A comprehensive text that includes a study of the origins and history of Tai Chi; a detailed analysis of its relationship to Western philosophy, the I Ching, Tao te Ching, yoga, and Zen. The author also ties its use to esoteric systems, and discusses health and Chinese medicine in relation to Tai Chi. Includes several hundred detailed photographs showing application of the positions.

This collection of current scientific research reflects the characteristics and beneficial effects of tai chi chuan in the fields of biomechanics and physiology, sensory motor control and fall prevention, psychology and social aspects, as well as in clinical application of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

A longtime teacher and Harvard researcher presents the latest science on the benefits of T’ai Chi as well as a practical daily program for practitioners of all ages Conventional medical science on the Chinese art of T’ai Chi now shows what T’ai Chi masters have known for centuries: regular practice leads to more vigor and flexibility, better balance and mobility, and a sense of well-being. Cutting-edge research from Harvard Medical School also supports the long-standing claims that T’ai Chi also has a beneficial impact on the health of the heart, bones, nerves and muscles, immune system, and the mind. This research provides fascinating insight into the underlying physiological mechanisms that explain how T’ai Chi actually works. Dr. Peter M. Wayne, a longtime T’ai Chi teacher and a researcher at Harvard Medical School, developed and tested protocols similar to the simplified program he includes in this book, which is suited to people of all ages, and can be done in just a few minutes a day. This book includes: • The basic program, illustrated by more than 50 photographs • Practical tips for integrating T’ai Chi into everyday activities • An introduction to the traditional principles of T’ai Chi • Up-to-date summaries of the research on the health benefits of T’ai Chi • How T’ai Chi can enhance work productivity, creativity, and sports performance • And much more

Increase muscle strength, improve flexibility, and reduce pain and stiffness. Each year, millions of people worldwide discover the incredible physical and mental benefits of tai chi. Now, with Tai Chi Illustrated, you can, too. Internationally renowned instructor Master Pixiang Qiu and mind–body exercise expert Weimo Zhu demonstrate the most effective forms for harnessing the healing power of chi, or energy. Follow their lead and improve balance and coordination, relieve stress, and reduce pain and muscle stiffness. Tai Chi Illustrated is a step-by-step guide complete with detailed instructions and full-color photo sequences for the basic movements and popular forms, such as Grasp Sparrow’s Tail and Part the Wild Horse’s Mane. You will connect the forms to follow the yang-style sample routines, or create your own to address your health and fitness needs. Whether you are completely new to tai chi or have practiced for years, Tai Chi Illustrated will you be your guide to the path of better health and self-awareness.

A compelling and modern treatise on the ancient art of Tai-Chi, presented in a manner that is tailored to be understandable to the western perspective. The major goal of this guide is to prepare the mind of the new or potential practitioner, making it more receptive to the diverse and oft obscure ideas of the art. Ideas which frequently prove to be perplexing and enigmatic because of their subtly and nuance. The content walks the fine line between serious presentation of facts and irreverent humor, making the book both enjoyable and informative. The copy is replete with explanations of modern, well-researched science that validates the ancient ways. The reader can expect a book comprised of science, anecdotal stories, instruction, and application. This pleasurable read is coupled with stunningly beautiful graphics. The visuals alone are worth the price of admission.

Is tai chi a stretching exercise, deep-breathing program, martial art, dance or prayer? Yes, it's all those and more.Tai chi, like many ancient Eastern practices, does not fit strict Western categories. Tai chi, together with the extraordinary self-healing method developed by Dr Lee, offers relief for stress, breathing disorders, muscular ailments, chronic headaches, and a variety of modern office- and sports-related complaints, as well as for deep emotional distress.Few today are as well positioned to explain the healing powers of tai chi as Dr. Martin Lee, a renowned engineering physicist and tai chi master. He and his wife, Emily, also a tai chi master, are the only Americans to have studied with Yu Pen-Shih, one of China's foremost ch'i kung masters. Dr. Lee has developed a groundbreaking practical program that combines Eastern and Western approaches to wellness, which he calls 'physical philosophy.' Its goal is to help people become 'one with nature,' a Buddhist term for the natural restoration of true health.The rewards of one-with-nature tai chi are inner happiness, self-control, self-realization, and self-healing. Each one of these benefits receives individual attention, complete with the 64 tai chi forms, thoroughly illustrated with photographs and diagrams. The central focus is on the flow of energy — the chi, or 'inner breath' — that tai chi evokes through Lee's four basic instructions: Relax. Breathe. Feel the earth. Do nothing extra. Here is a valuable health, exercise, and meditation program that combines ancient spiritual insights with advanced scientific knowledge and important original discoveries.

Written by Tai Chi Gold Medalist Dr. So, Tai Chi for Everyone is intended for the beginner who would like to learn a short Tai Chi workout in a minimum of time, with or without class instruction. Includes photos and descriptions, detailing step-by-step several Tai Chi and Chi Gong sequences.

Long Life, Good Health traces the historical and philosophical development of Tai-Chi Chuan within the context of the sister martial arts from which it was created. This book includes precisely sequenced photographs, and step-by-step instructions. Though intended for beginners, Long Life, Good Health should fascinate more advanced students who want to research and compare ancient forms and lineages of Tai-Chi Chuan.

This book introduces Trainers and Fighters to the philosophy and application of Western Tai Chi Ch'uan for Amateur Fighting Competitors.Western Tai Chi Ch'uan is the merging of its 13 Strategies into the basic tactics of Western Boxing, Kickboxing and Grappling. The result is an Amateur Fighter with a savage and intimidating defense and a calculated and deliberate offense.You will learn the essential principles, objectives and obstacles of an Amateur Fighting Competitor, including breathing techniques, proper understanding of form and function, intense multi-discipline sparring techniques, and the practical use of meditation processes. Also included is a section for Trainers, with an example of a complete course outline as well as a section that presents classical Tai Chi treatise and definitive striking points on the human anatomy.Producing over 20 (Amateur) champions from 2007 to 2009 at the State and Regional levels, Western Tai Chi Ch'uan is emerging as a dynamic and effective fighting system used for Martial Art competition in the Southeast Region of the United States.Gurjot K. Singh, M Ed. (Retired, U.S. Army Ranger, S.E.R.E. & Drill Instructor) holds graduate degrees in Educational Technology & International Relations from Troy University and has several academic and professional publications. He received his rank of Master from renowned Grandmaster & Dr. Ibraham Ahmed. Master Singh is a certified American Tai Chi & Qigong Association professional (Level II of III.) He is the Owner of Angel's Gym in Fayetteville, North Carolina which is a training facility for the MMA Promotion group, Elite Fighting Challenge. Learn more at www.angelsgym.com or www.youtube.com/ANGELSGYMSINGH.Publisher's website: http: //www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/TheArtOf WesternTaiChiChuan.html

A guide to the internal martial arts exercises of short-form Wu-Style Tai Chi • Details the 8 core forms of Wu-Style Tai Chi with fully illustrated instructions • Ideal for older practitioners as well as those with health disabilities due to the “small frame” primary stance, slower and smaller movements, and conservation of energy • Explains how Wu Style provides a natural introduction to martial arts boxing • Reveals how Wu Style eases stiffness, relieves back pain, and reduces abdominal fat Following the flow of chi energy, rather than directing it as in traditional Tai Chi, Wu-Style Tai Chi focuses on internal development, seeking to conserve chi energy and gather jin power from the Earth through the tan tien. Centered on a “small frame” stance--that is, feet closer together and arms closer to the body--and a slower progression of movements in solo practice, Wu Style offers a gentle Tai Chi form for beginners and, when practiced with a partner, a grounding introduction to martial arts boxing and Fa Jin (the discharge of energy for self-defense). The more functional stance, smaller movements, and conservation of internal energy make Wu-Style Tai Chi ideal for older practitioners as well as those with health disabilities. Condensing the 37 movements of Wu Style into 8 core forms, Master Mantak Chia and Andrew Jan illustrate how to build a personal short-form Wu-Style Tai Chi practice. They explain how Wu-Style Tai Chi removes energetic blockages and helps to elongate the tendons, reducing stiffness and allowing the limbs to return to their natural length and full range of motion. Regular practice of Wu Style relieves back pain as well as reducing abdominal fat, the biggest hindrance to longevity. Exploring the martial arts applications of Wu Style, the authors trace its history beginning with founder Wu Chuan-Yu (1834-1902) as well as explain how to apply Wu Style to “Push Hands” (Tui Shou) and Fa Jin. Through mastering the short-form Wu Style detailed in this book, Tai Chi practitioners harness a broad range of health benefits as well as build a solid foundation for learning the complete long-form Wu Style.