The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'Ai Chi and Qigong: Illustrated [With DVD]

Stress at work. Find yourself sitting in front of the television all weekend. Turning into a zombie? Been there, done that. Let me clarify this: I've never been 'up' on the Eastern arts, and until I picked up this book, I had no clue about Eastern Medicine. As a 'good Christian boy', that sounded a bit outside my realm. But, after reading Mr. Douglas' book and watching hte included DVD, I must say that I have fallen for Tai Chi and Qi-Gong 100% !!! The breathing techniques you learn early on help tremendously, especially when done daily. Now that I've read the book, I have been actively seeking a Tai Chi class here in my hometown. Easy to read and simple to follow, Mr. Douglas presents Tai Chi in a way that anyone could understand. Oh, and if you have physical limitations, DO NOT WORRY! Mr. Douglas includes information that demonstrates how you can participate in Tai Chi, too!

I teach a college t'ai chi class, and I always recommend this book to my students. It's easy to read, fun, and jammed full of interesting and useful insights. Don't let the title put you off. It's not just for dummies! The author promotes several styles of t'ai chi and gives information that covers a broad scope of t'ai chi forms. Highly recommended.

I have been interested in Tai Chi and QiGong for many years. I found all of the books interesting but just could not get myself to follow through. This book is fun to read, very motivating and you REALLY do feel a difference. I have found the Sitting QiGong a wonder after work. I wish I could give it more stars!!!!! Hope he writes more books.

As both a student and teacher of the Martial Arts, I understand how difficult and baffling some of these concepts can be. I understand how intimidating it can be for the beginner to seek out safe and credible instruction, especially women. And, to be honest, I know how difficult it is to find a "sense of humor" in such a traditionally austere atmosphere. As a Registered Nurse in an urban emergency department, I also know how timely and practical these practices are for our health and well being in today's heath care crisis. For these reasons and quite a few more The Idiot's Guide to Tai Chi and QI Gong is an incredible book and an important one. Mr. Douglas has achieved what I believe to be the desire of every good teacher: to simplify and convey extremely difficult information accurately. He gives the reader an excellent sense of what Tai Chi/Qi Gong is and how it works. He gives solid advice on evaluating a teacher and how to get started in a class. Many of the questions commonly asked by students are very clearly addressed and answered. And because of his methodical approach (and tons of pictures) this book is also perfect for people who have limited time or opportunity but might want to explore these practices on their own. The fact that he accomplished this with a good sense of humor is only icing on the cake. After years of reading the "traditional" texts, this book was a delightful breath of fresh air. He has achieved for Qi Gong what Apple did for the computer. He's brought it to the people. Anyone interested can now "get it" and have a good laugh too. Mr. Douglas' book is a great place to start for the beginner as well as an excellent place for "seasoned vets" to check in on simplicity. In fact, teachers may find this an excellent manual "on how to explain these concepts to the general public", and may also find that by referring students to the book as a primer, the students may be more likely to stick with their T'ai Chi classes, and be more relaxed and easier to teach. It is perfect for people who might have health problems and believe Martial Arts are only for the strong or the fit. Most importantly, it is an excellent way to help anyone develop a "Tai Chi" relationship with themselves and their world. R Poccia,Beyond Anonymous