The Way of Energy: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi

A recognized master of Tai Chi gives step-by-step instructions on the ancient art of Chi Kung--Chinese medicine in a physical form. Readers discover how practicing Chi Kung can prevent and treat a wide range of ailments, strengthen the immune system, improve concentration and memory, regenerate the nervous system and more. 10 full-color photographs; 90 two-color illustrations.

Master Lam Kam Chuen is a recognized master of the arts of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, and a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. He was born in Hong Kong shortly after World War II and at a very early age began training in Chinese martial arts.

Studying under masters such as Lung Tse Chung and Yim Sheung Mo (both of whom were disciples of Ku Yue Chang, known throughout China as "The King of Iron Palm"), he was trained in Choy Lee Fut, Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Iron Palm, as well as Tai Chi.

He then studied Chinese medicine, becoming a qualified bonesetter and herbalist, and opened a school and clinic in Hong Kong. He also undertook the study of Chi Kung, a system for the cultivation of internal energy in the body. Using his medical skills and his knowledge of Chi Kung he began to develop a new form of Tai Chi, now known as Lam Style Tai Chi.

Master Lam came to the West in 1976 when he became the first Tai Chi instructor appointed to teach in the Inner London Education Authority. In 1987 he gave the first European demonstration of the art of Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung, which he studied in Beijing under Professor Yu Yong Nian, the world's leading authority. He now teaches and practices medicine at The Lam Clinic in London's Chinatown.

Following the widely acclaimed BBC series, The Way of the Warrior, Master Lam was invited to act as consultant to the sequel publication, The Way of Harmony. This was followed by his ground-breaking work published by Gaia Books, The Way of Energy, introducing the Zhan Zhuang system of "Standing Like a Tree".

Contents

How to Use this Book

Foreword

Introduction

Part One

Chapter 1 Learning to Stand

Chapter 2 Breathing and Relaxing

Chapter 3 Internal Movement

Part Two

Chapter 4 Preparing for Energy

Chapter 5 Growing Like a Tree

Part Three

Chapter 6 Roots and Branches

Chapter 7 Going Beyond

Part Four

Chapter 8 Energy in Daily Life

Chapter 9 The Life Cycle

Chapter 10 Taking Care of Yourself

Index

Acknowledgements, Resources, and Bibliography