| For centuries, the Chinese have healed and strengthened their bodies with Qigong (chee-kung), the art of using the mind to direct the energy within your body to improve health and vitality. This program gives an introduction to the general concepts of qigong, and explains keypoints for correct practice, such as the 'Five Regulatings'. Dr. Yang then presents ten gentle qigong exercises to help ease your lower back pain, strengthen your torso, and expedite your body s natural healing. The exercises are simple to learn and enjoyable to practice, and you can easily follow along with Dr. Yang's demonstration. The movements can be practiced both sitting or standing. In the second half of the program, Dr. Yang offers pain-relieving massage techniques for yourself and with a partner, and shows important pressure points, or acupuncture cavities. A complete self-massage section is included which you may follow along to. This DVD complements the book "Back Pain Relief" by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Sold separately. |
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 BACK EXERCISES FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST THOSE IN PAIN |
| Review Date: July 5, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Patrick H. Dickson, Cupertino, CA |
To start off, this DVD is for everyone, not just those unfortunate souls who experience back pain. The exercises shown in this DVD will make one's Taijiquan much more effective and powerful. Additionally, anyone who practices these exercises will develop a very strong and flexible back as well as enhance their mind-body connection, in essence becoming more aware of any potential health problems.
During the Qigong discussion on theory and history, which begins the DVD, Master Yang is shown practicing the various Qigong exercises. This is a good use of time, as it allows the viewer to immediately begin to follow along with appropriate movements. Explanations are provided about the differences between and benefits of Soft Qigong, Soft Hard Qigong and Hard Qigong.
This DVD has particular significance for me, as I suffered a severe back injury in the early 70's. I was told at the time that I would be partially disabled for life. Well, that's not what I wanted to hear. This injury, and its subsequent effect on my body, led me to begin learning Taijiquan in the late 70's. I then became intrigued with the health and martial aspects of Taijiquan, and as healthy as my back is now, it's easy to forget the original reason that I began my studies.
Although I was able to heal my back, I still on occasion get lower back pain. The first student to whom I began teaching Taijiquan is now a chiropractor. He gets frustrated at times because I never use him for any treatment on my back. Usually Taiji practice or very relaxed stretching is able to bring my lower back to a healthy condition.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Master Yang bending at the waist and as his hands hung down to the ground he began slowly wiggling his waist/back area to allow further stretching. This is exactly the same stretch I primarily use to deal with lower back pain. I had discovered it while trying various stretches to relieve pain in the lower back and found it to be basic in nature, yet effective in practice. My teacher showed me many similar exercises when I first began studying Taijiquan. At the time, they seemed to take away from the time learning the form. In retrospect, they are vital exercises that give the body skills necessary for the correct practice and execution of Taijiquan.
I use a hula hoop in my classes to demonstrate the presence of a loose waist. To make a hula hoop go around and around one needs flexibility, relaxation and coordination in the waist area. Jamba Juice frequently offers free health juices to anyone over fifty who can do the hula hoop for twenty seconds. I've gotten many a free juice using my loose hips. If you practice the exercises shown on this DVD, not only will you be able to use a hula hoop, but you will also gain a strong flexible back.
My philosophy has always been that if it hurts to bend at the waist, due to lower back pain, then you must embrace that position and slowly bend at the waist, while gradually relaxing all of the tight areas. If you avoid the movements that cause pain, they tend to get tighter and take longer to heal, at least, that's how my body reacts.
When Master Yang began to demonstrate some neck stretches, I had a moment of concern that he might do as many people do, which is mistakenly teach that one should roll the head in a circle, including back towards the spine. Fortunately, and well within character, Master Yang explained that stretching in that manner can compress the vertebrae and cause problems. I should have known that Master Yang, as someone who can walk the talk, would be totally aware of the potential problems resulting from such an ill advised neck stretch.
Following the loosening of the back muscles, then stretching techniques are shown for the torso, neck etc.. This is in line with similar viewpoints as expressed by Master Yang in other DVDs about the inter relationship of the organs and how the unhealthiness of one organ will in turn cause problems in others. Similarly, lower back problems can cause problems with other parts of the back as well as the structural parts of the body.
I do have a minor concern about one of the exercises. During one of the waist circling exercises, Master Yang suggests using a chair or the wall to support your leaning body as you practice the exercise. The video shows Master Yang using a wooden chair on a very shiny wooden floor. I would caution the viewer to use the wall instead, or make sure that the chair cannot slip forward, causing the practitioner to possibly fall flat on their face. Or use a counter top, which can't possibly slip.
At the end of the DVD, massage techniques for back pain are taught along with information on the various acupressure points that are useful in the treatment of back pain. The massage section is roughly one third of the DVD and is very thorough. Massage with a partner and sol massage are taught.
The following is a list of the DVD menu:
INTRODUCTION
FIVE REGULATINGS
IMPORTANT KEYS TO PRACTICE
QIGONG EXERCISES FOR BACK PAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
LOOSENING THE LOWER BACK
STRETCHING
SOFT/HARD SPINE QIGONG
HARD SPINE QIGONG
QIGONG MASSAGE FOR BACK PAIN
QI CAVITIES
GENERAL MASSAGE RULES
MASSAGE HAND FORMS
SELF MASSAGE
MASSAGING A PARTNER
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Most Beneficial Self Healing Video Ever
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| Review Date: November 29, 2007 |
| Reviewer: D. L. Hoffman, Ridgewood, NJ |
| I enjoy the simplicity and depth in this profound transformative formula. It gives you the mental and physical tools to produce real change in your body and mind ... after 2 weeks my tai chi and computer programming have improved and that's just the start - there's a saying that your are as young as your back - if in doubt, buy this product and take the principles to heart. The combination of mind-body exercise with self-massage is a great formula. Best of luck on your healing/strengthening journey. |
No-frills, but works
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| Review Date: August 25, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Music Mom, |
| I know nothing about Chi, all I knew is my back hurt and I was ready to try anything. These are very basic exercises I was able to do even while still in pain, and they have been helping. This is a VERY no-frills video, all filmed in an empty room, with a plain curtain backdrop, and his only prop is an occasional chair. Every movement is done in slow motion. So, don't expect an exciting video, but if you are like me, in pain with nothing to lose, give it a try, you'll be surprised how much it will help. |
Chi Gong Specifically For Back Problems
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| Review Date: October 18, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Tura Lura, |
| I have another CD of Chigong exercises that have a beautiful relaxing setting, which I enjoy very much. This is very stark in its presentation but I have found the movements, breathing, and gentle strength-building to be a great help for my back pain. I haven't been able to complete the entire program yet but that's my goal. |
as advertised
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| Review Date: March 12, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Michael S. Solwecki, philadelphia |
This dvd is very informative with clear demonstrations of the exercises. I have incorporated the exercises into my workout routine, and I do feel a bit more flexible in my stubborn lower back.
My only criticism is that I would
have liked a mode that simulated a session. Often the dvd shows a exercise and then moves on. I'd like to be able to follow as if in a class.
But this is a minor issue. Very good purchase!
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