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Qigong

This is the recommended order for your study and practice of qigong. It is not intended as a mandatory progression curriculum. For example:

• If you are a beginner and have elected to use qigong to deal with back pain, simply choose that product as your starting point.
• If you are looking for a qigong routine to maintain or improve overall health with a simple qigong routine, start with Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health.
• If you have previous qigong experience, or are an intellectually inclined beginner, choose The Root of Chinese Qigong, or the first in the DVD series Understanding Qigong.

We hope this list is helpful. Your feedback is welcome (see comment box at bottom of page). Contact us anytime with questions about YMAA products.

Basic

The ancient Chinese art of Qi • Gong (pronounced chee • gung) means "energy practice". Basic qigong involves simple movements and breathing exercises. Qigong can also include massage and meditation. It is known to improve your general health and increase your energy, and it offers exercises for healing common ailments. If you are seeking a more strenuous workout, you might be interested in Tai Chi, or intermediate-level qigong (shown below)..

Title	Book	DVD
1. Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health (book and DVD sold separately) This set is perfect for beginners. Using the book and/or DVD you can learn and follow along with these eight movements. If you are interested in improving your health right away with a simple program, this is the best place to start.
2. Qigong for Health and Martial Arts (book) This book offers an overview of Qigong theory as it pertains to health and martial arts study. It gives basic exercises and a basic introduction to TCM concepts.
3. Simple Qigong for Back Pain Relief (book and DVD sold separately) If you need help with relieving non-surgical back pain, and healing the problem at its root, this book and DVD has the exercises and qigong massage techniques you need.
4. Simple Qigong for Arthritis Relief (book and DVD sold separately) If you need help with relieving early stages of common types of arthritis and healing the problem at its root, this book and DVD has the exercises and qigong massage techniques you need.
5. The Root of Chinese Qigong (book) This award-winning book offers a complete overview (birds-eye-view) of the history and theory of Qigong in detail.
6. Qigong for Treating Common Ailments (book) A technical guide to using medical qigong for healing specific problems, with exact treatments, including qigong for headaches, the common cold, and more.
7. Qigong for Healing DVD (DVD) YMAA Qigong Instructor Lisa B. O'Shea teaches Qi Healing for Self and Partner. Learn to sense and remove blockages. Includes Rising Lotus qigong form. Beginner-friendly.
8. Qigong for Longevity (DVD) The daily qigong regimen of Dr. Yang's 80-year old teacher! Learn 12 seated qigong exercises to be active and energized for many years to come.
9. Understanding Qigong (DVD series) Dr. Yang offers a complete home-study course on detailed qigong theory, with modern Western scientific data to support his theory. Six DVDs in this series: DVD 1. What is Qigong? DVD 2. Qigong Key Points DVD 3. Embryonic Breathing DVD 4. Four Seasons Qigong DVD 5. Small Circulation DVD 6. Qigong for Martial Arts

Intermediate

Intermediate-level qigong can be more physically strenuous, and is usually practiced for a longer duration. It also involves more study of traditional Chinese medicine theory and the body's energetic circulatory system, the same as is used in acupuncture. At this level of practice, a practitioner should experience vigorous health and abundant energy. This qigong can make the body highly energized and prepared for martial arts or meditation.

Title	Book	DVD
10. Five Animal Sports Qigong (DVD) Once you've learned some basic qigong movements and theory, this 1,800 year old set is a great way to deepen your practice and understanding with more strenuous exercises designed to help your body adjust to the change of seasons.
11. Qigong Massage (book and DVD sold separately) Qigong massage is the root of deep tissue massage, such as Shiatsu. This program includes self-massage and massage for a partner.
12. Natural Healing with Qigong (book) Therapeutic Qigong is a form of medical qigong that was created in the early 1970's, by Dr. Zhuang Yuanmin and other expert Chinese Medical Doctors at the University of Sports Medicine in Shanghai China.
13. The Essence of Shaolin White Crane (book) and Shaolin White Crane Hard and Soft Qigong DVD sold separately. Martial arts qigong theory and exercises will build robust health and longevity, by focusing on the spine and torso to develop a strong, flexible body.
14. Qigong Meditation - Embryonic Breathing (book) To reach the goal of advanced longevity and spiritual enlightenment, the first step is to understand the theory and the method of Embryonic Breathing. This is prerequisite to Small and Grand Circulation Qigong.

Advanced

Advanced qigong involves developing the body's energy to a very high capacity, and leading it throughout specific meridians to profoundly transform the physical body, and to strive toward enlightenment in advanced meditation practice. This level of qigong should be trained under the guidance of a qualified master. These books and videos offer a detailed guide of the theory and offer ways to train safely.

Title	Book	DVD
15. Qigong Meditation - Small Circulation (book) Small Circulation Meditation builds the body from weak to strong and trains the mind to be calm and focused. Dr. Yang presents a modern method for learning small circulation safely. Includes scientific analysis, translation and commentary of ancient documents, and a summary of the practice methods.
16. Qigong- The Secret of Youth, Dao Mo's Muscle Tendon and Marrow Brain Washing Classic (book) Using ancient Buddhist and Daoist documents as its foundation, this book discusses the theory & training methods in a modern, scientific manner. An invaluable guide for advanced qigong practitioners.

There are several other titles which can compliment your study of Qigong theory, including:

• Qigong - Six Healing Movements
• Qigong for Living
• Qigong for Women