The Breath of Life: Mastering the Breathing Techniques of Pranayama and Qi Gong

by George Ellis

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For 2,000 years ancient Indian and Chinese breathing techniques have ensured the good health of generations. Rooted in ancient cultures of 1200 B.C., Pranayama and Qi Gong employ what Indian Yogic and Chinese tradition have known for centuries-that the control of one's breathing and the harmonizing of breath and spirit contribute to a long and healthy life. The foundation of Yoga practice, Pranayama employs Yoga's greatest principles physical exercises, cleansing techniques, relaxation methods, and spiritual liberation. Once regarded as a strictly spiritual discipline-the secrets of which were divuIged only to an elect circle of advanced Yogis-Pranayama is now being actively practiced in health maintenance.

Qi Gong, so valuable to Chinese medicine, is the early practice oh regulating the depth and speed of breathing to alleviate the symptoms of ill health, and is currently recognized for its therapeutic benefits by thousands of students in the West. Now you can maximize your body's potential with a unique exercise program geared specifically towards your health needs. Filled with photos that demonstrate different breathing and sitting positions, The Breath of Life explores over 20 Hatha Yoga postures, 20 Qi Gong techniques, and 12 Pranayama exercise programs. And with a special section that recommends breathing techniques to alleviate a variety of health, problems from asthma to insomnia, even those with specific maladies can reap the benefits of these ancient breathing methods.

About the Author:

A practitioner of Patanjali's Astanga Yoga, George Ellis has studied the Yoga classics as well as the works of Sri Aurobindo, Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Krishnamurti, and Swami Ramdass for over 20 years. An author and teacher, Ellis has written and translated texts on Yoga, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy, was on the editorial team of the Italian magazine Yoga and Ayurveda, and helped organize the first international conference on Ayurveda in Europe. Ellis currently spends his time translating Chinese texts into English and Italian, and traveling to China, India, Nepal, Europe, and Tibet.