Harnessing the Power of the Universe

Rating:
Summary: Chi-gung, all you ever wanted to know and much, much more...
Review: Bold, interesting, exciting, surprising, elucidating, sharp... and maybe a little bit too sharp at the edges. Daniel Reid is a wonderfully eloquent spokesman for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in general, and particularly of Chi-gung, which he has studied for many years. His opinion about the subject, stated elsewhere, is that "...Chinese chi-gung is by far the most profound and effective sytem for self-cultivation of health and longevity ever developed", and he is probably right, and he goes to great lengths to prove it. This book is Reid's latest, and it is thoroughly researched; his argument presented beautifully, artfully, intelligently, showing true love for and conviction to the philosophy and practice of Chi-gung. There is not a single statement in the book which is not documented by scientific evidence, accompanied by quotes from experts in the fields of biomedicine, TCM, martial arts, meditation, physics, and so on. However, and eventhough Daniel Reid is perhaps one of the best qualified persons in the Western world today to present such a thorough and lucid dissertation on the subject, (in my very humble opinion) I find some of his conclusions a bit too forward, and this, I think, could mislead newcomes to Chi-gung into expecting a bit too much. Now, do not get me wrong, I loved this book. I practice Chi-gung and T'ai chi ch'uan myself, and am deeply interested and involved in the study of Chinese philosophy and the Tao of Cultivating life. And Mr. Reid also states clearly, several times throughout the book, that chi-gung requires serious commitment, but anyway, an ounce of prevention and a good dose of pragmatism is my recommendation for those who read this book as a first introduction to Chi-gung (which is one of the author's main intentions). It's worth what you'll pay for it, as long as you remember that reading about something like chi-gung is only the half of it, and that experiencing it is as thorough and complete a thing as the contents of this great book!

Rating:
Summary: Chi-gung, all you ever wanted to know and much, much more...
Review: During the past two years I have been practicing body energy work using the Pranic techniques and found my body, my mind and my spirit responding with relish. Today I found this book strolling through the campus library. It captured my attention because the word healing was used in its cover piece and I haven't set it down except to order my own copy from Amazon.com and write this quick reaction. Daniel Reid offers a complete guide to the principles and practice of Chi-Gung and he delivers with wisdom and compassion. Reid answers questions that had been unanswered from my previous training during these past two years. The detail of technique are illuminating and easy for the novice to grasp and for the adept to appreciate. This book is truly "for anyone everywhere who cultivates the energy of life..." Chi-gung practice regarding breathing excercises which allow the activation of the Schumann Resonance..the precise frequency to bring healing to yourself is worth the price of admission all by itself. But there's more...much, much more if you are so moved to continue the exploration and may I add much cheaper than the amount of money I invested thus far. And for this I am so grateful because I can give you this testomonial with confidence and joy!

Rating:
Summary: A mind opening experience
Review: This book is simply amazing. From the moment I started reading this book I was hooked. I just could not put it down. Once I started incorporating the simple breathing techniques discussed in the book,I noticed immediate improve ments in my circulation, energy level,flexibility,and mental clarity. Then after trying some of the moving exercises I felt totally charged as if I was being pumped with electricity, I have never felt better. This book is a must if you are interested in learning more about yourself, your inner strength, and your place in the universe.

Rating:
Summary: A mind opening experience
Review: This book is simply amazing. From the moment I started reading this book I was hooked. I just could not put it down. Once I started incorporating the simple breathing techniques discussed in the book,I noticed immediate improve ments in my circulation, energy level,flexibility,and mental clarity. Then after trying some of the moving exercises I felt totally charged as if I was being pumped with electricity, I have never felt better. This book is a must if you are interested in learning more about yourself, your inner strength, and your place in the universe.

Rating:
Summary: Good overall guide to Chi Gung
Review: This is a very compact book. It covers many things in CHinese Chi Gung, like Breathing exercises,self-massaging, acupressure, postures, meditation, health. It also covers the philosophy of Tao which Chi Gung itself is based on. Reid explains it in a clear way that's easy to read for Westerners. Personally, I've tried Chi Gung and it does really increase my energy and vitality and clarity. Especially the breathing exercises, god if there's one thing you should improve to make your vitality 'explode', it's by improving your BREATHING. Even Anthony Robbins teaches the 'power of breathing'! So it's not traditional mumbo jumbo. What chi gung is mainly about is, Chi (Air/Energy) Gong (Work/practice) that's what it means! Overall, this is a good guide for those who wants to know what chi gung is. You might also want to read another good book by the same author "The Tao Of Health, Sex and Longvity", it's a thicker book but it covers more subjects like diet, nutrition,fasting,breathing,exercises,correct sexual practice for vitality,meditation etc. Read it and most importantly, USE IT AND DO IT!