{"id":1849,"date":"2011-04-16T20:51:26","date_gmt":"2011-04-17T00:51:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=1849"},"modified":"2012-01-01T18:42:29","modified_gmt":"2012-01-01T23:42:29","slug":"april-2011-book-reviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=1849","title":{"rendered":"Book Reviews-Six Healing Sounds Qigong for Children"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Six Healing Sounds Qigong for Children<\/strong><\/p>\n

by Lisa Spillane<\/em><\/p>\n

Singing Dragon, 2011; Softcover, 24 pages\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $14.95<\/p>\n

This really a quite wonderful book, written to teach the traditional Six Healing Sounds and the Inner Smile to children. From the book:<\/p>\n

Lisa and Ted show children that it’s natural to have all kinds of emotions and that they can overcome bad feelings by how they think and act. The stories show that being cruel, anxious, self-pitying or jealous makes us feel unwell but choosing to be compassionate, hopeful, brave, appreciative and generous helps us to feel good….When faced with emotional upsets, Lisa and Ted consult their “calmer minds” and choose to use the exercises and positive attitudes to make themselves feel better…Over time these exercises help children to be more optimistic and open to new experiences because they will be building confidence in their coping skills.<\/p>\n

Illustrated in bright colors and written so that a child can understand and follow the directions, this book is a welcome addition to the field of qigong for children, a growing and important field.<\/p>\n

[Reviewed by Solala Towler]<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong>The Hut Beneath the Pine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tea Poems <\/strong><\/p>\n

by Daniel Skatch-Mills; <\/em>Softcover, 75 pages\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0$12<\/p>\n

This book really captures the essence of the Dao of Tea. It reflects years of both tea drinking and wandering on the Way. I love how, in simple and elegant phrases, the author is able to convey so much of these ancient and timeless pastime.<\/p>\n

Here’s one:<\/p>\n

The person awakened to the Dao<\/em>
\nis <\/strong>like a good pot of tea\u2014<\/em>
\nstrong, but not biting,<\/em>
\nsmooth, but not weak,<\/em>
\nshe brings people together,<\/em>
\npermeates the entire room with fragrance<\/em>
\nwithout even trying,<\/em>
\ne <\/strong>mbodies the One Source that fills<\/em>
\nan infinite variety of cups.<\/em>
\nThis is why people relax in her presence:<\/em>
\nbecause she brings what’s been<\/em>
\ngathered on the heights<\/em>
\ndown to where people can taste it;<\/em>
\npours herself freely into emptiness,<\/em>
\nwhich is why those around her<\/em>
\nexperience being filled.<\/em>
\n <\/strong>Ask, and she’s tell you<\/em>
\nher job is easy.<\/em>
\nShe simply lets whatever comes<\/em>
\nbrew into what it is.<\/em><\/p>\n

There are many more like that. This is a great book to sit down with over a cup of tea and perhaps a good friend to share the poems with.<\/p>\n

One more:<\/p>\n

Tao is the flow of nature<\/em>
\npouring into and out of form.<\/em>
\nTea is the flow of nature<\/em>
\npouring into and out of your cup.<\/em>
\n <\/strong>Tea is the Tao in disguise.<\/em>
\nTao is what gives rise<\/em>
\nto everything\u2014drink and drinker,<\/em>
\nthe cup and the cup’s emptiness.<\/em>
\nStraining thoughts from your mind<\/em>
\nand words from your tongue,<\/em>
\ncan you savor the One Taste?<\/em><\/p>\n

[Reviewed by Solala Towler]<\/em><\/p>\n


\n<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Heal Yourself with Qigong<\/strong><\/p>\n

by Suzanne B. Friedman, L.Ac. DMQ( China)<\/p>\n

$19.95 Softcover 186 pp.<\/p>\n

New Harbinger Publications, Inc.\u00a0 CA (2009)<\/p>\n

The author is an acupuncturist, herbalist and doctor of medical qigong therapy. She is the Chair of the Medical Qigong Department at the Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, California. In addition, Ms. Friedman is a featured columnist in Qi \u2013The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health & Fitness with her column \u201cAsk the Doctor\u201d where she answers questions on TCM modalities for various ailments.<\/p>\n

In this book, the author strives to make qigong work in a one\u2019s life.\u00a0 She teaches what she practices by explaining how to empower people to take attentive care for all aspects of their being.\u00a0 The essence of what she is attempting to inform people about can be summarized as follows; \u201cI have come to understand that some of the deepest and most effective healing is not found at a doctor\u2019s office or a hospital, but rather from inside ourselves.\u00a0 Our bodies are designed for self healing and we are capable of both boosting and blocking that ability. It takes literally only minutes a day to calm the mind and restore and revitalize our energy and this book will show you how to do that.\u201d(p<\/em>.5)<\/p>\n

This is not a book detailing qigong theory or history<\/strong>.\u00a0 It is designed to give people a straight forward approach to qigong exercises that can be made a part of their busy work schedules.\u00a0 The basics for doing qigong exercises are explained such as proper time to practice or not practice, attire, posture,\u00a0 mental intention, and proper breathing. The book is illustrated with excellent drawings and step by step instructions for each exercise.\u00a0 Early in the book, the author provides 20 exercises designed to give instant energy boosts.\u00a0 These exercises include breathing exercises to calm the mind,\u00a0 relax muscle tension, use of massage techniques to alleviate tension,\u00a0 acupoint tapping to improve energy flow, healing sounds for balancing and strengthening various meridian systems, exercises to loosen, and strengthen\u00a0 the knees, wrist, lower\u00a0 back , neck , shoulder and spinal column.<\/p>\n

The reader is then asked to take an honest assessment of his or her\u2019s physical health. Specific qigong exercises self-message and issuing healing sounds can be selected to deal with specific issues that one has.\u00a0 The reader is advised that these exercises are not a substitute for medical advice and treatment, and that one should check with their medical advisor before beginning a new exercise routine. Some of the health issues addressed are digestion, heart function, detoxification (liver function), respiration and immune function, kidney function, sinusitis, hypertension, headaches and back or menstrual pain. Nausea, anxiety, bowel function, insomnia and weight loss exercises are included as well.<\/p>\n

As part of the mind, body and spirit connection, the author goes on to provide exercises to deal with emotional stress, anger, anxiety, grief, sadness, focus and concentration and centering. Many of these exercises include meditative visualizations. The author concludes the book with a chapter devoted to calming the spirit.\u00a0 Exercises include grounding the mind and body, gathering yin and yang qi, and spontaneous qigong.\u00a0 In addition, meditative visualizations to get in touch with the inner self are described including the only mantra practice in the entire book.<\/p>\n

The book ends with the following \u201cWhere the mind goes, the qi follows. If you focus your attention and intention during an exercise, your body\u2019s energy will respond accordingly. Above all else, you should enjoy your practice.\u00a0 Health and healing come quicker with a smile than with a furrowed brow! May your qigong practice bring you double happiness.\u201d <\/em>In conclusion, I feel this book offers many easy to follow qigong practices to help an individual deal with specific health issues, maintain a good energy balance and be able to fit chosen practices into their schedule. The instructions are easy to follow, the illustrations helpful and the words encouraging.<\/p>\n

[Reviewed by Sal Casano,\u00a0 Ph.D.\u00a0 RN]<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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