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How do I Choose the Best Qigong Book?
Qigong is a Chinese form of meditation using visualization and breathing exercises combined with special movements repeated over and over in a rhythmic way. Qigong is thought by those who practice it to reduce stress, boost the immune system, and promote healing in the body. It is similar in some aspects to the more popular form tai chi. Qigong believes the body has a life force running through it, known as "qi" and pronounced "chee," which the student can help flow better to increase happiness and health. Those who cannot afford or do not wish to take qigong classes can learn this practice through a qigong book.
When choosing a qigong book, the reader should start by identifying her skill level. Most people in search of a qigong book are beginners and will want a book intended for those trying qigong for the first time. This book will usually say "beginner" somewhere in the title and will start out with the history of qigong, the advantages of practicing it, and will teach the basic movements a reader needs to learn first.
After deciding on a skill level, the reader should find a selection of books based on her learning style. Certain books focus more on written instruction while others focus on colored pictures. Some readers may find they need a combination of both and that black and white pictures do not work for them. The reader should also check if the book has a website with more helpful advice or a DVD. Several qigong books include DVD demonstrations of the basic moves.
Finally, the reader should consider why she's buying the book. Certain people may want to try qigong to help improve health and increase movement. Others simply want a peaceful way to relax and relieve stress. While qigong aims to help with all these practices, certain books may focus more on one area than others. The reader should choose whether she needs a basic book or one focused on a specific area.
These decisions will help her determine what book to start with. If she has never done qigong before, she should not spend a lot of money on a book. Natural healing methods such as tai chi and qigong may help some people while others notice no difference. Until the reader has a better idea of whether or not qigong is right for her, she should refrain from buying several books and spending money on a qigong book she may not enjoy.
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![Qigong employs breathing exercises.]()
By: sannebergQigong employs breathing exercises. -
![Qijong stresses the proper flow of qi—also called chi—throughout the body, reducing stress and promoting healing.]()
By: AntonioguillemQijong stresses the proper flow of qi—also called chi—throughout the body, reducing stress and promoting healing.
Discussion Comments
@honeybees - When you were doing your qigong were you alone or in a group? I had the same problem with my mind wandering when I tried to do this alone at home.
Once I joined a class, I found it much easier to concentrate and get into the flow of it. The first day I really found myself relaxed, I was surprised at how much the tension in my shoulders seemed to fade away.
This is something I find takes practice, discipline and time. The more you do it, the easier it gets, and I enjoy the benefits I receive from it.
My house is also usually too chaotic to think about doing this at home on a regular basis. I am much better when I can get away for an hour, and I come home much more relaxed and ready to deal with all the everyday challenges.
I have tried both qigong and tai chi, and have a hard time with both of them. I also didn't notice any results, but maybe that's because I didn't give it enough time.
I know this is supposed to help you relax and calm down, but my mind is constantly wandering all over the place.
Instead of focusing on my qigong breathing, I am thinking about everything I could be getting done if I wasn't just sitting there.
Instead of getting up feeling relaxed and refreshed I find myself frustrated. There has to be another way for me to find a way to relax. I still find myself going back to reading a good book.
While I am not getting any exercise when I am reading, that seems to relax me much better than spending time on qigong exercises.
When I saw the price of a local qigong meditation class, I decided to order a book and teach myself.
I was interested in this as a way to relax, deal with stress and increase my flexibility more than anything else.
Since I had some experience with meditation and visualization techniques, I found this easy to learn. Getting the breathing down is one of the most important things.
When choosing a qigong book I also made sure there were a lot of illustrations and a lot of good reviews. This is one of the best ways I know to get a good overall picture of what to expect.
If there are several reviews and most of them are favorable, I feel confident I am going to be getting a good book that I can use for a long time.
There are several good books on qigong that can be very helpful. For me, I studied the history of qigong and learned some of the basic exercises online.
Another thing I found very helpful was studying the chart of the human body, showing how the different moves coincided with the energy flow.
These basic moves were easy to learn and remember, so the first book I ordered was not a beginner book. It focused more on specific exercises to improve movement and circulation in my body.
I also looked for a book that had a lot of pictures and an instructional DVD that went along with it. I don't learn very well just by reading a lot of words. I need visuals and someone to show me how to do something instead of just telling me how.
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