booksQigong | Xiu Yang | Yoga & Qigong
Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis: Nourishing Practices for Body, Mind and Spirit
From reducing stress and improving posture to balance and general mobility, the many physical and mental benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi are widely celebrated. In this accessible book, Mimi Kuo-Deemer offers practices, insights and wisdom on these arts, and shows us how to support our natural capacity for energy, balance and wellbeing. Qigong's approach is based on the Chinese Five Elements or Phases of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each natural element relates to an organ and meridian system in the body, and Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis will explore each of these elements as they relate to our physical, mental and emotional health. It also will include popular and widely practiced sequences and forms such as the 8 Brocades, Five Animal Frolics, Tai Chi Qigong 18 Forms and Five Element Qigong practices and explore how these lead to wholeness, nourishment and health. Part I: Wood Element: Nourishing our Roots Part 2: Fire Element: Nourishing the Heart Part 3: Earth Element: Nourishing the Mind Part 4: Metal Element: Nourishing the Spirit Part 5: Water Element: Nourishing our Deepest Wisdom 'This beautiful book explores the practice and spirit of Qigong, based on the axis of core principles that underlie this ancient healing art. With photos and easy to follow instructions, Mimi Kuo-Deemer takes the reader on a journey through the five elements and seasons of Qigong, explaining their connection to health, lifestyle, and state of mind. Her unique background in both Western and Chinese culture, her insights into the inner meaning of Chinese words, as well as her dedication to the related path of Yoga give her the ability to make Qigong relevant and inspiring. It is a pleasure to read such a balanced approach. I highly recommend Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis!' – Kenneth S. Cohen, author of The Way of Qigong. |
Xiu Yang: Self-cultivation for a Happier, Healthier and Balanced Life
Discover the ancient Chinese art of self-cultivation For centuries, Chinese sages, rulers and spiritual seekers have embraced a simple yet powerful principle to enable them to live in harmony with the Source of nature and all life; the art of 'self-cultivation' or, xiu yang. Xiu yang works with the idea that we can steadily nurture our capacity to being fully human and fully awake. Like a field that is patiently cultivated to optimally grow the nourishing and healthy crops, we can undertake practices aimed at smoothing out the roughness and irregularities in our bodies, minds and spirits in order to produce a deep, lasting spiritual happiness. Xiu yang promotes the idea that inner balance leads to outer radiance: in order to be in harmony with the world, we must first be in harmony with ourselves. By tending to the field of our own bodies, hearts, minds and relationships, we can start making positive changes within our lives and in the lives of others. In this nurturing lifestyle guide, Mimi Kuo-Deemer champions the contemporary value of adopting this ancient approach. Through a combination of practices from meditation and mindfulness to yoga and qigong, Xiu Yang offers a fresh approach to finding balance and bringing peace into your life, home and community. Part I: The Art of Xiu Yang Part II: Xiu Yang for a Healthy and Harmonious Body Part III: Xiu Yang for a Balanced Mental and Emotional Life Part IV: Xiu Yang for a Happier Place in the World Almost lost in China over the past century's onslaught of modernisation, xiu yang is now at the centre of Chinese people's search for values and belief – a tribute to the enduring power of these ancient practices. In this slender but powerful book, Mimi Kuo-Deemer unlocks xiu yang for the modern reader, de-mystifying it without losing the eternal, timeless qualities that have made it one of Chinese people's most potent ways of living a good, honourable, happy, and healthy life. – Ian Johnson, Pulizter Prize-winning author of The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao. |
'Yoga and Qigong' in Yoga Teaching Handbook
An exploration of how qigong practice can support, inform and compliment yoga asana practice.
An exploration of how qigong practice can support, inform and compliment yoga asana practice.