The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing Paperback – 29 April 2000
by Kenneth S. Cohen (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 612 ratings
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Qigong, which literally means "working with the energy of life, " is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced with remarkable results in China for thousands of years. The Chinese have long treasured qigong for its effectiveness both in healing and in preventing disease, and more recently they have used it in conjunction with modern medicine to cure cancer, immune system disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. Now in this fascinating, comprehensive volume, renowned qigong master and China scholar Kennneth S, Cohen brings the ancient healing power of qigong to Western readers.
The essence of qigong can be understood by comparing the body to a battery: stress and bad health habits act to dissipate the battery's charge, its "qi, " while self-care and self-awareness help to maintain and improve qi. Qigong is a gentle yet rigorous program for working with our life energy through breathing and relaxation exercises, massage, visualization, meditation, and other natural methods. Using qigong, each one of us can learn to improve health and enhance vitality by cleansing, gathering, releasing, and circulating qi so that it reaches all the body's cells. It's rather like acupuncture without needles--it's pleasurable to do, it costs nothing, and it's wonderfully life-enhancing.
This accessible, beautifully written book provides a step-by-step program detailing how we can all integrate qigong into our busy lives. Ken Cohen explores every aspect of this Chinese healing art and science. The benefits of qigong are obvious in those who practice it correctly--these exuberant individuals sleep more soundly, their skin glows with vitality, they feel increased strength andheightened sexuality, and their minds and bodies achieve the harmony of true health. These benefits have been analyzed and calibrated by contemporary medical researchers who confirm resoundingly that qigong really does work. As a result, leading medical schools around the country are now incorporating qigong into "complementary medicine" programs that combine the wisdom of alternative medical modalities with the technological expertise of modern medicine. Now with The Way of Qigong, the power and clarity of qigong is finally available to all of us. This is truly a volume that will enlighten, instruct, enliven, and delight
all who use it.
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Print length
427 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Random House USA Inc
Publication date
29 April 2000
Product description
Review
"A long-awaited masterpiece . . . This breakthrough book is destined to become the classic reference on body energy and healing."
--Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.
Author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind
"A TREASURE . . . Those eager to explore the methods of self-healing will learn how in The Way of Qigong. By peering through this modern window into ancient practices, the readers will discover how to gather the breath, move with grace and power, and cultivate the mind."
--Harriet Beinfeld
Coauthor of Between Heaven and Earth
"THIS DEFINITIVE VOLUME . . . IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RECENTLY ISSUED BOOK ON THE CHINESE HEALING ART, QIGONG."
--Booklist
From the Inside Flap
Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced with remarkable results in China for thousands of years. The Chinese have long treasured qigong for its effectiveness both in healing and in preventing disease, and more recently they have used it in conjunction with modern medicine to cure cancer, immune system disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. Now in this fascinating, comprehensive volume, renowned qigong master and China scholar Kenneth S. Cohen explains how you too can integrate qigong into your life--and harness the healing power that will help your mind and body achieve the harmony of true health.
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Product details
Publisher : Random House USA Inc; New ed edition (29 April 2000)
Language : English
Paperback : 427 pages
ISBN-10 : 0345421094
ISBN-13 : 978-0345421098
Dimensions : 15.47 x 2.44 x 23.24 cmBest Sellers Rank: 53,900 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)41 in Martial Arts (Books)
56 in Physical Rehabilitation for Injuries
403 in Alternative Healing MethodsCustomer Reviews:
4.7 out of 5 stars 612 ratings
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
612 global ratings
Top review from Australia
Nathan F
5.0 out of 5 stars Well WrittenReviewed in Australia on 23 July 2019
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This is an amazing book for beginners and advanced practitioners. Very detailed with clear instructions. Defiantly a bible that will be refereed to and re read over again.
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StoneMan
5.0 out of 5 stars From Chinese history, ways of Healing body and Calming mind, Deeply - but Nicely explained*Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 October 2019
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A HUGELY RESPECTED man in Native American ,Chinese and other communities, this authors LONG life in the Chinese medical system "Qigong" , is SO apparent in this excellent volume, which brings ALL you need in order to grasp the world of this - Great Hope for the future -medical system . Everywhere, but especially where Health systems are being overwhelmed by costs And massive increases in mental health fragility , there is growing need to become aware of many of the basics of Qigongs. People can be put off by philosophical terminology , but behind all that is the truth - as revealed in modern science - that our reality , and so our health, is really made up of Energies (vibrations) which are much more responsive to SELF-CONTROLLED mind and body practices, than a hospital full of pills and exhausted doctors. This isn't wacky anymore : my NHS Physiotherapy Doctors are all about the MIND FIRST, and only then, the body... and Tai Chi ( the Movements part of Qigong) is more effective than standard NHS physiotherapy because Tai Chi (and other Qigong disciplines) work on your body And your mind And your Spirit - at the same time, because - only treating them TOGETHER, REALLY WORKS. Kenneth Cohen REALLY gets this, and helps to make the deep stuff Normal for us Ordinary people. Ignore the deeper bits and the history bits of this book if you like, and just get a new way of improving your health AND your ability to COPE with this Life of ours ,which seems to keep getting harder*****
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Mikko Saari
5.0 out of 5 stars Great additionReviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 July 2015
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Easily approachable, with pictures elaborating the techniques. Has a section dealing with beginner mistakes, how to recognize them etc., which is useful and really a must-have for beginners who go without a teacher. And the scientific section and the author's neutral but encouraging take on qigong should make the subject more approachable to beginners.
I don't think the techniques section here is the best you can get from books, Bruce Frantzis covers that better in some of his works. But even if you already have Bruce's books, Ken's book can be of real help and support in finding the proper postures for you. In my opinion you should have both Ken's and Bruce's books even if you have a teacher, so you can check from them that what your teacher gives you is real. Unless you have a more reputable teacher of course.
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Shauna
5.0 out of 5 stars A definitive workReviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 September 2014
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This might be my favourite book of all time (non fiction). It is an absolute treasure chest of knowledge. It is very well written and explained. My knowledge of Qigong has grown so much and everything I have learned through reading this book has made sense to me and I can put it into practical application through my daily life, I am seeing with new eyes! If you have an interest in traditional Chinese techniques such as TCM, acupuncture, tai chi etc then I imagine this is the definitive book on the subject.
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A reader
5.0 out of 5 stars The best book about Qigong that I've ever readReviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 May 2019
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This is the best book about Qigong that I've ever read. There's so much to take in and I've learned lots. It's written in an accessible way, yet has great depth to it. Very much recommended.
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Danny Hammond
5.0 out of 5 stars I would recommend this book to anyone with a even a slight ...Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 August 2016
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An incredible resource on the subject of Qigong. Here is an author who has clearly put a lot of research into the topic, with both scientific and spiritual analysis of the matter. This book is comprehensive, covering many aspects of Chinese energy healing, it's theories, evidences and of course; how to practice it. I would recommend this book to anyone with a even a slight interest in Qigong/Tai Chi or related matters and I believe it should be an essential reference book to any serious student of such things.
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The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing
by Kenneth S. Cohen
4.18 · Rating details · 590 ratings · 45 reviews
Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced with remarkable results in China for thousands of years. The Chinese have long treasured qigong for its effectiveness both in healing and in preventing disease, and more recently they have used it in conjunction with modern medicine to cure cancer, immune system disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. Now in this fascinating, comprehensive volume, renowned qigong master and China scholar Kenneth S. Cohen explains how you too can integrate qigong into your life--and harness the healing power that will help your mind and body achieve the harmony of true health. (less)
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Paperback, 448 pages
Published March 9th 1999 by Wellspring/Ballantine
ISBN0345421094 (ISBN13: 9780345421098)
Edition LanguageEnglish
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The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing
Way of Qigong
The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing
Qigong: Grundlagen, Methoden, Anwendung
Qigong. Grundlagen, Methoden, Anwendung
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The Elves
Feb 11, 2016The Elves rated it it was amazing
Kenneth S. Cohen’s The Way of Qigong is a really great book on Qigong. Some say that the drawings are not adequate to understanding the moves they illustrate; however, we find that if you combine them with the descriptions, it is really quite clear. And this book has everything. Qigong movements and exercises, data about Qigong, research studies about Qigong, nearly everything you would want to know about the subject, even chapters on diet and tea drinking. Not that you won’t want to keep learning, but this is a great place to start, thorough, comprehensive and fascinating.
The Silver Elves authors of Faerie Unfolding: The Cosmic Expression of the Divine (less)
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Anne
Apr 07, 2013Anne rated it it was amazing
I pick this book up often because there is a wealth of information. I have read the book front to back several times, but I pick it up every couple months and just open to where it goes. I always pick up something new even though I read it before. This time I spent time in chapter 12 Active QiGong, Chapter 14 The energy of emotions and Chapter 19 Have a Cup of Tea. The Organ-emotion link was very interesting and the breathing exercises are great. The history and legend of tea and recommended prep for tea. (less)
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Curtis
Jan 09, 2012Curtis rated it it was amazing
Recommends it for: mages and sages of all ages
Recommended to Curtis by: Tai Chi
This was a new discovery to me in a used book store. All that I knew before that was a vague reference to "healing energies" made in a martial arts book. Now there is another paradigm for me to asess vital information about my health. The balance of heat and moisture seemed to make a good barometer for changes in wellbeing, good or bad. I feel like I can finally do something about my own body's chemical composition that will improve my condition. These meditations, like the rest of the Taoist traditions, are beautiful to vizualize and a wonderful way to relax. (less)
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Marina Quattrocchi
Oct 24, 2018Marina Quattrocchi rated it it was amazing
Excellent comprehensive book explaining the history and philosophy of qigong in great detail. Essential resource for anyone who is serious about studying this ancient Chinese art. First published in 1997, this book contains timeless wisdom that is just as relevant and practical today. Especially liked the qigong meditations.
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Shaz Davis
Jul 03, 2017Shaz Davis rated it it was amazing
One of my top two recommended reads for people interested in qigong.
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Patrick Bello
Sep 12, 2019Patrick Bello rated it it was amazing
Qigong, in the brief time I have practiced its gentle movements and standing meditations, has provided me with various unexpected benefits and a greater sense of calm. That being said, it’s also somewhat difficult to find a non-teacher resource if one wanted to go deeper into the philosophy and workings of qigong. And wow lemme tell ya, he goes deeeeep. I have yet to practice everything in the book, because I have a job that I must go to sometimes, so I cannot vouch for the efficacy of everything in here. The vastness of the material included, however, makes this a must for those interested in working with qi. (less)
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Joanne McKinnon
Apr 01, 2021Joanne McKinnon rated it really liked it
There are many many books written on qigong, yinyang, and Chinese medicine. This is a good introduction .
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Sue Dounim
May 06, 2021Sue Dounim rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: on-a-shelf
There are quite a few good reviews on this book, almost all of which I agree with. Ken Cohen was (when writing this book) and is still (in 2021) a true master of qi gong and allied arts. Even after 20+ years this book is still valuable.
Similar to Steven Chang's The Great Tao, he shows how Qi Gong is more than just exercises or meditation but truly "energy work" as the term is often translated. This includes not only what you do for your own esoteric development but what you eat and drink and even how you approach sexual health.
I will just add a couple of minor details. (1) Notes: even though Cohen is a authentic expert in the field, he still provides abundant footnotes and references throughout the text; there are more than 40 pages of them. (2) Bibliography. For the English speaking student of Qi Gong the 11 page bibliography alone is worth the price of admission and will provide you with a lifetime of reading. Yes, there are books and articles newer than those listed, but those listed are excellent and/or classic.
With my academic background, this provided me with a lot of assurance that this wasn't just a quick new age production based half on folk wisdom and half on wishful thinking. (less)
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Katja Vartiainen
Aug 08, 2019Katja Vartiainen rated it it was amazing
Shelves: non-fiction, spirituality, health, taoism, mindfulness, meditation, self-help, qi-gong
This book is really good. I started qi gong about 2 months ago, following an oldish Chinese
( maybe) woman on Youtube, and It has been the best thing for my painful shoulder-arm pain. So, I wanted to know more, and found through a German blogger's page this book. This book has history, exercises, meditations, diet, and even sex advice. The instructions are clear with some pictures, and the best part of it all is the attitude of the writer. He is emphasizing that qi gong is to make your life better, more in harmony and wholesome, and not stress yourself with rigidity. For diagnosing anybody,though, I suggest to go an study the whole thing more, and for healing take a course in Reiki. (less)
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Penny
Jan 26, 2020Penny rated it really liked it
This 1997 introduction to qigong is a blend of the history, philosophy, science, and practical applications of one of the oldest self-help systems in the world. I found it the perfect complement to the qigong lessons I've been taking. I wanted something that would give me a broad and foundational understanding of qigong, and this book fulfilled that requirement quite well for me. I have a better understanding now of why my teacher guides us to do certain things and it has helped me commit to continuing the practice going forward. Well-written, it's based on the author's own lifetime of qigong practice, healing, and teaching. (less)
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Phil Calandra
Sep 01, 2017Phil Calandra rated it it was amazing
Out of the several books which I have read regarding Qigong, this is clearly the most comprehensive and most easily understood. Included is an extensive bibliography, audio-visual training suggestions, extensive notes on each chapter and a glossary of common Qigong terms. Perhaps the only weakness in this book that most Qigong Books share is that the practice material and illustrations that don't provide and optimal learning method compared to video and private instruction (less)
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Mattheus Guttenberg
Dec 11, 2017Mattheus Guttenberg rated it really liked it
Shelves: taoism, living, health
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice for promoting health, longevity, and physical ability. The Way of Qigong gives a thorough overview of the subject, which discusses the nature of qi and Chinese medicine, the qigong routines, the history of Taoism, the scientific literature on qigong, diet, meditation, sexual activity and more. Anyone interested in learning about the Chinese paradigm of health and vitality would be advised to read this.
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Julie
Jul 07, 2021Julie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: self-help-spiritual
What more could you ask for from a Qigong book? Prior to reading, I had extensive knowledge on chinese medicine and energy healing, but almost no knowledge on qigong itself. I had done 1 taichi class and that was the extent of my knowledge. This book is extremely informative and a great supplement to any student of chinese medicine or anyone simply looking to lead a healthier life. Its has everything you need practice qigong.
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SusanO
Feb 01, 2020SusanO rated it it was amazing
I am eternally grateful to Ken Cohen for his knowledge and willingness to share in this awe inspiring book. Thank you for helping me along my path to wellness and understanding Qi. I will never be finished with this book. I refer to it almost daily in some way or another. It has brought me closer to reality and the idea of living peacefully on our planet with all of its inhabitants. 🕉️
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Akintoba
Mar 16, 2022Akintoba rated it liked it
T.M.I for beginners. E.g. there's a whole chapter on making tea. There are some instructions on doing Qigong. But let's be honest with ourselves, who's taking instructions from a book when you could watch a video - right? Jokes aside, there's no benefit to reading this book for beginners when there are more digestible ways to begin learning Qigong. (less)
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jamesjohn jamesjohn
Apr 30, 2022jamesjohn jamesjohn rated it really liked it
Shelves: tried-to-read
The definitive reference for this ancient path/principle/discipline. It's dated, so has limitations for contemporary readers, but is a must-read for anyone interested in Eastern philosophy, thought, and practices.
....Was too exhaustive for me at this time, but I will circle back when I can. ...more
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Alex Delogu
Jan 31, 2017Alex Delogu rated it really liked it
A marvelous adventure through the varied facets of Qi Gong practice. It includes some practices, but really, just get a teacher. The book functions best as a theoretical journey that goes well with an already developed practice.
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Dominique
Oct 05, 2019Dominique rated it really liked it
Shelves: non-fiction
A readable account of the history of QiQong practice and the potential health benefits. Although there are some Qi Qong exercises described, the bulk of the book is more informative than instructional.
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MaryAnn Richardson
Dec 26, 2020MaryAnn Richardson rated it it was amazing
The book is dense with lots of information, but I was looking for something to build background knowledge on the subject of Qi Gong. This book gave me more than I could digest, so after returning it to the library, I picked a book up for reference.
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Micah Peek
Jan 09, 2021Micah Peek rated it liked it
I have absolutely no frame of reference for Qigong or it’s related literature, but this felt like a comprehensive and helpful introduction to the subject. It covers everything from the historical roots and implicit philosophy of Qigong, as well as step by step instructions to certain exercises.
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Robert Levit
Dec 10, 2019Robert Levit added it · review of another edition
Quite helpful for those interested in studying and practicing some Eastern Medicine and well as understanding the difference between QiGong and Tai Chi.
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Redaelkharroubi
Mar 19, 2020Redaelkharroubi rated it liked it
It was nice experience. Really i recommend it
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Ed Peckham
May 16, 2020Ed Peckham rated it it was amazing
A wonderful guide to a Qigong way of life - really honestly written and practical enough to incorporate it into your routines. The knowledge of the East seems vastly superior to the West
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Jamie Grefe
Jul 16, 2021Jamie Grefe rated it it was amazing
Shelves: qi-related
Incredibly thorough, practical, and insightful, and thought-provoking.
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Shinemoos
Oct 20, 2021Shinemoos rated it really liked it
Skimmed through it, very accurate information, and there are detailed guidance for doing those meditations and stances.
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Luckyluciano
Mar 21, 2022Luckyluciano rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Good.. but too long.
I was expentive some more practical (it has) but more.
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Morgan
Sep 29, 2019Morgan rated it really liked it
If you are at all interested in the concept of qi (chi), or if you are considering taking qigong (chi gung) or taiqi (tai chi) for the purposes of psychological and/or physical healing, general health and/or personal growth, this extensively-researched book by American qigong master Ken Cohen will answer any conceivable question that may arise in your thoughts. Remarkable really in its depth and breadth... Certainly not a quick read, but even though it repeatedly put me to sleep, I found it astonishingly informative and definitely worthwhile. The only reason I do not give it five stars is that he spends a lot of time trying to teach the reader how to actually do qigong via written directions and drawings, which for me at least, is virtually impossible. I did learn some pointers that will help me in class. And, as mentioned, the highly-detailed descriptions of how to do each movement turned out to be a effective cure for insomnia, but don't speed read through these descriptions or you may miss some truly golden nuggets... (less)
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K.G.
Jun 06, 2017K.G. rated it it was amazing
If you are interested in Chinese science, this book is a must read.
Kenneth S. Cohen really knows his stuff. I've practiced and taught tai chi chuan and qigong for many years and Cohen's book deepened my knowledge of the arts. It is well written and his explanations provide clarity of this complex (on the surface) art. As someone once said "He's not a guy in a diner" meaning he's not espousing theories of which he knows nothing and making stuff as he goes. Cohen is a master and if you're interes ...more
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Astratow
Jun 01, 2016Astratow rated it it was amazing
This a great compendium around qigong and Chinese traditional medicine too. Ken Cohen colourfully describes all the exercises, tells what they do, how they effect man. It also talks about theory behind qigong, tao, Yin-Yang, i-ching and many more.
He also provides examples of succesful implementation of qigong in healing process which is absolutely fabulous in current trend to do everything scientificaly approved.
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Vanessa
Apr 12, 2007Vanessa rated it it was ok
Shelves: school-related
It would have been interesting, if it hadn't been so dull. I would recommend reading an article on qigong, rather than trying to make it through this whole book, which is 80% exercise manual and 20% info. (less)
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