Daoist body cultivation : traditional models and contemporary practices /

Edited by a renowned scholar of Daoism, this work is a collaborative effort between scholars of Daoism and recognized teacher-practitioners to provide a thorough overview and introduction to various Daoist traditions of bodily practice. Each chapter succinctly provides readers with both philosophical and practical overviews of bodily cultivation techniques and sets them in context, referring to major texts, traditions, and the historical development of specific practices. The book effectively provides a clear and useful overview of the major body practices in Daoism, including acupuncture, breathing practices, diet, Qi (Chi) absorption, the physical exercises of Daoyin and a comparison between Daoyin and Yoga, sexual alchemy, Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan), and Qigong (Chi Gong, Chi Kung). Contributors discuss both traditional and contemporary Daoist teachings and texts, and the bibliographies lead readers to important scholarly texts, as well as works that are influential within the community of practitioners. Similar to Kohn's Health and Long Life the Chinese Way (CH, Oct'05, 43-0977), this new work is a good introduction not only for scholars and academic students of Chinese traditions, but also for people investigating these traditions for personal purposes. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Lower-/upper-level undergraduates, practitioners, and general readers. G. J. Reece American University