Publisher's Synopsis
Is this the right book for me?
This is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to learn the essential principles behind Tai Chi without overcomplicated instructions or confusing detail. You will learn the basic ideas and get into the Tai Chi way of thinking before picking up the 'form' and exercises through a series of simple illustrations designed for all abilities, leaving you with the perfect antidote to the stresses of 21st-century life.
Find Peace with Tai Chi includes:
Chapter 1: Background
What does 'tai chi' mean?
The tai chi form
Origins of tai chi
How long does it take to learn?
What are the benefits?
The nature of ch'i
Atmospheric ch'i
Chapter 2: Gently does it
How fast? How slow?
Breathing made visible
Practice
Getting started
Chapter 3: Tips and suggestions
Dos and don'ts
Posture
Basic stances
Getting about
Chapter 4: The form - part one
Step-by-step instructions
Chapter 5: The form - part two
Step-by-step instructions
Chapter 6: In depth
Additional notes on the movement
Test your knowledge
Chapter 7: Tai chi and health
Circulation
Breathing
Lymph
Nerves, sensations and thoughts
Food and how to deal with it
Bones
Muscles
Glands
Urinary and reproductive systems
Sex
Staying healthy
Chapter 8: Tai chi - the learning experience
Questions in class
Letters and correspondence
Chapter 9: Body, mind and spirit
Finding a teacher
Between heaven and earth
Ch'i kung
The five elements: pathways between body and mind
Taoism
Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:
Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.
Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.
Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.
Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.