioner. The secret level discusses transformations which bring ineffable and unpredictable aspects of cultivation. This is not a critical account of Taoism but a discussion from the standpoint of classical students. It records rituals and aspects or authentic Taoist ritual which might be confusing and a little mysterious to some but that's Taoism at the cultural level. A very good, slim volume on ancient Taoist practices and beliefs.

original cover

KW028 WuJiShi Breathing Exercise    
from the teachings of Cai SongFang
$16.95, 101 pages, softbound, illustrations

When I first stumbled on this text, I was unaware of Yi Quan. Therefore my reaction to the book was without concern for its martial origins and applications. I was taken with the commentson its relation to my own first Taiji style, Yang Shi, and the use of the WuJiShi practice by my Great-Grandteacher, Yang Chen Fu.Cai supports this by claiming the WuJiShi was passed down from Yang to Ye De Mi then Jin Ren Lin and then to himself. Cai is responsible for bringing this method to the South and the Guangzhou area. Though quite technical in parts, this is a small gem of inspirational teaching: solid, foundational Qigong in a world suddenly hustling faddish and questionable techniques. Whether you subscribe to the Yi Quan general theory or not, this is a fine source of information.
 

KS007 Secret Shaolin Formulas
for the treatment of External Injury
Transmitted by Patriarch De Chan, translated by Zhang Ting-Liang & Bob Flaws
$19.95, 152 pages, softbound
This book contains hundreds of authentic herbal formulae for external injuries. It was compiled by De Chan (from whom, by the by, we personally learned the Shaolin Ba Duan Jin years ago). These records from the Shaolin Temple itself cover such martially specific injuries as prescriptions for injuries such as "Neck Hit by Halberd" and "Injury to Bone Due to Poisonous Arrow". Plasters are also given. This book shows real formulae and therefore not necessarily composed of easily obtained herbs. Prescriptions are in Pinyin and Latin. Topics include Medicinal Wines, Dim Mak injuries, Fall and Strike injuries and more. No illustrations.
 

KC006 Chi Gong
The Ancient Chinese Way to Health
by Paul Dong and Aristide H. Esser
$14.95, 212 pages, illustrations and photos, softbound

OUT OF STOCK! Please place me on your WANT LIST for this item.

Paul Dong's former book Empty Force (see below) is a well known (and some would say notorious) treatment of Chi Gong's esoteric and definitely controversial methods such as projecting energy through space. Dong covers many aspects as the Table of Contents will attest:

• How Chi Gong works on cancer
• Empty Force - the Mystery of Chi
• The Magic Palm and the One Finger Art
• How to perform Chi Gong
• What is Chi Gong

We believe that Mr. Dong believes. We also think that if you are really interested in the subject this is a book you should read. For those who are already convinced, Dong will be speaking their language. To those who may believe that here is a real subject for real exploration, Dong will probably seem to have already capitulated too easily. Skepticism and cynicism are often differentiated by the slightest shade of coloring. There is much in the realm of Chi Gong which we have seen with our own eyes and felt with a thorough conviction. There is also a plentitude of silliness and quackery. All in all the subject itself bears scrutiny and, we think, rewards time spent. Chi Gong has a solid grounding, for instance, in martial practice. It's how far you can go with it that's the sticking point.

KE012 The Essence of Taoism Qigong
Internal and External Dan Exercise
by Wang Feng Ming
$29.95, 225 pages, illustrated with photos, softbound

Besides being a student of Feng Zhi Qiang, Mr. Wang is also his son-in-law. His access to top level information about the art of Qigong shows throughout this text. You will note PLUM does not have a large collection of Qigong books. This is because so many of the dozens we review are mediocre approaching terrible. This is not the case here. But be aware, this is translated from the Chinese. The relatively good use of English occasionally lapses despite the quality of the explanations. This book is divided in eight sections. It follows the typical Chinese approach to knowledge where definitions are paramount so much of this book is dedicated to supplying definitions. This can be deceptive because the definitions are actually crucial to an understanding of real Qigong. So "tranquility" for instance is seen as a combination of multiple factors and learning these factors makes "tranquility" more than a word. This book is most appropriate to the Qigong practitioner, martial artist or Chinese style doctor. Sections divide into explanation, exercises and a Q & A section. Most books on this subject fall into two categories: useless because it's just "passed down" information or too airy. This is solid, technical and informative but will bear your concentration. Feng Zhi Qiang was, by the way, not only a top martial artist and Qigong expert but the student of Hu YaoZhen, basically the father of modern Qigong.

#KE006 Empty Force:
The Power of Chi for Self-Defense and Energy Healing
Paul Dong and Thomas Raffill
$16.95 PLUM price $13.95,  179 pages illustrated

"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 manifestation of the achievement of harmony with 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

K#009 6 Healing Movements Qigong
Master Gin Foon Mark
$20.00, 80 pages, softbound, photographs and illustrations, oversized,

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.

Quantity  

KW005 The Way of Qigong
Kenneth S. Cohen
$16.95, 428 pages, softbound,

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.

KA009 The Art of Chi Kung
Wong Kiew Kit
$18.95 PLUM price   $16.95; 162 pages, softbound,

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...

Quantity  

KC014 Chinese Ching Kung for physical and mental health
edited by Captain Tom Marks, US Army, Translated by Dominic Liu
$20.00, 37 pages, softbound pamphlet,

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.

Quantity  

KE003The Taoist (free standing) Eight-Sectioned Chi Kung
by Dr. Leung Ting shown by Sifu Siu Yuk Men
$8.50, 26 pages, softbound oversized,

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.

Quantity  

 

KS011 Secrets of Chinese Meditation
Charles Luk (Lu KuanYu)
$16.95, 240 pages, softbound,

OUT OF STOCK! Please place me on your WANT LIST for this item.

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.

KS008 Secret Manuscripts of the Great Five Buddhist Chi Kung
Shing Lung edited by Leung Ting
$11.95, 95 pages, softbound,

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.