THE WAY OF PIANO • MIND • BODY • SOUL
Written by ANDREW EALES
The Chinese Qigong exercises shared on Pianodao focus on those “secondary benefits” of Qigong which are particularly relevant to piano playing, with descriptive instructions for a few simple introductory Qigong exercises and techniques.
But it is likely that having experienced the initial benefits these bring, readers will want to find out more about Qigong, its background, and exercises. Qigong is a huge and fascinating subject, and there are a great many excellent books and other resources now available to help the Westerner with an interest in finding out more.
If you are keen to find out about the primary benefits of regular Qigong practice, here are some recommended books to explore. Between them they include practical advice, simple exercises for beginner practice, a philosophical grounding and general overview of the history, science, styles and applications of Qigong.
I have included a short description of each, which I hope will help you to select the right book for you. And elsewhere, Pianodao includes a growing number of reviews of other book and Qigong exercises and resources here.
The Way of Qigong
Kenneth S. Cohen
Ballantine Books, 1997. 428 pages. ISBN 978-0-345-24109-8
Kenneth Cohen’s book is nothing short of a classic. Subtitled “The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing”, it provides a comprehensive overview of the core concepts and applications of Qigong, including the use of Qigong as a healing art and an in-depth look at seated meditation.
The book includes instructions for many simple forms, and places Qigong firmly in the context of other Daoist practices, including diet, massage, advanced breathing techniques and even drinking tea.
The Way of Qigong is an absolute “must read”.
The Healing Promise of Qi
Roger Jahnke, O.M.D.
McGraw-Hill, 2002. 320 pages. ISBN 978-0-8092-9528-9
Roger Jahnke subheads his book “Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi” which nicely summarises his approach. Written in lucid, profound yet simple language, Jahnke digs deep into the fundamental theories, science and cosmology of Qigong before providing extensive practical advice for practitioners at all levels.
The Healing Promise of Qi is a modern masterpiece and, like Cohen’s book, essential reading for any westerner coming to Qigong. Beautifully presented in hardback edition, the book includes extensive references for further reading, and is a treasure to which I know I will continue to frequently return.
The Theory and Practice of Taiji Qigong
Chris Jarmey
Lotus Publishing Ltd (3rd Edition, 2011. 192 pages. ISBN 978-1-905367-32-0
The bulk of Chris Jarmey’s excellent book is taken up with detailed instructions for the 18-step Taiji Qigong Shibashi form, which also provides some of the exercises included here on Pianodao, making it an excellent supplement to the free content here.
Read this book to learn the whole form. And in addition to the detailed instructions for the set, the book includes a superb explanation of Qigong practice and concepts, including some of the clearest guidance I have found for beginners. This is an essential and easy introduction for the Shibashi form.
Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming
YMAA Publication Centre, 1988. 96 pages. ISBN-10: 1-886969-52-3
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is a renowned writer and teacher of Qigong, with four decades experience and a large number of publications and videos available from his organisation YMAA Publication Centre.
This particular book includes a very good and fairly easy Qigong set popularly known as Ba Duan Jin or The Eight Brocades, which is the main form I myself try to practise daily. Dr. Yang’s books are characterised by providing an in-depth theoretical background, and there is a huge amount of information snuggling within this deceptively slim volume.
The videos originally produced to accompany the practical instructions are now available as a multi-platform app, which I would highly recommend for use alongside the book itself.
Chi: Discovering Your Life Energy
Master Waysun Liao
Shambhala Publications, 2005, 2009. 156 pages. ISBN 978-1-59030-695-6
This is a little gem or a book which you will read in an afternoon, but I think it is quite brilliant, and one to come back to again and again!
In a popular writing style, the author explains in simple terms what Qi (or Chi) is, and how to connect with yours. The book also includes a photographic introduction to a simple Qigong set, which should be possible for anyone to try out. Great stuff!
DISCOVER QIGONG
Qigong and Piano Playing
Qigong practice can lead to improved physical health, mental clarity and emotional well-being. And it can also have a surprising impact on your piano playing…
Exercises & Resources
These easy stretching and breathing exercises, which draw from classic Qigong forms, support healthy piano technique, as well as offering significant general health benefits.
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