Cohen, Kenneth S. The Way of Qigong The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing. New York: Ballantine Books, 1997. xix + 427 pp. Paperback, $14.95.

The author of this comprehensive book, described in the Foreword as both a scientist (once a student in medical school) and a healer and mystic, is well qualified to write this book. Cohen divides his analysis into four sections: 1) An explanation of Qigong, giving something of its history and one chapter on experimental evidence of its effectiveness; 2) Qigong Basics in which he explains (among other things) the interrelationship among jing (energy), qi (life), and shen (spirit); 3) The Way of Healing; 4) The Lifestyle of Qigong where he talks of very practical matters such as the Dao of Diet, a Cup of Tea, and the Art of Clouds and Rain (sex). The book has a good index and an appendix where, among other items, he includes a glossary of common Qigong terms.

Most Americans are introduced to Qigong through Taiji Quan, a form of exercise that we often see practised in our local parks and which the author classifies as a “popular form of Qigong.” The complete Qigong workout can extend for at least a year and occupy over an hour each day in both morning and evening.

The author approaches his subject scientifically and omits most of the religious dimension which can make it objectionable to many Americans.

Ralph Covell
Senior Professor of World Christianity
Denver Seminary
Denver, Colorado