Qigong for Health and Martial Arts by Dr Yang Jwing-Ming

“Qigong for Health and Martial Arts” by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming is not as long or comprehensive as many of his books, but it was not meant to be. In this 175 page manual, which is short compared to some of the lengthy tombs he’s written, Dr. Yang provides a very good introduction to the Chinese practice of Qigong, and includes various healing Qigong exercises and massage techniques that are found within the immense body of knowledge that makes up the Qigong cannon. For the person who wants a brief introduction to the health benefits of Qigong and how it can assist one in becoming a better martial artist, this is a good starting point and will most likely create an interest in learning more from an instructor or further resources.

I’ll get the one negative out of the way right now. On the back cover, it states, “A complete guide to Qigong training for martial artists!” This statement is bold across the top, and while I understand marketing, this book is not a complete guide to Qigong for martial artists. It is an introduction, and in fact, inside the book, the chapter on martial arts applications is the shortest chapter, and Dr. Yang even states in the three paragraph conclusion, “Space has limited the presentation of the martial applications of Qigong, but the author hopes to publish more information on this matter in the future.” I still believe this to be a valuable book, an educational book, a book good for martial artists, but it is not a “complete” guide. I would suggest a martial artist new to Qigong start with this book, and then continue studying with other resources from Dr. Yang and others.

The first chapter contains a good introduction of Qigong. Even though I have studied various methods and resources, I still enjoyed this quick intro to refresh my education. The second chapter focuses on Wai Dan Qigong and the third chapter focuses on Nei Dan Qigong. Both chapters do a good job of explaining the theory behind the practice, the origins of the practice, benefits and how to perform certain exercises. Photographs, charts, and diagrams are used throughout the book to assist with learning. I felt the chapters were about right for a basic text. They were not too long or in depth, and after this introduction, some students will go further into study, but others may feel this is all they really need at this time.

Chapter four is on Qigong and Health and provides some basics regarding Chinese Traditional Medicine. Again, it is not meant to be a complete medical text, but a short introduction to some of the principles and how they relate to Qigong. This chapter includes some basics regarding massage techniques as well.

The fifth, and last chapter, is on Martial Arts Applications, and as I said above, it is the shortest chapter in the book. It contains a brief introduction and then a little on the areas of cavity press, sealing the vein and sealing the breath, and finally golden bell cover or iron shirt. The book also has a glossary of Chinese terms and an index.

While I don’t believe this to be a complete guide to Qigong training for the martial artist, I do believe it is very good starting point for the martial artist that does not know much about Qigong. It is a basic book, and a good primer at that. I suggest reading it first, and then continuing on with more advanced resources.

Shopping for Health Insurance: What You Need to Know

Between the rising cost of health insurance and numerous types of policies, shopping for health insurance can seem like a daunting task. So how can you sort through all the chaos and find a policy to safeguard your health and maintain your budget?

Preparation and Education

Knowing the type of coverage you need before you begin comparing policies will make this task far less intimidating come shopping time. You and only you can identify the types of coverage you’ll need–from prescription drugs to covering pre-existing conditions, identifying your needs will help you to avoid purchasing more than what you need.

To learn more about the types of plans and benefits available in your area, contact the Division of Insurance (DOI) in your state. This underutilized resource is geared toward consumer protection and education and typically has downloadable articles and brochures to help you make informed decisions about your health and health insurance. And, when it comes to buying health insurance, knowledge is power!

Shopping Around

In most states, there’s no flat rate for health insurance policies. This means different insurers can sell similar policies for very different prices. While price disparities may seem like more work for you, these variations are really to your benefit. Obtaining and comparing multiple quotes and policies allows you to select a plan that meets both your health and financial needs.

So what exactly should you be comparing when shopping for policies? Here are a few major questions to ask:

* How much is the monthly premium?
* What’s the deductible?
* What percentage of expenses is reimbursed after the deductible has been paid?
* Does the policy cover all major medical expenses, including maternity costs?
* Does the policy shoulder any costs for prescription drugs?
* What coverages are included in the policy?
* Does the policy cover chronic or pre-existing conditions?
* Does the policy cover preventative care?
* Are the doctors or facilities you frequent inside the insurer’s network?
* How much will it cost you to be seen by someone outside of the insurer’s network?
* Does the policy cover alternative treatment, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care?

While you will undoubtedly think of additional questions to ask, the questions above will help you to quickly stack different policies against one another–and get an idea which plan is right for you.

Protecting Yourself

As with all forms of insurance, it’s a good idea to investigate your insurer before signing a policy. You can check your agent’s credentials, as well as the insurance company’s customer satisfaction rating and financial standings through consumer-friendly companies like AM Best and the Better Business Bureau. Doing a little detective work before choosing a policy will save you the cash and heartache of dealing with an unreliable insurer.

You can also protect yourself by making sure your policy contains a free look period. Most reputable insurers will give you a 10-day free look period, which allows you to revisit the provisions listed in your policy. If you change your mind about the policy during the free look period, you are entitled to a full refund and the policy will be cancelled.

Always ask the insurer if the policy has a free look period. If not, you’re probably better off purchasing a policy from someone else. And remember: use your free look period to go over every detail of your policy. You won’t want any surprises when it comes time to file a claim!

Start Small

When it comes to purchasing health insurance, remember to start small. Get the facts from trusted sources, determine your needs and shop around for the best policy. Taking things one step at a time will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand–and help you choose the best policy to protect your health!