Description
In the days before gunpowder, Iron Shirt Chi Kung was one of the principal martial arts, which built powerful bodies able to withstand hand-to-hand combat. Even then, however, martial use was only one aspect of Iron Shirt and today its other aspects remain vitally significant for anyone seeking better health, a sane mind and spiritual growth. “Iron Shirt” refers to the fact that its unique system of breathing exercises, which permanently pack concentrated air into the fasciae (connective tissues) surrounding the vital organs, make them nearly impervious to injuries from accidents or blows. We also learn how to root ourselves in the earth’s power and thus to direct the earth’s gravitational and healing power through our bone structure. Iron Shirt’s strengthening of the organs is of special interest to athletes and performers, for it teaches them how to increase the performance of the organs during sports, speech, singing, dancing and playing music. For the Taoist masters, all this in turn lays the groundwork for higher, spiritual work. Every step of the way is made clear in the numerous line illustrations of Juan Li.
Master Mantak Chia, born in Thailand, comes from the ancient lineage of Taoist Masters, extirpated in communist China and now existing in dwindling numbers among the Overseas Chinese. He also has a Western education in anatomy and physiology. Now in Thailand, he has developed a clear and practical way of teaching this ancient wisdom, much of it hitherto kept secret. He is also the author of Awakening Healing Energy, Taoist Secrets of Love, Taoist Ways to Transform Stress into Vitality, and Chi Self-Massage.
