The ancient art of tai chi has long-recognized benefits, which range from improved muscular strength to promoting health and longevity. Respected for centuries in China, it has established itself in the West as a simple and accessible aid to coping with the pressures of modern living. This book illustrates the popular, accessible Wu style, giving instructions on how to perform the short form with clear, step-by-step photographs. It explains the Taoist philosophy behind tai chi, and how to use energy flow and physical balance to improve practice, and includes additional sections on working with others, rooting techniques to improve balance, and relaxing and releasing exercises. With help on how to get the most from your practice, this book covers all aspects of the art, from its philosophical background, through to its many practical uses.
- A photographic guide to performing tai chi for health and peace of mind
- Includes advice on preparation, warm up, when and how to practise, and how to integrate regular tai chi into your lifestyle
- Contains a visual breakdown of the entire Wu form, with easy-to-follow instructions, and illustrations for every part of each movement
- For the more advanced practitioner there is also instruction on working with a partner, push hands exercises, and fighting without anger
- Takes tai chi into other aspects of life, with information on meditation, healthy eating and Chinese medicine.
Andrew Popovic (BSc Hons, LicAc, LLB Hons) is a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a bestselling author, and an internationally renowned teacher of Qigong and Meditation. He has over 35 years experience in the Eastern healing, martial arts, and meditation traditions. He has a Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes training in Western anatomy, physiology, pathology, and differential diagnosis. Andrew also gained first class honours in Medical Ethics as part of his Law degree (LLB Hons).
Andrew started training in oriental martial arts and meditation at the age of 15, progressing through the Japanese and Chinese martial arts traditions. In his twenties, he started learning Taoist Qigong (Energy Work), Taoist Meditation, and Taoist Healing methods alongside the Taoist martial arts of Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Ba Gua. He began to teach Taoist Energy Work and Martial Arts, as well as treat people with Qigong healing, and then progressed to studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In addition to his degree in TCM, Andrew has studied many aspects of Tibetan Medicine, including Traditional Tibetan Mantra Healing with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang.
In addition to the Eastern traditions, Andrew has also apprenticed in the native American healing traditions with tribal elders. Andrew has for many years maintained a busy clinical practice treating people using Acupuncture, Herbal formulas, and the full range of TCM modalities, as well as the latest in Western dietary and natural health science. Alongside his clinical work, Andrew coaches and teaches students from all walks of life for greater health, vitality, psycho-emotional balance, and personal development.
