Publication Date:November 15, 1991 Availability:Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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ISBN13: 9780671736453
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Condition: New
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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.
Has Stood the Test of TimeMarch 14, 2010 Stewart Hay(Manchester, England) Registered Tai Chi Chuan Instructor - TCUGB Instructor - Northern Wu Style Tai Ji Quan Global Association
The Way of Energy is really two books for the price of one as Lam Kam Chuen teaches readers the distinct Ba Duan Jin and Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung systems.
Lam teaches a version of the Ba Duan Jin, or Eight Pieces of Brocade, as a complementary exercise to his Zhan Zhuang. Lam's rationale is that the Eight Pieces will help to improve the body's ability to handle increased chi flow resulting from Zhan Zhuang practice.
Lam doesn't identify the location of the chi meridians that will be enhanced by each Brocade but he does describe the specific benefit of each exercise. Furthermore, Lam gives basic and advanced versions of each Brocade so that levels of difficulty and capability are balanced.
Lam's Zhan Zhuang system comes from the lineage of the famous martial artist Wang Xiang Zhai and in "The Way" Lam shares teachings from Wang's original (Chinese) manuscripts.
Lam teaches the five basic Zhan Zhuang postures with clear illustrations, photos and descriptions. Typical physical reactions are also documented.
Lam goes on to teach progressively more difficult Zhan Zhuang postures and practices together with "mentality exercises" to derive further benefits.
Lam also describes the use of Zhan Zhuang in daily life and includes exercise regimes for various ailments.
The book is beautifully illustrated. In addition to drawings and photos relating to the Chi Kung there are many uplifting photographs of trees accompanied by relevant poetry.
I bought this book almost 20 years ago. Since then "The Way of Energy" has rightly become a modern classic. It is still as useful and important today as it was when first published. Lam is to be admired for sharing his Chi Kung so openly and empowering his readers to take positive and personal action to improve their own health.
This book is a very highly recommended buy.
Don't miss this practice!November 9, 2009 Paul Tsang(Hong Kong) 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Zhan Zhuang (standing like a tree) is the most important fundamental practice for Chinese internal martial arts (like tai chi, yi chuen and pakua). The most comprehensive system of Zhan Zhaung was perfected by the grandmaster of yi chuen Master Wong, and the author of this book master Lam is from this best-practice lineage. Master Lam has done an excellent job in presenting this best practice to the west in this and other books of his. Incidentally, Grandmaster Wong had adamantly asserted his Zhan Zhuang is NOT chi kung, but an energy system of the muscular-cum-bone structure built from visualization (or suggestion), relaxation and structural (mostly circular or triangular) power. The reason behind is that Grandmaster Wong's system clearly distinguished itself from Taoist systems (of some tai-chi practitioners in particular) that view microcosmic orbit circulation as the fundamental practice of Chinese internal martial arts (the best Taoist system available in the west is as taught by Mantak Chia). To this debate, Zhan Zhuang clearly stands as the more appropriate for self-learners and safer to practice in general.
The additional benefit of Zhan Zhuang is that it can be used as a stand-alone system for patients suffering and/or recovering from various ailments, in particular in relation to impairment of movements and structural/ailment-related problems. In his later days Grandmaster Wong and his student master Yu (sifu of master Lam) did a lot of work to this end.
It is therefore a highly recommended practice for folks seeking for good health. And master Lam has done an excellent job in presenting this practice in clear and understandable form. One possible drawback of this practice: it is too simple, i.e. some people tend to give up this practice (though experienced its benefits!) due to boredom. My suggestion: for cases like this, practice Zhan Zhuang for 6 months to a year and then, additionally, pick up one martial art form like tai-chi, yi-chuen or pakua).
I am feeling so good nowMay 3, 2009 C. Liao 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is absolutely the ultimate beginner's guide to Zhan Zhuang. The text is crystal clear and the illustration is superb. The authors really know what they are teaching and try their best to show how to do it without reservation.
After practicing Zhan Zhuang for a few weeks, I am really into this and feeling very energized. No wonder this book is still in print after 18 years. Highly recommended!
The way to Healing EnergyApril 29, 2009 stepaheda 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Love all of Master Lum's book, I find them to be very helpful in understanding the importants of how Chi Kung Exercises help you in healing. I feel that Chi Kung has help to save my life, and so in reading this book along with many others, it just help me to be that much more determend to continue in trying to master the art of Chi Kung/Qi Kong. 1stepaheda
Great Health BenifitsFebruary 24, 2009 Demitri Pevzner(depends on time of year) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
There is not much I can add that other reviewers already have not said, but the book and the author deserve praise. The Qi Gong is deceptively simple, but provides you with numerous benefits if you follow through. The practice is called Zhan Zhang, and revolves around standing postures, i.e. "standing stake," or "embracing the ball," a form of standing meditation Qi Gong.
In addition to Qi Gong, this practice contains a core element of both Taiji Quan and Bagua Zhang as it relates to proper posture and balance. It should give you a better understanding of balance as your body relates to gravity and motion, and should considerably improve your health, posture, back, and joints. This is definitely one of my favorite books.
