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

Registered Tai Chi Chuan Instructor - TCUGB
Instructor - Northern Wu Style Tai Ji Quan Global Association

The Way of Energy is really two books for the price of one as Lam Kam Chuen teaches readers the distinct Ba Duan Jin and Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung systems.

Lam teaches a version of the Ba Duan Jin, or Eight Pieces of Brocade, as a complementary exercise to his Zhan Zhuang. Lam's rationale is that the Eight Pieces will help to improve the body's ability to handle increased chi flow resulting from Zhan Zhuang practice.

Lam doesn't identify the location of the chi meridians that will be enhanced by each Brocade but he does describe the specific benefit of each exercise. Furthermore, Lam gives basic and advanced versions of each Brocade so that levels of difficulty and capability are balanced.

Lam's Zhan Zhuang system comes from the lineage of the famous martial artist Wang Xiang Zhai and in "The Way" Lam shares teachings from Wang's original (Chinese) manuscripts.

Lam teaches the five basic Zhan Zhuang postures with clear illustrations, photos and descriptions. Typical physical reactions are also documented.

Lam goes on to teach progressively more difficult Zhan Zhuang postures and practices together with "mentality exercises" to derive further benefits.

Lam also describes the use of Zhan Zhuang in daily life and includes exercise regimes for various ailments.

The book is beautifully illustrated. In addition to drawings and photos relating to the Chi Kung there are many uplifting photographs of trees accompanied by relevant poetry.

I bought this book almost 20 years ago. Since then "The Way of Energy" has rightly become a modern classic. It is still as useful and important today as it was when first published. Lam is to be admired for sharing his Chi Kung so openly and empowering his readers to take positive and personal action to improve their own health.

This book is a very highly recommended buy.