The traditional arts of Taijiquan and Qi Gong are sophisticated expressions of Chinese martial. health and spiritual culture. Rooted in China's ancient past they are still practised by many people in China today to achieve good health, mental well-being and a long and active life; commonly called `Eternal Spring'. This book, written for a Western audience, explains the essential theories and strategies of Taijiquan and Qi Gong in an insightful and accessible way. It expounds their value in our daily lives as a most effective means of combating the stresses, strains and illnesses that are now so much a part of our modern lifestyle and positions these two disciplines as the most comprehensive strategies for health, happiness and rejuvenation currently available. Michael W. Acton guides the reader through core concepts with an insight and wisdom borne out of many years of practice, study and teaching. Contents Acknowledgements. To the Reader. Preface. Introduction. 1. Qi Gong and Taijiquan. 2. Nourishing Life and Eternal Spring. 3. Self Cultivation and the Natural State. 4. Essence, Energy and Spirit. 5. An Ordinary Life. 6. Body, Breath and Mind. 7. Stillness and Movement. 8. The Small Universe. 9. Disharmony, Thieves, Hooligans, Influences and Common Sense. 10. Cultivating Energy. 11. Mobilizing Energy. 12. Taiji Boxing. 13. So Where Are You Now? 14. Experience Qi Gong. Reviews 'As a traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner myself, I highly recommend this book for those who want to understand the relation between Traditional Chinese Medicine and the arts of qigong and taijiquan... In conclusion, this is a book which is well worth reading for anyone seriously interested in qigong and/or taijiquan.' - Ken Morgan, Medical Qigong Education Centre 'After reading the first few chapters, I stood in the middle of my living-room for five minutes with Acton's words to guide me and suddenly, as I began to actually FEEL the subtle currents of energy move within me, I began, at long last, to understand what Qi Gong is really all about.' - GreenSpirit 'The Traditional arts of Taijiquan and Qi Gong are sophisticated expressions of Chinese martial arts, health and spiritual culture. This book explains the essential theories of these disciplines. The book is useful to anyone already on this path or who is interested in self development,health and well being or the fascinating philosophy and ideas that underpin these traditional Chinese disciplines.' - Yoga Mind Body Spirit, September 2009 'If you've heard about the health-giving benefits of the ancient Chinese martial arts Tajiquan and Qi Gong, but did'nt know where to start, Michael Acton has provided a perfect guide for the Western reader.' - Australlian Natural Health 'This book, written for a Western audience, explains the essential theories and strategies for Taijiquan and Qi Gong in an accessible way. Michael W Acton, guides the reader through core concepts with an insight borne out of many years of practice, study and teaching.' - ICBN Institute for Complementary and Natural Medicine Author information Michael W. Acton is Founder and Senior Instructor of the Wu Shi Taiji Quan and Qi Gong Association UK. He has been training for over 30 years and is the sole representative of Dr Li Li-Qun, a fourth generation Wu Style Taiji Quan master and a leading Qi Gong master, who, now in his 80s, is one of China's leading exponents in both disciplines. Michael is currently based in Bath, UK.