The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi

I have to say that this book is super informative, felt sacred to read, and is a great resource for the beginner Qi Gong student to the advanced. It felt sacred while reading and has helped me to develop a stronger relationship with the Qi. I use it as a teaching tool as well. I highly recommend it!

I approached this book as a novice and not as a member of the choir to whom the author is preaching. I've been doing QiGong on a daily basis for some time using a DVD by Daisy and Francesco Garripoli. I've found Qigong to be enjoyable and relaxing. If done well it approaches an art form which adds to the interest. I use Qigong as part of a healthy life style, which includes; some Tai Chi, aerobic activities, good diet and maintenance of proper weight (possibly the most important factor of all).Given the title, and having read the book, I ask myself now why I bought it. The answer is simple curiosity. The idea of chi being defined as a life force was believable. I would prefer to define it as the indefinable something that explains the difference between life and death. It makes sense that your life force will be improved by maintaining a healthy body; if, in fact, it exists in a state other than "on" or "off". Some of the discussion of ones' mental state, and modification thereof appears beneficial. I have a problem when the author delves deeply into the alleged spiritual aspects of chi. There is never a mention of God, but the concepts smack of what I'd call a "nature cult".Being completely healthy I have no need or compelling reason to believe the medical claims of chi or Qigong. Given that, I read the medical information with a critical eye. The fact that guided physical movements are beneficial is not a revelation of the Chinese. Physical therapy is used for a variety of problems with great success. Using qigong or any form of exercise that tones the entire body makes a great deal of sense, as any doctor will tell you. A healthy body is less prone to disease.The book has a number of good ideas at a rational level that are worthwhile. I especially like the concept of Yin and Yang. It is an interesting way to look at the many things, often conflicting, in one's life and provides some understanding and balance.This is not the book to buy if you are interested in physical qigong. There is precious little in the book. A good DVD works. Qigong figures are simpler than Tai Chi and can be learned from a DVD. Of course, a good teacher would be the best choice.Other than the philosophical differnce my biggest criticism of the book is that it is too long. The author uses repetition and word volume to explain his esoteric concepts.Other than the above, the book is well written and referenced. At one point the author does provide some very practical advice; i.e., see a medical doctor for a physical problem and a psychiatrist for a mental problem.

I have only recently begun reading about, and practicing, chi gong. I like the practice of chi gong (Qigong) because it is much easier than learning tai chi and just as beneficial.I have a couple of DVDs which show one how to do basic exercises of chi gong and a couple of books. I am practicing almost daily and noticing little changes in myself, mainly being more aware of my breathing. These DVDS and books ones are a bit simple and did not answer some of the questions that came up for me. So I bought Jahnke's book based on reading a bit of it and all the reviews. After reading the first few pages, I turned to Chapter 15 which contains guidelines for practice. Gone were the "rules" like, repeat certain exercises 9 times or, practice at a certain time of day. These could be important for an intermediate or advanced practitioner but not for a beginner. In the beginning, it is enough to do the best you can with each exercise, try to get the breathing right and keep practicing. And there is no such thing as "no pain, no gain." In fact, he stresses NOT to do anything that is at all painful, even mildly so. He also stresses the great variability and styles of chi gong and that you're not committing a crime by doing an exercise "wrong" or differently than someone else does.Now that I'm clearer on the basics, I'm reading the rest of the book and am quite happy with the level of detail - it doesn't seem "bloated" as one reviewer put it. I think that if it's not already, this book is destined to be a classic English language introduction to chi, chi gong and tai chi.

Master Jahnke is has taken a mysterious internal art that has been shrouded in secrecy for thousands of years and distilled it into a common sense applicability to everyday life. I have had the opportunity to learn and grow under the teachings of Dr. Jahnke and have traveled to the area of China, the "Cradle of Daoism" with he and a group of his students to become immersed in the culture and areas where this began eons ago. Now a teacher myself, I often refer to the Healing Promise of Qi to teach my own students in these same practices. For me, this is a "go to" book. Roger is as inspiriting in person as he is in the book, and his love for the practices of Qigong, Taiji and of Chinese culture is evident whether you have the opportunity to meet him in person, or read his words in a book. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to enhance their life, or to heal it.

Roger Jahnke would never refer to himself as a master, but i respect, appreciate, and *believe* in his sincerity and commitment to the art enough to refer to him as such. i honestly can't say enough about this book. it's the simplest and clearest book i've ever read on the subject (and i have read more than 2 dozen), yet its content is thorough and comprehensive to the point that i now use this as my standard textbook for my qigong students.he put into 1 book what it took me years to gather and distill from numerous teachers and books, and he did a better job of integrating it all into a useable (and changeable) framework.what puts this book over the top for me is his beautiful, almost lyrical, storytelling ability. it really makes the book a pleasurable read, especially in the middle section of the book devoted to the 10 phases of Qi cultivation.reading this book gave me faith in the power and development of qigong right here in this country. i trully believe that one no longer has to travel to china in order to learn and experience the greatest depths of this internal art. it's here now!i've never met Master Jahnke, but i certainly hope to someday. and even if i never do get the opportunity to meet him, i will always consider him one of my best teachers.

A fresh approach to Qigong and Tai Chi

Written in an easy to understand style and with kindness and compassion. I've read quite a few books about Qi but this one feels like the least 'clever' and the most 'honest'.

very informative insight and correct, It has helped me move on with my qi development

Thank you

Great book. Very informative and instructive. Interesting and enjoyable to read. Love it.