Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis: Nourishing Practices for Body, Mind and Spirit

Description

Reduce stress, release pain and create whole body harmony with this practical introduction to Qigong and the yin/yang balance of Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese arts of 'movement meditation'. From reducing stress and improving posture to balance and general mobility, the many physical and mental benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi are widely celebrated. In this accessible book, Mimi Kuo-Deemer offers practices, insights and wisdom on these arts, and shows us how to support our natural capacity for energy, balance and wellbeing. Qigong's approach is based on the Chinese Five Elements or Phases of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each natural element relates to an organ and meridian system in the body, and QIGONG AND THE TAI CHI AXIS will explore each of these elements as they relate to our physical, mental and emotional health. It also will include popular and widely practiced sequences and forms such as the 8 Brocades, Five Animal Frolics, Tai Chi Qigong 18 Forms and Five Element Qigong practices and explore how these lead to wholeness, nourishment and health. Part I: Wood Element: Nourishing our Roots Part 2: Fire Element: Nourishing the Heart Part 3: Earth Element: Nourishing the Mind Part 4: Metal Element: Nourishing the Spirit Part 5: Water Element: Nourishing our Deepest Wisdom

Mimi Kuo-Deemer is an internationally recognised teacher of yoga, qigong and mindfulness meditation. Her YouTube channel has had 2.9 million views, with her 8 Brocades Qigong Practice reaching more than 1.7 million. She is a graduate of Stanford University and SOAS, where she received a distinction in her MA in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation. She is a teacher of both students and of other teachers, having practised and taught for over 20 years in China, the UK, Europe and the United States. She also co-founded Yoga Yard, Beijing's first and leading yoga studio, and is a senior teacher at London's triyoga.

'Qigong is a new word that describes ancient Chinese practices that help us use our bodies to achieve goals greater than just physical health, including spiritual awareness - maybe what we in the 21st century call mindfulness. Figuring out how to do this is sometimes difficult - there are so many schools and masters that it can be a daunting task - but thanks to Mimi Kuo-Deemer, we have a wise, insightful guide to understand and practice this venerable practice that resonates strongly today.' * Ian Johnson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao *