Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book on Qigong Theory
Review: Dr. Yang's book, "The Root of Chinese Qigong" is a good resource for the theory of qigong. He goes into great detail explaining history and theory. Although he offers a few directions for applying the information, application is not the main thrust of this book. So don't expect many pictures and directions for qigong exercises. This book would be a good complement to other qigong books more concerned with the actual exercises, or if you already study qigong with a teacher the book is good supplementary reading. I wouldn't recommend this book if you've never had any exposure to qigong before, because a lot of the information would not be meaningful to someone who had never practiced.
Rating: 
Summary: The Root of Chinese Qigong
Review: I bought this in my third year of Chinese Medical school. It is one of my most prized resources. This explains concepts very clearly, keeping in mind the cultural diffrences, and with out being condicending to the reader.
Rating:
Summary: The Root of Chinese Qigong
Review: I bought this in my third year of Chinese Medical school. It is one of my most prized resources. This explains concepts very clearly, keeping in mind the cultural diffrences, and with out being condicending to the reader.
Rating:
Summary: Good Qi Gong Foundation Info
Review: I first want to say that I think Dr. Yang Jwing Ming has done a great job in researching and publishing works previously not available in the West for the martial arts and Qi Gong community. I dug into this book with great detail. I found that this book gives a very thorough and systematic overview of Qi Gong theory and history. I enjoyed the clear format and overview of history. However, I felt that the book could have brought together more of some of the other Qi Gong methods, from Taoists, Buddhist, and family styles. Not a very practical book, but more of a theory book. Dr. Yang focused a lot on Boddidarma's (Ta Mo, Da Mo) original classics (Muscle Tendon Changing and Brain/Marrow Washing), and less on other styles. I would have enjoyed other systems and methods mentioned. Still very detailed and a very essential book for foundational information. 41/2 Stars
Rating:
Summary: Great foundations stand the test of time.
Review: I have had this book for a year now, I read it when I bought it (year ago) and began to pratice. At first reading, I felt that alot was lacking BUT I kept on out of the need for somting more than the daily grind.
Upon returning to it a year later I have since learned you must crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run, laying a foundation of theory is essential as Dr yang says "Knowing the why of somthing, your mind will not wander and you will know what you are looking for". In the fast paced world of today I have been conditiond in my short 29 years on the earth to want.. "things", to want things fast!! This was my misfortune, I wanted (i thought) a book that would make me a qigong master yesterday.
This book (the root of qigong) has taught me patience and calmness or rather taught me how I can recondition myself to travel steadily and most importantly...calmly through life. Granted it is alot of theory, but if you are serious about qigong ,build your root here and then continue to enjoy a peacful and healthful journey in...the root, of qigong. Summary: Great book, lots of theory, some basic moves and techniques. Perfect for serious beginner.
Rating:
Summary: it is a source of inspiration
Review: I have just read 1/3 of the book and am very excited by the way the author explains the history of qigong and the theroy of tcm. When learning Shiatsu and qigong some years ago, none of the teachers I came across had 10% of the knowledge and experience of the author, hence I gave up shiatsu and qigong, until I came across 'the root of Chinese qigong' it has inspired me to resume learning and studying qigong, knowing that there are practioners who know and able to pass on the knowledge of qigong.
Rating:
Summary: The perfect backgrounder for chi kung practice
Review: I haven't been that impressed with Dr. Yang's other Qigong books but this one captures a good amount of essential ideas in one place. The book goes through the 5 element theory in a very basic way (for a very thorough view of this see "Between Heaven and Earth : A Guide to Chinese Medicine"). The book then goes through a very detailed and excellent discussion of Qi, Jing and Shen. There are a few exercises in here but this is really a reference dedicated to the more "theoretical" aspects of Qigong. There are many important tips for all aspects of Qigong including some good ideas for helping you achieve a deeper Qi state during meditation. There are also some good points about things such as Qi stagnation and how to relieve it. Dr. Yang also keeps pointing out that it is important to find a good master - something I agree cannot be overemphasised. There are many people in North America claiming to "masters" and it would appear that the vast majority are better labelled as enthusiasts. If you are really interested in what Qigong can do for you I highly suggest finding out if WISH (USA or Canada) have a class nearby. I would avoid many of the other books since most promote activities that can be very harmful if not done under expert supervision. When you come down to it, Qigong (and meditation in general) is not something that is suited for books. It is about doing it and being dedicated to cultivating yourself. Spend your money on a good introductory course and start practicing!
Rating:
Summary: A good reference...
Review: I haven't been that impressed with Dr. Yang's other Qigong books but this one captures a good amount of essential ideas in one place. The book goes through the 5 element theory in a very basic way (for a very thorough view of this see "Between Heaven and Earth : A Guide to Chinese Medicine"). The book then goes through a very detailed and excellent discussion of Qi, Jing and Shen. There are a few exercises in here but this is really a reference dedicated to the more "theoretical" aspects of Qigong. There are many important tips for all aspects of Qigong including some good ideas for helping you achieve a deeper Qi state during meditation. There are also some good points about things such as Qi stagnation and how to relieve it. Dr. Yang also keeps pointing out that it is important to find a good master - something I agree cannot be overemphasised. There are many people in North America claiming to "masters" and it would appear that the vast majority are better labelled as enthusiasts. If you are really interested in what Qigong can do for you I highly suggest finding out if WISH (USA or Canada) have a class nearby. I would avoid many of the other books since most promote activities that can be very harmful if not done under expert supervision. When you come down to it, Qigong (and meditation in general) is not something that is suited for books. It is about doing it and being dedicated to cultivating yourself. Spend your money on a good introductory course and start practicing!
Rating:
Summary: it is a source of inspiration
Review: I'm always surprised at the number of qigong students who have never heard of the principles of "regulating" (tiao in Chinese). I'm also surprised at the number of qigong teachers who never even mention the topic! It is a fundamental concept of the art. This book fills in that gap. It is a detailed and well-researched textbook of Qigong theory that I recommend to serious students and teachers of qigong, taijiquan (tai chi chuan), and internal martial arts. I use this book constantly in my teaching of qigong and taiji and in my writing on those subjects. Yes, the book is more suitable for the experienced student, and may be tough going for a beginner. If you are already studying or teaching qigong, however, I highly recommend taking the time to study this book.
Rating:
Summary: Fills in the gaps left by most qigong teachers
Review: I'm always surprised at the number of qigong students who have never heard of the principles of "regulating" (tiao in Chinese). I'm also surprised at the number of qigong teachers who never even mention the topic! It is a fundamental concept of the art. This book fills in that gap. It is a detailed and well-researched textbook of Qigong theory that I recommend to serious students and teachers of qigong, taijiquan (tai chi chuan), and internal martial arts. I use this book constantly in my teaching of qigong and taiji and in my writing on those subjects. Yes, the book is more suitable for the experienced student, and may be tough going for a beginner. If you are already studying or teaching qigong, however, I highly recommend taking the time to study this book.
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