| "Simple Qigong Exercises for Arthritis Relief" with Dr. | | | | including comments on breathing and the mental |
| Yang, Jwing-Ming is one of many instructional Qigong | | | | state while doing them, for arthritis. A brief |
| DVDs by this 2003 Kung Fu Artist of the Year by | | | | explanation of the differences between qigong and |
| Black Belt magazine. While this is a very good | | | | western exercises introduces this part of the |
| instructional DVD, there is a companion book that | | | | program. There is also a short segment of tips to |
| goes into greater detail of the theory behind the | | | | assist you with your qigong practice. The areas |
| techniques shown in this DVD. Like all of the DVDs | | | | covered include: Neck, Spine, Waist, Hands/Wrist, |
| I've watched from YMAA, this DVD is extremely well | | | | Elbows, Shoulders, and Legs/Feet/Hips. |
| done in regards to sound, picture quality, close-ups, | | | | The movements in this DVD are simple, gradual, and |
| etc. There is an excellent menu system allowing the | | | | can be done without exerting much effort. This is |
| viewer to select which exercise or massage | | | | important since many who suffer from arthritis |
| technique they wish to view, and like other YMAA | | | | cannot engage in strenuous exercise due to the |
| DVDs, it includes the catalog and video previews in | | | | disease. The simple exercises in this program can help |
| the extras. | | | | an arthritis sufferer move and regains some of the |
| There is a brief introduction that briefly shares some | | | | mobility of the joints. However, I also believe this |
| of the benefits of Qigong practice, such as | | | | program would benefit the elderly who may not have |
| strengthening organs, immune system, and raising the | | | | arthritis, but desire a low impact easy movement |
| spirit of vitality; all important for health. The DVD | | | | type of exercise. Lastly, I think anyone could include |
| then teaches some basic Qigong exercises to help | | | | some of these into their daily exercise routine to feel |
| strengthen the internal organs. Dr. Yang | | | | better and maintain health. I do a variety of qigong |
| demonstrates the movements while a voice over | | | | and stretching exercises daily, and I'm incorporating |
| narrates and describes in the movements Dr. Yang | | | | some of the movements from this program into my |
| performs. One thing I really like is that the | | | | morning routine. |
| movements are shown with a split screen. You get | | | | This is a very good simple qigong exercise program. |
| to see Dr. Yang from the front and from the side as | | | | Rather than a series of movements, like Tai Chi or |
| he demonstrates the movements. | | | | some of the other qigong forms, it is a collection of |
| Qigong massage techniques, including self-massage, | | | | simple exercises that can benefit arthritis sufferers as |
| to help strengthen your internal organs, such as | | | | well as others who wish to incorporate such |
| abdomen massages, are also taught. Some of these | | | | exercises and massage into their daily practice for |
| are done laying down, while others are done standing. | | | | increased health and longevity. This is an introductory |
| Some are shown for self-massage, and others are | | | | qigong program that does not take a lot of skill to do |
| partner massages. The massage techniques shown | | | | the exercises and massages to gain benefit. That |
| cover various areas of the body including neck, back | | | | makes it a great program for beginners and those |
| and various joints. Technique and the reason why is | | | | that wish to try some qigong exercises too. Over all, |
| illustrated. | | | | a great addition to a qigong library. |
| The DVD then teaches specific qigong exercises, | | | | |