This is the updated 2nd Edition with my new creations added. I revised this book to reward my long time readers and supporters worldwide. The old version was created in 2012, it has been ten years since then, and there have been some changes based on the practical teaching experience. Plus, this new version included my new research works on Seated (wheelchair) Tai Chi Bang Therapy, a special design for Clever Care Health Plan, and Tai Chi Bang for Self-massage. This is a much clearer and enriched new version. I have informed the BN Publishing and they have agreed to remove the old version from the market immediately.
Tai chi bang combines meditative self-healing and self-defense fundamental practice, and is based on characteristic tai chi postures. Tai chi bang provides an object to focus on between the palms, bonding the two hands as they move together, making it easy and fun for beginners to feel qi (氣), the vital energy. Some people who find it difficult to quiet their minds find this practice especially effective in gathering attention. Holding the stick with both palms helps them concentrate and be in the moment. The movement of the stick imitates the movement of the qi inside the body. It relieves stress, gathers in fresh energy, rejuvenates the body and spirit, brings inner calm, and promotes qi and blood circulation. This form was created during my doctoral research in Shanghai Sport University. I combined my hometown countryside meditation practice, from the nearby taoist Penglai Temple, with Chen style tai chi silk reeling, and local martial arts.
Seated (wheelchair) Tai Chi Bang Therapy is designed for people with physical difficulty standing, or recovery from medical treatment. You can still practice to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome or hand arthritis. The stick provides you with a focal point to help with hand-eye coordination. The twisting moves can stimulate energy circulation in your fingers and wrists, prevent frozen shoulders, and improve the elasticity of the tendons around your elbows. It stretches and tones your muscles, improves the flexibility and strength of your spine, and prevents lower back pain. The practice is adapted from the tai chi joint locking techniques of qin-na, a traditional secret training approach for developing spiral inner energy. Tai Chi Bang for Self-Massage introduces to you an easy practice for body conditioning and energy enhancement. It improves meridian channel circulation by massaging major energy points and inner organs, also loosening muscles, tendons, and joints. It is simple yet effective in relaxation and disease prevention. No need to identify exact locations of energy points--just use the bang to massage the area.