The Pain-Free Back: 54 Simple Qigong Movements for Healing and Prevention

by Jwing-Ming Yang Ph.D.

Overview

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, nearly 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives. For many, the condition progresses to the point where they will have to manage pain for years to come. Some will have little choice but to rely on prescription medication.

But for the millions of others with back pain, there is hope. By committing to a series of simple exercises, we can remain loose and flexible. We can prevent and heal injuries to maintain a strong, healthy back.

Motion is the key, and in this book Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming will get you moving. You will regain natural, pain-free motion and balance with qigong, a timeless Chinese art that promotes healing, flexibility, and balance. The gentle, meditative movements emphasize proper motion in coordination with breath, making qigong the right choice for preventing, treating, and healing back pain.

This book presents 54 movements to help you loosen, stretch, strengthen, heal and maintain a strong back for a lifetime.

You will learn

• What qigong is and why it is a good choice for healing and maintaining a healthy back
• 3 back-loosening movements
• 12 back-stretching movements
• 30 back-healing movements
• 7 movements for immediate relief
• 2 back-strengthening movements
• A great regimen for keeping your back healthy.

Many people rely on acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, and even surgery. By committing to a simple qigong practice, you can begin to take care of your own back, with less reliance on others.

Pain-free motion is the goal, and qigong movements will help you accomplish that goal.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594395376
Publisher:	YMAA Publication Center
Publication date:	09/01/2017
Pages:	214
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming started his Gongfu training at the age of 15 under the Shaolin White Crane Master Cheng, Gin Gsao. Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts. With the same master he also studied Qin Na, Tui Na and Dian Xue massages, and herbal treatment.

At the age of 16, Dr. Yang began the study of Taijiquan under Master Kao, Tao. Dr. Yang's tai chi can be traced back to the Yang family through Master Kao's teacher Yue, Huanzhi, an indoor disciple of Yang, Chengfu.

After learning from Master Kao, Dr. Yang continued his study and research of Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-man fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong.

Dr. Yang has been involved in Chinese Gongfu since 1961. During this time, he has spent 13 years learning Shaolin White Crane, Shaolin Long Fist, and Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has more than thirty years of instructional experience.

Table of Contents

How to use this book Understanding Our Back Introduction Anatomical Structure of Our Back The Qi Network in Our Back What are the Possible Causes of Back Pain? Introduction The Different Possible Causes of the Back Pain How Does the Western Medicine Treat Back Pain? Introduction Western Medical Treatments Suggestions from Western Doctors How do the Chinese Treat Back Pain? Introduction General Chinese Treatments for Back Pain How Can Qigong Cure Back Pain? Qigong for Back Pain Introduction Important Training Keys Qigong Exercises for Back Pain

Editorial Reviews

Easy-to-follow exercises make this an invaluable book for those who seek a path to healing.
Back pain is a common occurrence that frustrates and limits many people. It can be extremely debilitating, with causes that are not always understood and treatments that are often not effective. In The Pain-Free Back: 54 Simple Qigong Movements for Healing and Prevention, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming shares information on the causes and treatments of back pain from both Western and Eastern perspectives as well as a series of exercises to improve back function and eliminate pain through the manipulation of qi.
The book starts with a fascinating explanation of the Chinese approach to medicine and to back pain specifically. This is a general introduction that will be new to many Westerners, and it offers unique insight into the concept of health and well-being in Chinese culture. The book then goes into the various causes of back pain, compares how the Chinese address back pain with how it is treated in the West, and explains how qigong can be used to treat back pain. After describing the various exercises, it concludes with a glossary of Chinese terms and an extensive list of the author’s other publications.
Perhaps because the spine is central to all of the functions of the human body, this book shares information on qigong practice that is incredibly complex, with details about the eight vessels and the twelve channels through which qi moves and about the anatomical structure of the back and spine. There is also a brief explanation of how the central nervous system functions. Though this material is a little intimidating, Yang’s explanations are very straightforward, and the information is necessary to understand how and why the suggested exercises work.
The exercises offered here are gentle and intended to be done with mindfulness and while relaxed. The author explains Qigong teaches you how to regulate the mind to a calm, profound, and concentrated meditative state. It also teaches you how to use your regulated mind in coordination with deep breathing to lead the qi circulating in your body.
This practice is bound to appeal to those who live with pain. The exercises are carefully and thoroughly explained; black-and-white photographs show each motion, with helpful arrows illustrating how to move.
The Pain-Free Back offers hope for relief to anyone who has ever suffered from back pain. The straightforward yet thoughtful presentation of information, coupled with easy-to-follow exercises, makes this an invaluable book for those who seek a path to healing beyond what standard Western therapies have to offer. It also serves as a solid introduction to qigong practice, which may be helpful in others aspects of healing.

Foreword Reviews, June 12, 2017 - Catherine Thureson