The Little Book of Qigong: Chinese Exercises for the sick and the healthy.

Qigong means the cultivation of life energy. It is a system of body postures, breathing, and meditation for health, spiritual development, and martial arts training. Associated with Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts, it is claimed to develop life energy, known as qi. According to Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian philosophy, qigong opens the higher realms of awareness, the true self and the development of human potential.This book describes the postures used in the once secret qigong, and mentions meditation briefly.No longer secret, Qigong is practised throughout China and in many other countries, for recreation, exercise and relaxation. Claims have been made for its effectiveness in preventive medicine and self-healing. Such claims are currently being researched and have not yet been verified.