Wei Yue Sun

Developed by the Chinese National Physical Education Administration, the new-style tai chi ch'uan has rapidly become popular for its inclusiveness, simplicity, and lack of repeated movement. With this easy-to-follow guide to tai chi's special combinationof meditation, motion, and methods of brathing, you will learn techniques for maintaining health as well as for self-defense. Explore this beautiful and enrichng martial art, and ou will:

Understand the history of tai chi and its relationship to Taoism.
Use the channels and meridians that transmit vital energy throughout the body to benefit specific bodily organs.
Practice the four conplete tai chi ch'uan sequences, each comprised of twenty movements, and featuring instructions on positioning the body, where to look, how to breathe properly, and what to concentrate on.

Regular practice of tai chi ch'uan will improve your health, add vigor to your life, heighten mental alertness and creativity, and prolong sexual potency and activity.

Contents

1 Understanding tai chi ch'uan
The history of tai chi ch'uan
The philosophy of tai chi ch'uan-Yin & yang
The physiology of tai chi ch'uan-The channels & meridians
Meditation-The flow of chi through channels & meridians
Breathing-The exercise of yin & yang
The physical movements of tai chi ch'uan
2 New-style tai chi ch'uan forms
The 82 forms of new-style tai chi ch'uan
First sequence (forms 1-20)
Second sequence (forms 21-40)
Third sequence (forms 41-60)
Fourth sequence (forms 61-82
A quick review of new-style tai chi ch'uan forms
Index… (meer)

The secret of traditional Chinese healing is that it treats you as a whole person.

Instead of going to see a different specialist for every part of your body, you can practice chi kung to achieve good health, fitness, disease prevention, cure-and relaxation-all at the same time.

This ancient art of self-discipline combines healing of mind and body through a system of practices that includes breathing, massage, relaxation, exercise, posture, and meditation.

Almost immediately after each workout sequence, you'll feel your whole body reacting and responding in unity!

Your introduction to chi kung begins with a comparison to Western methods, especially the training and the methods of the practitioner. Hundreds of helpful photos and a brief, easy-to-read text show you the sequences of chi kung, the meaning of 'channels' and 'collaterals,' yin and yang, and the chi that helps you become more focused and invigorated.

Discover how these ancient teachings are being appreciated once again, in the light of current research into modern respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and immune systems. See for yourself why holistic healing is the most effective approach of all.

Contents

What is chi kung?
Medical benefits fo chi kung
Three key elemens of chi kung
Acupoints commonly used in chi kung
Practicing chi kung
First sequence (1-11)
Second sequence (12-28)
Third sequence (29-35)
Fourth sequence (36-55)
Fifth sequence (56-63)
Sixth sequence (64-75)
Index
About the authors… (meer)

Strengthen your body, mind, and spirit with tai chi ch'uan. For centuries, this ancient system of exercise and meditation has helped men and women condition their muscles; improve their coordination, balance, circulation, breathing, and flexibility; regulate their blood pressure; decrease stress; and more. Althought tai chi ch'uan provides a great full-body workout, it's not a particularly strenuous cardiovascular activity, makng it ideal for people who have not been habitually active, for cardiac patients, and for senior citizens. Learn correct mental focus, breathing, eye movement and body posture for tai chi ch'uan, and then slowly progress through five different easy-to-learn sequences, each containing fifteen or more forms that release internal energy, exercise the body, and, if necessary, can be used for self-defense. Each movement is clearly illustrated in photographs with overlying arrows that indicate the direction of motion. Practiced regularly, tai chi ch'uan is a natural, holistic way to achieve a healthier, happier life.

Contents

What is tai chi ch'uan?
Tai chi ch'uan's benefits
Body alignment & other essentials
How new style tai chi ch'uan differs from other styles
New style tai chi ch'uan sequences
First sequence (1-15)
Second sequence (16-30)
Third sequence (31-45)
Fourth sequence (46-60)
Fifth sequence (61-78)
Index… (meer)