Tai Chi--The Perfect Exercise: Finding Health, Happiness, Balance, and Strength

by Arthur Rosenfeld

Overview

The host of PBS's Longevity Tai Chi and leading Western Tai Chi master Arthur Rosenfeld offers a groundbreaking guide to the myriad mental and physical benefits of this ancient martial art, including easing chronic pain and illness, dealing with stress, and resolving conflicts more easily. Are you looking to develop your mind as well as your body? look no further than tai chi.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738216614
Publisher:	Grand Central Publishing
Publication date:	04/08/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	265
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Master Arthur Rosenfeld is a Taoist monk and an authority on Eastern thinking for the Western world. His bestseller, The Truth About Chronic Pain, was a finalist for the Books for a Better Life Award. He lives in Florida. ArthurRosenfeld.com

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Preface xiii

How to Use this Book xix

Introduction - What is Tai Chi? 1

Watercourse Effort and Effortlessness 16

1 Relaxing into the World 19

Exploration #1 Tensing and Relaxing 29

Exploration #2 Bamboo Rings Descend 31

Exploration #3 Shaking 34

Watercourse Taming the Hot-Rod Heart 36

2 The Ground Beneath Our Feet 39

Exploration #1 Transmitting Force to the Ground 46

Exploration #2 Rooting Through Angles 48

Exploration #3 Rooting with a Partner 50

Watercourse Rooted in a Wondrous Past 53

3 Secrets, Spirals, Mindfulness, and Water 57

Exploration #1 Straight Line Vs. Spiral 68

Exploration #2 Spirals in Our Joints 70

Exploration #3 Spirals Contending with Force 72

Watercourse Taoist Masters and Tai Chi 74

4 The Tai Chi Mind 77

Exploration #1 The Effects of Strong Negative Emotions 88

Exploration #2 Returning to Emotional Equilibrium 90

Exploration #3 Physically Opening the Third Door 92

Watercourse Voices in Our Head 94

5 Breath, and Qigong 97

Exploration #1 Sensing Qi in Your Hands 111

Exploration #2 Belly Breathing 113

Exploration #3 Reverse Breathing 115

Watercourse Acupuncture 117

6 Sensitivity, Sensuality, and Sex 121

Exploration #1 36 Chews 131

Exploration #2 Crane Walking Qigong 132

Exploration #3 Bear Walking Qigong 134

Watercourse The River of Life 136

7 Medication and Meditation 139

Exploration #1 Reclining with the Breath 152

Exploration #2 Sitting with the Lesser Heavenly Circle 154

Exploration #3 Standing with the Greater Heavenly Circle 157

Watercourse Acupuncture Points for Tai Chi Meditation and Practice 161

8 Tai Chi Kung Fu 165

Exploration #1 Waving Hands-Like Clouds 179

Exploration #2 Rolling Arms Backward 181

Exploration #3 Rabbit and Hunter 183

Watercourse Tai Chi's Unique Combative Flavor 185

Watercourse Pushing Hands 188

9 Teachers, Traditions, Classes, and Tools 191

Watercourse Levels in Traditional Chen Style Tai Chi 211

Watercourse The Tai Chi Life 214

Notes 217

Bibliography 219

About the Author 225

Index 227

Editorial Reviews

“This book is not a ‘how to' but rather a ‘why you should'—an extended meditation on some of the central philosophical and physical tenets of tai chi as well as the physical and spiritual benefits the art can provide. Rosenfeld wisely uses his personal experience as a practitioner and his nuanced understanding of Taoist principles to explain how tai chi practice builds health and leads to an enhanced understanding of the human body. Each chapter explains significant aspects of tai chi physical principles, philosophy and ideas, finishing with exercises at three different levels that are designed to permit the reader to blend physical experience with conceptual insight….This a valuable and mature meditation on the virtually limitless depths of this art.” —John Donohue, author of the Connor Burke martial arts thrillers Sensei, Deshi, Tengu and Kage


“Deftly moving between the ideas behind the craft and its observable benefits—such as fine-tuned sensuality—the book serves as robust introduction for those curious about the practice.”—PublishersWeekly.com, 6/28/13

“As gentle as the regimen itself.”—Infodad.com, 7/11/13



"Rosenfeld's Tai Chi is as unique a contribution to the martial art as Bruce Lee's Tao of Jeet Kune Do was to his. This muscular work weaves history and modernity with philosophy and combat to create a tapestry that transcends all disciplines. Tai chi will travel with you regardless of where you go and regardless of whether you take it." —Cameron Conaway, author of Caged: Memoirs of a Cage-Fighting Poet


“Arthur Rosenfeld is rightfully one of the foremost tai chi masters in this country if not the world. This mastery has spiraled into his writing. Although a Zen teacher, I have practiced tai chi for many years. This book has illumined my practice and offers fresh teaching examples in the areas of breath and energy that I can share with my students. I'm highly appreciative of his contribution with this work.” —Mitchell Doshin Cantor, Sensei, The Southern Palm Zen Group


“Rosenfeld's book will improve your health and your mind. Easy and fun to read, it is filled with uplifting stories, lots to make you think about the world and plenty of easy-to-follow practical fitness advice. A delight.” —Graeme Maxton, bestselling author and Fellow of the Club of Rome





“After my own decades of attempting to convey in ordinary English the deep and subtle insights of the Taoist traditions, I can appreciate the masterful contribution Arthur Rosenfeld had made with his Tai Chi—The Perfect Exercise. He brings sharp clarity to a subject too often shrouded in mystery and confusion.” —Guy Leekley, author of Tao Te Ching: A New Version for All Seekers


“Whether you're a man or a woman, beauty starts from within. Trust Arthur Rosenfeld's easy-to-understand mind/body exercises to reduce your stress, increase your fitness, and transform you inside to out.” —Peter Thomas Roth, CEO, Peter Thomas Roth Labs


“Arthur Rosenfeld is one of the most special and genuine voices in the arts today. Not persuaded by fame, attention or self-congratulatory actions; he walks a path that is unique, winding and full of discoveries, surprises and truth, not just for himself but for those lucky enough to align themselves with him.” —Del Weston, Martial Artist, Producer, Writer, and Director

From the Publisher