Chi Gung: Chinese Healing, Energy and Natural Magick by L.V. Carnie

I really enjoyed reading this book and wanted to share a review with you.

Chi Gung is quite simply the art of manipulating the energy of the body. This practice can result in a variety of benefits: improved health; faster healing; increased flexibility; more endurance; greater strength, to name but a few. The results achieved depend on the intention and training performed by the practitioner.

Many books on Chi Gung present the training using traditional practices. However, Lily of the Valley Carnie's book on Chi Gung (Qigong) goes beyond formal systems and instead teaches a fun, playful approach to learning Chi Gung.

The first part of her book covers the fundamental principles and concepts needed for a training program in Chi Gung and includes topics like: Nei Dan vs Wei Dan training; Meridians and Cavities; the principles of Yin and Yang; the philosophy of the Five Elements; the Regulation on Mind, Body and Breath; and the Fire, Wind, and Water Paths of Chi Circulation. In addition, she presents a series of Chi familiarization exercises that provide a foundation for the exploration to follow.

The remainder of the book provides example after example of how to apply Chi Gung to a wide variety of activities. Some are physical (like swimming underwater, fly-fishing, or working with weapons). Others are mental (like developing intuition or playing video games). While others are craft oriented (like painting, playing music, or drawing). By providing so many examples of ways to practice Chi Gung, she encourages you to discover how to take those principles and apply them to whatever activity you are engaged in (such as yoga, hiking, jogging, free running, or weight lifting).

She teaches in a conversational way that is both informational and fun and I found that it offers many great ideas that have enhanced my own training. I highly recommend it if you have an interest in exploring Chi Gung and I'd be happy to talk more about it if there's an interest.