Tai chi chuan is well known as an effective Chinese martial art, but it can also be used to maintain and even significantly improve health. Tai chi chuan training usually starts with the practice of special chi kung sets. These are designed to help the beginner to understand chi, and to learn how to use the concentrated mind to lead the chi so that it can circulate smoothly.

Practicing these tai chi chi ung exercises alone can significantly imporve one's health. In addition, martial artists witl find that these exrcises are the key to energizing the body to greater martial efficiency, and they are also the key to gererating nei jing (internal power).

The movements of tai chi chi kung may look simple, but the theory behind them is deep. Continued practice enables you to regulate and relax your body, your breathing, and your mind. You can then circulate the chi smoothly throughout your body and lead it to nourish your brain and raise your spirit of vitality.

This book presents a brief discussion of the background and principles of Chinese chi kung and tai chi chuan, and then explains several tai chi chi kung practice routines.

This manual is designed to complement the videotape 'Chi kung for tai chi chuan.' The tape and this manual both contain detailed instructions for practicing the exercise sets, and either one will enable you to teach yourself. In addition, this manual presents the basic theory and principles of chi kung.

Contents

Acknowledgments
About the author
Foreword
Preface
Chapter 1 General introduction
Introduction
The definition of chi and chi kung
A brief history of chi kung
Categories of chi kung
Chi kung theory
General concepts of chi kung training
Tai chi chuan and chi kung
How to use this book
Chapter 2 The root of tai chi chuan-Yin and yang
The concept of yin and yang, kan and lii
Yin and yang in tai chi chuan
Chapter 3 Tai chi chi kung
General training concepts
Fundamental training principles
Warm-up chi kung
Still tai chi chi kung
Nei dan sitting meditation
Wai dan standing meditation
Moving tai chi chi kung
Stationary tai chi chi kung
I Primary set
II Coiling set
III Rocking set
Chapter 4 Conclusion
Appendix A Glossary of Chinese terms
Appendix B Translation of Chinese terms