For over 2,000 years, the Chinese have been experts at maintaining health and extending longevity. Their methods, documented in ancient manuscripts, medical textbooks, and self-cultivation manuals, form a multi-layered yet integrated system of personalised health care that is of increasing value in the West as our population ages and technology increases the speed and stresses of our life. A powerful presentation of Chinese health practices, this unique work brings together the wide variety of Chinese medical and spiritual methods in one integrated volume. It provides not only a basic description, but also discusses relationship of Chinese healing to contemporary Western science and religious Daoism. Health & Long Life begins with a survey of the basic concepts of Chinese medicine, followed by a presentation of clinical and contemporary practice in various countries. A third part deals with ways of balancing qi, such as Feng Shui, diets, and sexual practices, while the last section presents a well-informed discussion of self-cultivation methods. Chapters are short and include suggestd further readings. The text is easy to read, contains numerous charts and illustrations, and is enriched by various exercises that encourage readers to examine certain topics in more detail and reflect on their own practices and attitudes. Health & Long Life is ideal for anyone interested in Chinese healing and self-cultivation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the practices in both modern and traditional terms. Clearly structured and simply presented, it is also the perfect textbook in classes on Chinese medicine, religion, and culture. Anyone interested to learn about the body and health from an alternative perspective will find a treasure trove and learn numerous methods to achieve balance and harmony into high old age. 'This work is brilliant. Besides colleges using it as a textbook, it is very valuable for massage students, acupucture students as well as for all those interested in East Asian thought' - Kate Townsend, Natural Healing Therapies 'This is a very good book, ambitious in scope, but with enough details to keep it informative and interesting. It goes far beyond its competitors in scope and scholarship and in that it integrates the different dimensions of Chinese medicine - Michael Winn, Healing Dao 'The book excels at organising and simplifying a great deal of material that is strange to Western ears. I especially like the exercises. They challenge the student to read more actively. It is also helpful in teaching us how to apply these things in our everyday lifestyles, encouraging a more balanced way of living' - Bede Bidlack, Stillmountain Tai Chi Center
