Contents
Introduction: Basic Terms and Concepts
Managing Energy with the ‘Water Mind’ of Intent
Chapter 1 Historical Development of Chi-Gung in China
Warring States, Chin and Han Eras
The Three Kingdoms, and Northern and Southern Dynasties
Chapter 2 Major Categories of Chi-Gung Practice
Major Schools of Thought in Chi-Gung
Cultivating Nature and Cultivating Life
Forms Based on Physical Posture
Forms for Balancing Body, Breath, and Mind
Chapter 3 Chi-Gung and the Three Powers: The Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity
Microcosm and Macrocosm: ‘The Universe Within’
The Rhythmic Cycles of Nature and the Cosmos
Chapter 4 Chi-Gung and the Three Treasures: The Alchemy of Essence, Energy, and Spirit
Nei-Gung: The Internal Alchemy of Energy Work
Chi-Gung and Psychoneuroimmunology
Chapter 5 Chi-Gung and Health: Healing with Energy
Chi-Gung as Preventive Healthcare
Curative Applications of Chi-Gung
Chi-Gung Hospitals and Research Centres
Chapter 6 Elemental Energies: Ways of Working with Chi
The Art and Science of Breathing
Chapter 7 Fundamentals of Form: Posture, Breath, and Integration
Four Postures for Chi-Gung Practice
Seven Ways of Breathing in Chi-Gung
Integration of Body and Breath
Integration of Energy and Breath
Chapter 8 Precepts of Practice: Principles, Pointers, and Precautions
Guiding Principles of Balance and Harmony
Chapter 9 Introduction to Traditional Styles of Chi-Gung
Chapter 10 Basic Chi-Gung Set for Daily Practice
Warm-Up: Balancing Body, Breath, and Mind for Practice
Main Practice: Mobilizing, Circulating, and Balancing Energy
Cool-Down: Collecting and Storing Energy
Chapter 11 Signs and Sensations, Deviations and Corrections
Signs of Progress and Sensations in Practice
Applying Chi-Gung to Daily Life
Cultivating Life as the Ground for Chi-Gung
Learning How to ‘Lock the Gate’
The Orgasmic Upward Draw for Women