Best Tai Chi & Qi Gong Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 9, 2023

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Tai Chi and Qi Gong are popular Chinese martial arts that are practiced for their health benefits. There are many books available that offer guidance and instruction on these ancient practices. These books cover everything from the basic movements to advanced techniques, and are suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. They also provide information on the history and philosophy behind these practices, as well as tips on how to incorporate them into daily life. With clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, these books are an excellent resource for anyone interested in Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Spiritual Activator: 5 Steps to Clearing, Unblocking, and Protecting Your Energy to Attract More Love, Joy, and Purpose Cover #TOP 1
Spiritual Activator: 5 Steps to Clearing, Unblocking, and Protecting Your Energy to Attract More Love, Joy, and Purpose
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Strength Training Workouts for Seniors Over 60: 100+ Most Effective Exercises Elderly of Any Level Can Do at Home to Regain Flexibility, Improve Balance and Build Strength in Just 10 Minutes a Day Cover #TOP 2
Strength Training Workouts for Seniors Over 60: 100+ Most Effective Exercises Elderly of Any Level Can Do at Home to Regain Flexibility, Improve Balance and Build Strength in Just 10 Minutes a Day
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Jiu-Jitsu University Cover #TOP 3
Jiu-Jitsu University
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Tai Chi & Qi Gong Books

#TOP 1

Spiritual Activator: 5 Steps to Clearing, Unblocking, and Protecting Your Energy to Attract More Love, Joy, and Purpose

Nino, Oliver
Mar 21, 2023
Spiritual Activator: 5 Steps to Clearing, Unblocking, and Protecting Your Energy to Attract More Love, Joy, and Purpose Cover
Spiritual Activator: 5 Steps to Clearing, Unblocking, and Protecting Your Energy to Attract More Love, Joy, and Purpose

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or lacking purpose? If so, the Spiritual Activator may be just what you need. This 5-step energy detox program is designed to clear negative beliefs, emotions, and physical conditions that block your energetic field. By removing toxins and energetic blocks, you can experience more love, joy, and purpose in your life. The program not only detoxes your energetic fields, but also allows you to tap into a higher power and activate your own gifts. With the Spiritual Activator, you can prioritize your energetic health and experience inner peace, wellness, and abundance.

Strength Training Workouts for Seniors Over 60: 100+ Most Effective Exercises Elderly of Any Level Can Do at Home to Regain Flexibility, Improve Balance and Build Strength in Just 10 Minutes a Day

Donovan, Steve
Aug 28, 2022
Strength Training Workouts for Seniors Over 60: 100+ Most Effective Exercises Elderly of Any Level Can Do at Home to Regain Flexibility, Improve Balance and Build Strength in Just 10 Minutes a Day Cover
Strength Training Workouts for Seniors Over 60: 100+ Most Effective Exercises Elderly of Any Level Can Do at Home to Regain Flexibility, Improve Balance and Build Strength in Just 10 Minutes a Day

This book, "10-Minute Strength Training Workouts for Seniors 60+" by Steve Donovan, provides over 100 illustrated exercises that seniors of any level can safely perform. The book offers quick and easy-to-follow 10-minute stretching and workout routines to improve balance, flexibility, and build strength. It also includes detailed instructions on how to perform each exercise, the muscles each exercise targets, and the equipment needed. The book is accurately divided into categories for easy navigation. This book is an excellent guide for seniors who want to stay fit and healthy in the comfort of their homes.

Ribeiro, Saulo
Victory Belt Publishing
Nov 17, 2008
Jiu-Jitsu University Cover
Jiu-Jitsu University

Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro is a must-read for anyone who trains in Jiu-Jitsu. The book contains over 200 techniques that take you from white to black belt, and it's not your typical technique book. Ribeiro illuminates common Jiu-Jitsu errors and provides practical remedies. He also shares his revolutionary system of grappling that will ultimately change the way Jiu-Jitsu is taught around the world. As a six-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, Ribeiro's knowledge and technique are unparalleled, making Jiu-Jitsu University a valuable addition to any martial artist's library.

#TOP 4

The 32 Principles: Harnessing the Power of Jiu-Jitsu to Succeed in Business, Relationships, and Life

Gracie, Rener
Volponi, Paul
Willink, Jocko
Aug 22, 2023
The 32 Principles: Harnessing the Power of Jiu-Jitsu to Succeed in Business, Relationships, and Life Cover
The 32 Principles: Harnessing the Power of Jiu-Jitsu to Succeed in Business, Relationships, and Life

The 32 Principles: Harnessing the Power of Jiu-Jitsu to Succeed in Business, Relationships, and Life is a book that teaches how to overcome life's challenges by adopting the core teachings of jiu-jitsu. This book presents 32 principles that can be applied to daily life, including investing in a strong foundation, recognizing when it's better to yield than to resist, changing perspectives to increase effectiveness, and using unfavorable circumstances to create favorable outcomes. The book features contributions from more than 40 champion athletes, top-flight coaches, and others who have benefited from the everyday life applications of these timeless jiu-jitsu principles. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to succeed in life.

#TOP 5

Brain Aerobics of Tai Chi Chuan

Chen, William C. C.
Apr 28, 2023
Brain Aerobics of Tai Chi Chuan Cover
Brain Aerobics of Tai Chi Chuan

The book "Brain Aerobics of Tai Chi Chuan" delves into the neurological benefits of practicing Tai Chi. The slow and deliberate movements of this martial art stimulate brain cell growth and enhance neurological function. The book explains how the merging of Qi and Feeling Yi generates dynamic outgoing energy for physical actions, and how Yi, the intentional feeling, is an infinite source of force that integrates the soul with human willpower. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the mind-body connection and the benefits of Tai Chi for brain health.

The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance

Waitzkin, Josh
Free Press
May 27, 2008
The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance Cover
The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance

The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin is a captivating read that chronicles the author's personal journey to achieving excellence in two seemingly different disciplines: chess and Tai Chi Chuan. The book offers a unique perspective on learning and performance, emphasizing the importance of a principled approach to achieve success. Waitzkin's narrative combines martial arts battles and chess face-offs with life lessons that can speak to anyone. The author's methodical approach to learning and growth is inspiring, and his emphasis on embracing defeat and channeling emotions into creative fuel is refreshing. Overall, The Art of Learning is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve excellence in their own lives.

The I Ching, or, Book of Changes (Bollingen Series XIX) (Bollingen Series, 31)

Richard Wilhelm
Cary F. Baynes
Hellmut Wilhelm
C. G. Jung
Princeton University Press
Oct 21, 1967
The I Ching, or, Book of Changes (Bollingen Series XIX) (Bollingen Series, 31) Cover
The I Ching, or, Book of Changes (Bollingen Series XIX) (Bollingen Series, 31)

The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is an essential work of both Confucianist and Taoist philosophy that has influenced Chinese culture for over 3,000 years. Richard Wilhelm's translation of this foundational text offers a profound introduction to the Chinese worldview. The book is divided into three parts, with the first and third books providing extensive commentary on the hexagrams and the second book presenting early commentaries on the divinatory text. Wilhelm's deep understanding of the text, gained through years of study with classically trained scholars in China, makes this version an invaluable resource. Overall, this Bollingen edition is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in Chinese philosophy and culture.

#TOP 8

The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido

Morihei Ueshiba
John Stevens
John Stevens
Shambhala
Nov 10, 1992
The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido Cover
The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido

The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido is a pocket-sized edition of the talks and writings of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. The book offers a nonviolent approach to victory and stands as a counterpoint to classics such as Musashi's Book of Five Rings and Sun Tzu's Art of War. The book is an important collection for the reflective artist and practically applicable to those intent on living a grounded, sensitive life. The clear print and beautifully reproduced images of Ueshiba's calligraphy make this a gem of a book, and the CD of the book read in a clear, calm voice is also a nice inclusion.

#TOP 9

Quantum-Touch: The Power to Heal (Third Edition)

Gordon, Richard
Barrow, Eleanor
Shealy M.D. Ph.D, C. Norman
North Atlantic Books
Aug 17, 2006
Quantum-Touch: The Power to Heal (Third Edition) Cover
Quantum-Touch: The Power to Heal (Third Edition)

Quantum-Touch: The Power to Heal (Third Edition) is a guide to the touch-based healing technique that uses the chi of both practitioner and client to bring them into harmony, allowing the body to heal itself. Richard Gordon leads the reader through the process step by step, clearly explaining how to use breathing and body-focusing techniques to raise one's energy levels. This new edition offers a remarkable breakthrough in hands-on healing, and its efficacy has been attested to by physicians, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and other healing professionals. Quantum-Touch is a powerful hands-on healing technique that can be used effectively by lay people as well as professionals.

Strength Training Workouts for Seniors: 2 Books In 1 - Guided Stretching and Balance Exercises for Elderly to Improve Posture, Decrease Back Pain and ... After 60 (Strength Training for Seniors)

Thompson, Baz
Lynch, Britney
Feb 10, 2022
Strength Training Workouts for Seniors: 2 Books In 1 - Guided Stretching and Balance Exercises for Elderly to Improve Posture, Decrease Back Pain and ... After 60 (Strength Training for Seniors) Cover
Strength Training Workouts for Seniors: 2 Books In 1 - Guided Stretching and Balance Exercises for Elderly to Improve Posture, Decrease Back Pain and ... After 60 (Strength Training for Seniors)

Strength Training Workouts for Seniors: 2 Books In 1 - Guided Stretching and Balance Exercises for Elderly to Improve Posture, Decrease Back Pain and ... After 60 is an insightful and practical guide for seniors who want to protect themselves from falls and improve their overall health. The book includes two sections, Stretching Exercises for Seniors and Balance Exercises for Seniors, which provide detailed explanations and illustrations with modifications for stiff, tight muscles. The targeted balance-strengthening exercises, including seated, standing, and walking, improve core strength and posture. Overall, this comprehensive guide is an excellent resource for seniors who want to reduce pain and improve their quality of life.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is better Qigong or Taichi?

The benefits qi gong are basically the same as those of tai chi, all thanks to its foundational elements of breathing, movement, and meditation. Taylor says clinical research has shown that both practices boost your energy and mood, make it easier to fall asleep, and improve strength and mobility.

2. Is tai chi a form of Qigong?

“Qi gong can be thought of as a movement you do for a certain situation, as opposed to tai chi form, which is a series of movements that work on the entire body in a flowing sequence,” says Morrill. “For example, qi gong can be one move that helps open the lungs.

3. What are the 5 elements of Qigong?

The concept of the “five elements” (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) as energetic archetypes whose cycles affect the flow of energy in our bodies is central to ancient Chinese medicine and to its qigong health exercises.

4. How many times a week should I do qigong?

It is quite easy to answer- everyday! While some exercises, such as running or working out, are best to do every other day, qi gong should be practiced daily for best results. It is often difficult to fit a long class into a daily practice which is why I like to focus on short routines.

Editor's Notes

During our tai chi & qi gong book research, we found 1,200+ tai chi & qi gong book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 32,582 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tai chi & qi gong books list. We found that most customers choose tai chi & qi gong books with an average price of $21.58.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.