The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing

"As a first book with a broad general description of the rationale behind qigong (and relevant chinese philosophical and medical concepts) this is a well organized and very readable initiation.

Some Strengths:
1. The breadth of the author's personal study here and in China. He has not only been a scholar of QiGong, but also of the language, culture and religion, especially Daoism -- the ancient chinese root of these practices. This broader context enriches his ability to read more widely in the original sources/commentaries, to ground what he teaches in its social context for China as well as the US, and to be discriminative about implied meanings and claims.
2. The breadth of his studies in other indigenous health traditions, whether specifically mentioned here or not, I suspect adds to his comparative abilities to recognize and ocmmunicate some of the "universal" concepts particularly well for beginners.
3. Very extensive footnoting and referencing which helps provide more sources for those interested to verify his assertions and/or expand their own studies. These provide a solid resource for returning even after the "beginning stage" seemed to have past -- then again at some level one may be a beginner for a very long time when attempting to understand and use a tradition that has evolved across millenia!!!
4. Appropriate and useful information about learning to "interpret" scientific studies about qigong and the claims of masters.
5. Introduction to some of the most common techniques for health purposes (Eight Brocades, Five Animal Frolics, etc) with readily accessible references to study them more deeply.
6. Includes a representative variety of breathing, meditation and active techniques -- many of which are adaptable to persons with limited physical endurance or mobility.
6. A schematic of a potential learning/workout program that can then be individualized according to one's own needs/interests.

Persons wishing to learn a single technique in great detail (such as microcosmic breathing, the Eight Brocades, or the full movements associated with a particular school or animal) may find this work by itself to be too broad and not deep enough for their specific focus. Likewise, the person who is time pressured and just wants a simple place to start a few exercises may feel lost in all the choices and details. However, I enjoyed finding his carefully detailed and researched map of the world of QiGong. Thus am grateful for the opportunity to experience through his eyes a well-guided skyview, before attempting to diving in on my own solo missions. After the first read; I have eagerly returned to select my own places to start within his array of choices, I have felt better equipped with knowledge about why I would be doing a particular practice, and I have felt his book enhanced my enjoyment of seeing where these trails lead me.

A nice companion for those unavoidable hurried times, however, are the very succinct books by Suzanne Friedmann. "
~ Written on 2009-12-27

"One cannot start out with a better in-depth look at Qigong that is both interesting, useful, practical and still does not bog one down with too much extraneous information. Yes, Mr. Cohen seems to get carried away with some elements that seem unimportant (such as which teas to drink), but the book is a very encompassing look at Qigong and some taichi. This book is a must for anyone who is interested in improving their health; whether at the level of being quite ill to improving their already good health."
~ Written on 2009-12-21

"The Way of QiGong is an extremely well-written and comprehensive history of qigong. Cohen, a China scholar and practitioner extraordinaire, characterizes qigong as "a wholistic system to self-healing exercise and meditation, an ancient, evolving practice that includes healing postures, movement, self-massage, breathing techniques and meditation."

He explains the importance and meaning of qi and then discusses its many aspects--the stance, relaxation and breathing.
Cohen goes on to explain that qigong meditation includes two types of practices-entering tranquility and healing visualization. He compares these to other meditaiton practices and how the practice nourishes and heals the body and mind.

There are helpful illustrations of movements, a chapter on self-healing massage and a suggested year-long practice schedule, among many other details of this classic and healthful practice.

The Way of Qigong is as interesting as it is comprehensive, as fascinating as it is practical, and as complex as it is perfectly simple."
~ Written on 2009-10-04

"I have been a TaiChi practitioner for more than 10 years.
TaiChi is also one kind of Qigong (ch'i kung).
My life experience about TaiChi: it is life, healthy, and powerful, if a learner is on the right track.

I think this book is as good as many original Qigong books in Chinese.


Sam Song
Author,
Learning Chinese The Easy Way with great fun and joy!"
~ Written on 2009-09-27

"This is an authoritative book on QiGong written by one of the world's foremost teachers and practitioners of QiGong. This book is a very easy read and Ken's knowledge, wit and humor shine through in every page. It is a "must read" for anyone contemplating practicing Qi Gong. I bought the book five years ago and still refer to it regularly even thought I practice QiGong daily.
Ronald A. Primas,MD,FACP"
~ Written on 2008-12-21