The Way of Energy: A Gaia Original

Informationen zum Autor Master Lam Kam Chuen is a recognized master of the arts of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, and a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. He was born in Hong Kong shortly after World War II and at a very early age began training in Chinese martial arts. Studying under masters such as Lung Tse Chung and Yim Sheung Mo (both of whom were disciples of Ku Yue Chang, known throughout China as The King of Iron Palm), he was trained in Choy Lee Fut, Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Iron Palm, as well as Tai Chi. He then studied Chinese medicine, becoming a qualified bonesetter and herbalist, and opened a school and clinic in Hong Kong. He also undertook the study of Chi Kung, a system for the cultivation of internal energy in the body. Using his medical skills and his knowledge of Chi Kung he began to develop a new form of Tai Chi, now known as Lam Style Tai Chi. Master Lam came to the West in 1976 when he became the first Tai Chi instructor appointed to teach in the Inner London Education Authority. In 1987 he gave the first European demonstration of the art of Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung, which he studied in Beijing under Professor Yu Yong Nian, the world's leading authority. He now teaches and practices medicine at The Lam Clinic in London's Chinatown. Following the widely acclaimed BBC series, The Way of the Warrior , Master Lam was invited to act as consultant to the sequel publication, The Way of Harmony. This was followed by his ground-breaking work published by Gaia Books, The Way of Energy, introducing the Zhan Zhuang system of Standing Like a Tree. Klappentext A recognized master of Tai Chi gives step-by-step instructions on the ancient art of Chi Kung--Chinese medicine in a physical form. Readers discover how practicing Chi Kung can prevent and treat a wide range of ailments, strengthen the immune system, improve concentration and memory, regenerate the nervous system and more. 10 full-color photographs; 90 two-color illustrations. CHAPTER 1 LEARNING TO STAND The Zhan Zhuang system begins with two basic standing exercises. These start to build up and release the natural flow of energy inside you. The first position, a simple standing posture (pp. 28-29), enables you to relax your body in preparation for the other exercises. The second position, "Holding the Balloon" (pp. 34-35), is the key position in the whole system. It is essential to become thoroughly comfortable in both these positions before moving on to the exercises in Part Two, the intermediate level. The simple warm up routines on the following pages prepare your body for the internal changes that take place during the Zhan Zhuang exercises. They are essential for beginners, because although the standing positions do not look strenuous, if you do them properly the resulting activity inside your body is enormous, and affects your whole system. During the exercises in this chapter you may feel a little weak, start to tremble, or begin to tense up. But don´t move: breathe naturally and relax. Use the time to notice all the remarkable changes and sensations in your body. Remember: standing still is not doing nothing, it is the exercise. When you are familiar with the first two standing exercises, you will need to learn how to breathe and relax, as described in Chapter 2. This will give you the experience of simultaneous exertion and relaxation during the standing postures, which is fundamental to this exercise system. The curious sensations you are likely to experience when you begin the exercises are described in Chapter 3. Start by doing the standing exercises for five minutes a day. After three weeks, increase this to ten minutes. Three weeks later, aim for 15 minutes, and 20 minutes after a further three weeks. You can stand for longer if you wish, but 20 minutes will refresh your whole system. Follow the step-by-step advice, practising a litt...

Klappentext

A recognized master of Tai Chi gives step-by-step instructions on the ancient art of Chi Kung--Chinese medicine in a physical form. Readers discover how practicing Chi Kung can prevent and treat a wide range of ailments, strengthen the immune system, improve concentration and memory, regenerate the nervous system and more. 10 full-color photographs; 90 two-color illustrations.

Zusammenfassung
For centuries, the Chinese exercise system called Chi Kung has been shrouded in secrecy. The Way of Energy is the first comprehensive guide to the most powerful form of Chi Kung ever developed—“standing like a tree”.

A gentle, yet profoundly beneficial form of exercise, which requires very little movement, this form of Chi Kung unlocks deep reserves of energy builds internal stamina, strengthens immunity, relieves chronic illness, and promotes the natural regeneration of the nervous system.

Using step-by-step instructions and more than 100 drawings and full-color photographs, The Way of Energy tells how to:

-perform the entire sequence of rejuvenating positions
-combat stress by practicing Chi Kung while standing, sitting, working, playing, and even sleeping
-prevent and treat a wide range of common ailments

Continuing our best-selling series of books for mind and body which includes The Sivananda Companion to Yoga, The Dance Workshop, and The Book of Stress Survival, The Way of Energy will help you achieve physical fitness, mental clarity, and a profound inner strength and vitality.

Leseprobe
CHAPTER 1

LEARNING TO STAND

The Zhan Zhuang system begins with two basic standing exercises. These start to build up and release the natural flow of energy inside you. The first position, a simple standing posture (pp. 28-29), enables you to relax your body in preparation for the other exercises. The second position, "Holding the Balloon" (pp. 34-35), is the key position in the whole system. It is essential to become thoroughly comfortable in both these positions before moving on to the exercises in Part Two, the intermediate level.

The simple warm up routines on the following pages prepare your body for the internal changes that take place during the Zhan Zhuang exercises. They are essential for beginners, because although the standing positions do not look strenuous, if you do them properly the resulting activity inside your body is enormous, and affects your whole system.

During the exercises in this chapter you may feel a little weak, start to tremble, or begin to tense up. But don´t move: breathe naturally and relax. Use the time to notice all the remarkable changes and sensations in your body. Remember: standing still is not doing nothing, it is the exercise.

When you are familiar with the first two standing exercises, you will need to learn how to breathe and relax, as described in Chapter 2. This will give you the experience of simultaneous exertion and relaxation during the standing postures, which is fundamental to this exercise system. The curious sensations you are likely to experience when you begin the exercises are described in Chapter 3.

Start by doing the standing exercises for five minutes a day. After three weeks, increase this to ten minutes. Three weeks later, aim for 15 minutes, and 20 minutes after a further three weeks. You can stand for longer if you wish, but 20 minutes will refresh your whole system. Follow the step-by-step advice, practising a little every day. Do not skip ahead: developing self-control is part of the training.

Warming up

As with all exercise routines, the warm up is essential. It helps your body become flexible and helps open up the internal channels along which your energy flows. The two largest and most important joints are the knees and shoulders. So by loosening these up first you are most likely to get the rich benefits of the later Zhan Zhuang exercises.

As a beginner, it is important to do these warm up exercises every time you start your Zhan Z…