BOOK STUDY
QIGONG
The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing by Kenneth Cohen
The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi by Roger Jahnke, O.M.D.
Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi & QiGong by Bill Douglas & Angela Wong Douglas (despite the name…)
Qi Healing – Energy Medicine Techniques for Healing Self & Others CD/DVD set by Kenneth Cohen
The Way of Energy – Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercises by Lam Kam Chuen
TCM
Wood Becomes Water: Traditional Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life by Gail Reichstein (This is an excellent introduction to Chinese Five Element Theory.)
Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements by Dianne M. Connelly, PhD.
The Web That Has No Weaver – Understanding Chinese Medicine by Ted J. Kaptchuk
Between Heaven & Earth – A Guide to Chinese Medicine by Beinfield & Korngold
Nourishing Destiny – The Inner Tradition of Chinese Medicine by Lonny S. Jarrett
NUTRITION
Healing with Whole Foods – Asian Tradition & Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford
A Woman’s Qigong Guide: Empowerment Through Movement, Diet and Herbs by Yanling Johnson
Qi Energy in Foods for Living: Herbal Foods for Longevity and Vitality by Yanling Johnson
MISCELLANEOUS
The Subtle Body – An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy by Cyndi Dale
How Not To Die by Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM www.NutritionFacts.org
The Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu
Breath by James Nestor
Earthing by Ober, Sinatra, Zucker
The I Ching (or Book of Changes) translation by Wilhelm/Baynes & The I Ching Workbook by R. L. Wing
Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain, The Essence of Taiji by Chungliang Al Huang
The Big Book of Chi by Paul Wildish
Options for purchasing books online: www.alibris.com & www.abebooks.com
COMMON QUESTIONS
How can I gain in sensitivity? I don’t feel anything when I practice. The initial answer: Keep Practicing! With our intention on the area of the belly below the navel – or the lower dan tien – we gradually build energy in that location. It then pumps the larger quantity of energy throughout the body more powerfully, helping to clear blockages, helping to eliminate dis-ease. Typically, we initially feel sensation in our hands, due to the number of nerve endings present there. In class, I teach several hand-sensitivity exercises, which are good to practice at home as a way of helping to develop that sensitivity. Most importantly: know in your heart that you are receiving benefits from your practice whether you feel anything or not. Keep the faith! The more you practice, the more sensitivity you will gain; it does take time and consistency, however.
How much should I practice? It is best to supplement your class time with practice at home. There are several videos that I have created, accessible via YouTube, that can be utilized. Even 10-15 minutes a few times a week will be very beneficial. It is actually preferable to practice more frequently, even if the practice times are shorter. I often find that if I intend to do a ‘shorter’ practice, it ends up being longer than intended, as I get ‘into the groove’ of the movements. It is a wonderful way to begin the day in this ritualistic fashion.
What is the difference between Qigong and Tai Chi? Qigong is the basis for tai chi and all of the martial arts. Tai chi chuan usually involves learning a long sequencing of movements, which can make it more challenging to learn, especially with an at-home practice. There is more stepping and weight shifting, which can benefit balance. This is why I sometimes incorporate balancing movements into my Qigong classes. I have studied both and – in my opinion – feel that Qigong is easier to pick up and practice on one’s own.
Student Praise
Thank you Rose for sharing your energy and spirit with us. Your descriptions are very appreciated! Healing qigong is wonderful. ~ Carol Basch
You have an easy style, you make things clear and simple, and I love the descriptions that are so easy to grasp. You obviously love what you do, and that makes all the difference. Thank you so much for your time and effort and dedication to this wonderful practice. You’re an inspiration! ~ Jill Anderson
Thank you, Rose! This morning practice has really been a gift for me in many ways. I also wanted to comment what a calm and professional presence you have. There have been days, especially days when the technology is not cooperating, that the expectations and energy of we participants feels chaotic and heavy and you navigate it with aplomb and grace. ~ Sidra Quinn
Thanks for your help with transitions and form. I’m really glad I did the private session with you – it helped me to integrate what we learned at the workshop. ~ Patty Raedy