The Art of Breathing: A Course of Six Simple Lessons to Improve Performance and Well Being - Softcover

Nancy-zi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 188487262X ISBN 13: 9781884872624

Publisher: Vivi Co, 1994

Synopsis

According to the ancient Chinese discipline of chi kung (pronounced chee gung), the body's energy is released by the air breathed into it. Zi, a classically trained American singer raised in China, has adapted that idea in an intriguing method she calls chi yi. (Chi means breath, breathing or air.) Her premise is that controlled breathing can create new sources of life-enhancing energy. In six concise, uncomplicated lessons she shows how to tap into that energy through a range of exercises (accompanied by line drawings), imagery and situational applications. Her techniques for using the body's inner dynamics (the Chinese "core") will be especially valuable in relieving stress, building stamina and engaging in sports.

About this title

About the Author

Nancy Zi is an internationally known classical singer and voice teacher. American born, raised in China, and with a bicultural education, Zi weaves together the best of ancient Eastern disciplines with modern Western techniques.

From the Back Cover

Tapping The Endless Powers Of Breathing! This acclaimed classic shows you how to transform breathing into vital energy to attain a perfect balance of body, mind, and spirit. Classical singer and chi kung expert Nancy Zi guides you through chi yi (the art of breathing) in 6 simple lessons. Using 24 progressive exercises and mental imagery drills, Zi demonstrates how to use breathing to: look, feel and be healthier; minimize the effects of aging; increase stamina and coordination; work through pain and promote healing; enhance speech, singing, athletics, meditation -- and more! This dynamic book has sold out 4 printings and has been translated into German, Italian, Swedish, and Chinese. The expanded 3rd edition adds 80 pages: 50 questions and insightful answers, 12 targeted exercises, and a thought-evoking Epilogue. A must for anyone who wants to optimize performance in athletics, the arts, or meditation -- or simply enjoy better health, energy, and vitality.

From the Inside Flap

We know that life begins with the first breath and ends with the last. But it is how we breathe in between the first and the last that greatly impacts how well we live this life. This is what THE ART OF BREATHING is all about.

Reviews

According to the ancient Chinese discipline of chi kung (pronounced chee gung), the body's energy is released by the air breathed into it. Zi, a classically trained American singer raised in China, has adapted that idea in an intriguing method she calls chi zi. (Chi means breath, breathing or air.) Her premise is that controlled breathing can create new sources of life-enhancing energy. In six concise, uncomplicated lessons she shows how to tap that energy through a range of exercises (accompanied by line drawings), imagery and situational applications. Her techniques for using the body's inner dynamics (the Chinese "core") will be especially valuable in relieving stress, building stamina and engaging in sports. (May
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The Art of Breathing, both the book and the video, are excellent sources...I am unaware of any other book that provides such practical and thorough instructions on how to do [the exercises]...Nancy Zi is an inspiring teacher, enthusiastically sharing the wisdom of her experience.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From Introduction - A Singer's Discoveries: My voice is my career. For more than three decades, much of my time has been devoted to singing and to voice instruction. I have [had] to make certain that my singing voice [was] always in good condition and that my speaking voice does not strain my vocal cords. To maintain the quality of voice I desire, effective controlled breathing is my most important tool.

Controlled deep breathing helps the body to transform the air we breathe into energy. The stream of energized air produces a current of inner energy which radiates throughout the entire body and can be channeled to the body areas that need it the most, on demand. It can be used to fuel a specific physical effort, such as tennis or jogging. Or you can use this current of inner energy to relieve muscular tension throughout the body, revitalize a tire mind, or soothe localized aches and pains.

My years of experience in training and maintaining the human voice have convinced me that the practice of the art of breathing is beneficial to the health of the whole person, regardless of career or activity...

We know that life begins with the first breath and ends with the last. But it is how we breathe in between the first and the last that greatly impacts how well we live this life. This is what THE ART OF BREATHING is all about.

Edition details

• Publisher: Vivi Co
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 188487262X
• ISBN 13: 9781884872624
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 159