Tai Chi Qigong: The Internal Foundation of Tai Chi Chuan

by Jwing-Ming Yang Ph.D.

Overview

This revised edition of our best selling beginner Tai Chi Qigong book includes a new and modern easy-to-follow layout. Every qigong movement is presented in 2-4 large photographs with clear instructions, followed by a discussion of how the movements aid in improving Tai Chi practice.

Tai chi chuan is an internal martial art that uses soft/round movements to redirect an opponent's incoming force.

Qigong exercises are an internal method of increasing and circulating your body's energy (qi).

This book teaches tai chi qigong exercises that are useful for improving your tai chi skills and overall health.

IF YOU ALREADY KNOW A TAI CHI FORM, here are a few ways that you will use tai chi qigong to reach new levels of skill and ability.

• To feel qi
• To regulate body, breathing, and intention
• To learn how to use intention to lead qi
• To learn how to circulate qi
• To learn how to expand qi
• To learn how to use qi to energize muscles
• Accelerates the health benefits of tai chi

IF YOU DON'T KNOW TAI CHI, but want to benefit from qigong exercises, here are a few ways tai chi qigong can help you.

• The exercises are short and easy to learn
• They help reduces stress
• They loosens muscles and joints
• They stimulates qi flow
• They can help develop a strong immune system
• They sharpen concentration
• They build a deeper awareness of breath and body coordination

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594392702
Publisher:	YMAA Publication Center
Publication date:	11/01/2013
Series:	YMAA Tai Chi , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	23 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming started his Gongfu training at the age of 15 under the Shaolin White Crane Master Cheng, Gin Gsao. Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts. With the same master he also studied Qin Na, Tui Na and Dian Xue massages, and herbal treatment.

At the age of 16, Dr. Yang began the study of Taijiquan under Master Kao, Tao. Dr. Yang's tai chi can be traced back to the Yang family through Master Kao's teacher Yue, Huanzhi, an indoor disciple of Yang, Chengfu.

After learning from Master Kao, Dr. Yang continued his study and research of Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-man fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong.

Dr. Yang has been involved in Chinese Gongfu since 1961. During this time, he has spent 13 years learning Shaolin White Crane, Shaolin Long Fist, and Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has more than thirty years of instructional experience.

Table of Contents

Editorial Notes v

Table of Contents vii

Foreword ix

Preface-First Edition (1993) xi

Preface-Second Edition (1998) xiii

Chapter 1 General Introduction 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 The Definition of Qi and Qigong 2

1.3 A Brief History of Qigong 4

1.4 Categories of Qigong 9

1.5 A Brief History of Taijiquan 17

1.6 Qigong Theory 19

1.7 General Concepts of Qigong Training 22

1.8 Taijiquan and Qigong 34

1.9 How to Use This Book 36

References 38

Chapter 2 The Root of Taijiquan-Yin and Yang 41

2.1 The Concept of Yin and Yang, Kan and Li 41

2.2 Yin and Yang in Taijiquan 45

References 53

Chapter 3 Taiji Qigong 55

3.1 General Training Concepts 55

3.2 Fundamental Training Principles 56

3.3 Warm-up Qigong 58

3.4 Still Taiji Qigong 70

3.5 Moving Taiji Qigong 86

References 137

Conclusion 139

Acknowledgments 141

Glossary and Translation of Chinese Terms 143

About the Author 157

Index 163