Wu Qin Xi Five-Animal Qigong Exercises The Chinese Health Qigong Association Qigong is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that involves coordinating breathing patterns with physical postures to maintain health and well-being. Wu Qin Xi: Five-Animal Qigong Exercises is an accessible, fully-illustrated guide to a particular qigong exercise that imitates the movements of animals and birds. The book explores the development of the five-animal exercises from the work of Hua Tua, a leading physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty whose inspiration came from the observation of tigers, deer, bears, monkeys and birds. He came to the conclusion that wild creatures regularly performed certain exercises which can be replicated in order to build up the constitution and improve life skills. Each routine is described step-by-step, and is illustrated with photographs and key points. The authors also point out common mistakes and offer advice on how to correct these. Complemented by an appendix of acupuncture points and accompanied by a DVD, this book will be of interest to Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners at all levels, students of martial arts and anyone interested in Chinese culture. Contents Preface. 1. Origins and Development. 2. Characteristics. 3. Practice Tips. 4. Step-by-Step Descriptions of the Routines. Section 1. Hand Forms, Stances and Maintenance of Balance. Basic Hand Forms. Basic Stances. Maintenance of Balance. Section 2. The Exercises Ilustrated. Ready Position: Adjusting the Breath. Tiger Exercise. Deer Exercise. Bear Exercise. Monkey Exercise. Bird Exercise. Winding-Down Exercise to Convey Qi to Dantian. Appendix: Acupuncture Points Mentioned in This Book. Reviews 'Taken together, and done properly, the movements described here comprise a system of exercise that emphasizes grace and strength. Each focuses on a different part of the body to coordinate breathing patterns with movement; each exercise is easy to do and quiets the mind as well as stabilizes the body. Includes full illustrations, instructions and explanations, including the important reasons why these exercises should be conducted together rather than "cafeteria style." Safe for all age groups and very useful to those who practice Tai Chi and martial arts.' - Booknews.com 'With these books the Chinese Health Qigong Association have come close to providing everyone with their own personal qiqong instructor.' - Tai Chi Finder Limited 'In the book, after introducing the history of wu qin xi, some of the characteristics of the animal movements are explained and some practice tips are given. Then, the book goes through a step-by-step description of each of the ten practices(two for each animal). After each practice, the key points are highlighted, common mistakes are given, how to correct them and the benefits of the practice is explained.' - Medical Qigong Education Centre 'In this well-illustrated, succinct, and easy to read manual, these qigong exercises are described in clear language and simple step-by-step pictures of each form are provided in the proper sequences. Additionally, an instructional DVD comes with the book that breaks down each movement in the sequences, shows common mistakes, and then provides an uninterrupted full Five-Animal Qigong workout... You will not go wrong by adding this and the other books in this series to your martial arts or qigong library, and you will be pleasantly surprised in all that you will learn from doing so.' - Journal of Asian Martial Arts Author information The Chinese Health Qigong Association is an organization that popularizes and researches Health Qigong, and is a group member of the All-China Sports Federation. Its aim is to inherit and carry forward the Chinese traditional culture of health promotion and facilitate the communication between Western and Eastern Cultures.

Wu Qin Xi: Five Animal Qigong Exercises