Cosmic Fusion or Easy Stretching Workbook

Cosmic Fusion: The Inner Alchemy of the Eight Forces

Author: Mantak Chia

HEALTH / TAOISM

Cosmic Fusion is an advanced level of Inner Alchemy that teaches how to bring the physical body into balance with the energy body--a necessary prerequisite for the formation of the universal body, the pearl of compassion that is one with Original Creation and the Universal Tao. Cosmic Fusion works with the expression of the eight pakua (bagwa) of Chinese cosmology, through which all creation is divided and given form, its nature, and definition.

Cosmic Fusion exercises establish the spiritual body firmly in the lower abdomen, where Chi energy is gathered and distributed to all parts of the physical body. The fully illustrated exercises in this book also show how to collect and channel the greater energies of the stars and planets. By “fusing” all these different energies together, a harmonious whole is created, a unity of what is above and below. As heavenly and earthly forces are brought into balance, the life perfectly suited to the practitioner manifests, allowing the spirit body to prepare to move into worlds beyond--and back.

A student of several Taoist masters, MANTAK CHIA founded the Universal Healing Tao System in 1979 and has taught and certified tens of thousands of students and instructors from all over the world. He is the director of the Tao Garden Integrative Medicine Health Spa and Resort training center in northern Thailand and is the author of twenty-six books, including Energy Balance through the Tao and The Inner Structure of Tai Chi.

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Easy Stretching Workbook: A Complete Stretching Class in a Book

Author: Karen Smith

Former dancer—and present-day ballet and Pilates teacher—Karen Smith has a movement philosophy: “To extend your life, start extending your body!”  To that end, she offers twenty basic stretches that anyone can perform in the comfort of his or her own home, along with information on building a simple routine and exercising safely. Just follow the photographs and the instructions on the 60-minute CD that comes with the book, and begin gaining flexibility—especially in the spine, shoulders, and hamstrings. In addition, there are alternative and modified versions of the stretches for newcomers, easy relaxation techniques, and special stretches for a variety of sports and for combating the stresses of everyday life.