by Ewald Berkers
Qigong Empowerment: A guide to medical, Taoist, Buddhist, Wushu energy cultivation,
by Shou-Yu Liang and Wen-Ching Wu
This is an extremely practical Qigong book. Theory is kept to a minimum. Lots of movements and internal visualizations are described with excellent photographs, clear step by step texts and drawings that show energy pathways.
The exercises from the first part are for building a foundation, increasing your health and energy. After doing this for a while one can continue with any of the next parts of the book, although the important Small and Large Circulation that are described in the second part of the book seem to be a logical next step.
This book might keep you busy for several years.
(348 pages)
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Book 1: Medical Qigong
The energy concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Learn to relax
Qi permeating technique
Health maintenance qigong
Qigong for healing specific illnesses
Book 2: Daoist (Taoist) Qigong
Daoist philosophy and training concepts
Level one
Level two
Level three
Book 3: Buddhist Qigong
Buddhist philosophy and training concepts
The seven keys for sitting meditation
Tantric Buddhist qigong
Book 4: Emitting, Absorbing and Healing qigong
You have the ability to emit qi
Unifying the cosmos and the human body
Emitting qi methods
Absorbing qi methods
Develop your healing ability
Warding off negative energy method
Book 5: Wushu Qigong
Internal energy training in Chinese martial arts
Intensive Iron Shirt qigong
Hard qigong for powerful and effective applications
Appendix A: Acupuncture Charts
Appendix B: Corrective Methods
Appendix C: Glossary
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Muscle/Tendon Changing & Marrow/Brain Washing Chi Kung: The secret of youth
by Yang, Jwing-Ming
On one of the introductory pages there is a photograph of Li Ching-Yuen, a man that lived for 250 years.
This book is about two systems of Chi Kung where the Muscle/Tendon Changing is done first for a certain period of time and then the Marrow/Brain Washing. These systems, invented by Da Mo in the 5th century, aim at health and longevity but also prepare for enlightenment. The book contains Chinese texts from several sources, along with English translations. These texts are explained and commented upon by Yang.
As the writer believes you can only train well if you have a strong foundation in theory, this is explained thoroughly. Practice is described quite well, but some of it is left to your own imagination. Small and Large Circulation, which are part of the Muscle/Tendon Changing, are considered to be learned from other sources (e.g. Yang’s Qigong for Health and Martial Arts).
Muscle/Tendon Changing is a practice where through massaging and hitting the body, the fascia are prepared to store extra chi. This is combined with some other practices. Marrow/Brain Washing consists of manipulation of the genitals (to convert sexual energy to chi) and of the bones. The bone marrow is conditioned to produce more fresh blood. These practices are combined with some more common techniques.
It is advised that you be under 45 when starting to practice this system.
(287 pages)
Contents:
PART ONE, GENERAL CONCEPTS
Introduction
Historical Survey
Buddhist and Taoist Chi Kung
Kan and Lii
PART TWO, MUSCLE/TENDON CHANGING CHI KUNG (Yi Gin Ching)
Theories and principles
Yi Gin Ching Chi Kung training
PART THREE, MARROW/BRAIN WASHING CHI KUNG (Shii Soei Ching)
Theories and principles
Shii Soei Ching Chi Kung training
PART FOUR, QUESTIONS AND CONCLUSION
Questions
Conclusion
Herbal presciptions for Yi Gin Ching and Shii Soei Ching training
Glossary of Chinese terms
Translation of Chinese terms
The Root of Chinese Chi Kung: The secrets of Chi Kung training
by Yang, Jwing-Ming
This book explains the theoretical principles of Chi Kung training. The writer advises to first study this book, before going on to the other, more practically oriented books of Chi Kung he wrote.
The various types of Chi Kung and the basic concepts (chi, yi, hsin, etc) are explained in the first part of the book. The second part deals with the training principles. Relaxation, correct breathing and calmness are some of the important ones. The third part of the book describes the meridians known from acupuncture. They play an important role in Chi Kung practice.
(272 pages)
Contents:
PART ONE, GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Introduction
History of Chi Kung
Basic concepts of Chi Kung
Chi and the human body
Categories of Chi Kung
Chi Kung theory
PART TWO, GENERAL KEYS TO CHI KUNG TRAINING
General concepts
Regulating the body (Tyau Shenn)
Regulating the breath (Tyau Shyi)
Regulating the emotional mind (Tyau Hsin)
Regulating the essence (Tyau Jieng)
Regulating the chi (Tyau Chi)
Regulating the spirit (Tyau Shen)
Important points in Chi Kung practice
PART THREE, THE CHI CHANNELS AND VESSELS
General concepts
The twelve primary chi channels
The eight extraordinary chi vessels
PART FOUR, CONCLUSION
One hundred and one questions
Conclusion
Glossary
Translations of Chinese terms
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