Highly illustrated with colour photos throughout, this guide takes a look at the origins of Chi and the wide range of practices that focus on Chi, our living essence. It teaches us ways to awaken this energy and fulfill our true potential. In the West, we give little thought to "energy", but the understanding of our energy, or life force, is the basis of virtually all Eastern healing and exercise practices. The Chinese believe that understanding and balancing the flow of this "Chi" energy is essential for well-being. When we have abundant chi energy flowing smoothly through our bodies, we are physically, emotionally and spiritually in balance. But when this energy is blocked our health can suffer. Chi is the vital force behind healing practices such as Reiki, Qi Gong, yoga and acupuncture, which help to clear blocks and restore harmony in the body; similarly feng shui taps into chi energy to bring about change within your environment. Martial arts, like Tai Chi and Aikido, specialize in the dynamic harnessing of this energy for self protection.