The Secret of Everlasting Life is the first translation from the Chinese of the second-century Can Tong Qi. This ancient work, the earliest known text on transformation and immortality, echoes the wisdom and poetry of both the Tao Te Ching and I Ching. The Can Tong Qi is also the ancestral text of all Qi Gong exercises in China. This translation reveals for the first time the meditation methods practised for thousands of years by Taoist sages. Presented here with its original Chinese commentaries, the Can Tong Qi is full of practical information and advice about the process of human transformation and how to nurture and develop the natural life-energy within us. Richard Bertschinger's additional commentary explains the intricacies of Chinese allegory and symbolism for the Western reader. This book is an insightful read for anyone interested in Taoist thought, Chinese philosophy and culture, or Chinese medicine.

In this Tang Classic text from the 9th Century, Daoist practitioner Shi Jianwu describes how through adapting our own breathing to the breath of the universe and daily meditation, one can develop an astral body and 'transcend earthly matters to walk in the divine'. Richard Bertschinger offers the first annotated English language translation of this text with practical guidance for Qigong, meditative practice and personal development. With elements of Daoist tradition and drawing on Mayahana Buddhist influences, this ancient guide aims to bring to the fore perceptions and focus on a natural form of breathing for pure meditation. Much of this Chinese practice has been misunderstood and lost over the years, until now. Richard's thoughtful translation and additional comments serve to distribute Shi Jianwu's original message with open interpretations for the individual reader.

In this selection of core texts, Richard Bertschinger presents a commentary and translation of the key writings for students and practitioners of Chinese medicine in the 21st century from the ancient, definitive set of books on Chinese medicine, the Huangdi Neijing or 'the Yellow Emperor's Medical Classic'. Bertschinger selects the key sections of the long and often impenetrable Huangdi Neijing that are vital for students and practitioners to know and understand for practice today, and provides an accessible view of these fundamental writings which remain central to all traditional approaches to medicine in China. Taking eminent Ming doctor and scholar Li Zhongzi's selection of texts as a basis, he also includes a number of additional texts from the Huangdi Neijing on topics such as the spirit in treatment, a resonance with nature, the art of needling, and the Five Elemental body and personality types, thus ensuring the relevance of this core set of information for students and practitioners of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine today.

Songs and rhymes have been used by physicians for centuries in China as a means of memorising and passing on methods of practice and behaviour, moral attitudes, effective points, diagnostic tips and rules of thumb. These newly translated poems offer a rich insight into the life and thought of these skilled doctors, as well as practical indications for treatment. Contemporary acupuncturists can see from these poems the depths of the tradition, better understand a breadth of diagnostic skills and treatment planning, and as a result greatly improve their appreciation of intent within their own practice. The poems also serve as a gentle introduction to the philosophy behind acupuncture practice. This is the first translation of these acupuncture odes, songs and rhymes from the Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion compiled by the Chinese physician Yang Jizhou during late Ming China. The book includes a comprehensive introduction that places the work in historical, cultural, and medical context, a symptom index, a point index glossary and a list of helpful points for common signs and symptoms encountered in acupuncture and physiotherapy clinics.

Early-stage Qigong practitioners often find it difficult to establish a daily Qigong practice. This useful handbook teaches simple Qigong exercises that can be easily practised in the home every day. The book provides guidance for a series of warm-ups and exercises which are easy to learn, very effective and all based on ancient and traditional practice. These include refreshing Early Morning Meditations; the classic Eight-Sectioned Brocade; the dynamic Three Circles Posture; the Ten Aggrievement Exercises, which are great for combating bad moods; and the Three Lowerings, an exercise for sound sleep; as well as Rubbing Exercises, self-massage for combating stiffness, aches and pains. The author offers advice throughout on important points to remember when practising Qigong at home and how to deal with any problems that arise in a straightforward and relaxed manner. Suitable for young and old, this introduction to classic Qigong for daily practice translates the traditional Chinese teaching expressions into English that reflects the multi-layered meaning of the original; intuitively grasped, meaning deepens on reflection. The meditations and exercises will be particularly healing for those recovering from illness.