The title alone of this book is intriguing. It speaks of cultivating Yin energy. Many readers will assume that it is the opposite of Yang. Well, it is true to a point, but the Yin in the title is part of the Tao Yin.

This is a book of ancient fitness wisdom, but not the usual Western style of physical and muscular fitness. The Tao Yin is the holistic system that creates balance and harmony between the inward and outward energies to bring health and revitalisation. The aim of the system is a combination of strength, flexibility, and nurturing of the body, mind and spirit.

Mantak Chia is the founder of the Universal Healing Tao System. He has had many decades of studying under Taoist masters and is a prolific writer of books on health through the Tao.

In the initial pages he warns beginners this book contains exercises that will supplement training with a qualified teacher and the reader should not just sail into them without proper supervision. He also recommends that those wishing to undertake these very powerful exercises should not use them as a substitute for their existing health care, but consult their health practitioner before starting.

The exercises in this book are all performed in lying or sitting positions. This does not make them any less rigorous – small gains will take you far.

The book is organised in a very clear way. In Part 1, China’s very different cosmology and philosophical systems are outlined. There is the history of Tao Yin and how it fits with Mantak Chia’s Universal Tao System. All sections are supported by diagrams, photos or illustrations of some sort.

The physical benefits of Tao Yin are listed and some rare physiology is encountered. Because Tao Yin operates on a whole being system, plain physiology/psychology/spirituality each by themselves cannot explain what happens when the exercises are performed. A discussion of Chinese astrology, the body systems of meridians and how the major organs and glands align with the heavens and the earth is challenging, but will bring ‘aha’ experiences to many readers. When you see the charts that show which way the body energies should flow it all starts to make perfect sense when integrated.

The concept of the Second Brain is explained as this is a critical part of the imaging or meditation you do within the exercises. I found it hard to understand how the movements in Tao Yin relate to the animal patterns. The exercise names relating to animals continue to sound very picturesque, but further study and exercise is clearly needed.

The conclusion of Part 1 imparts the correct preparation and general instructions. The most important instruction was ‘Smile.’ My personal opinion is that smiling – even if you don’t feel particularly happy – does something to change your body/brain chemistry beneficially.

Part 2, and the bulk of the book, is devoted to five sets of exercises which increase in complexity and develop your flexibility and strength as well as grace of movement. Each set has between 7 and 12 exercises with good photographs and extremely detailed instructions on each, with benefits outlined and what to expect.

Almost immediately it becomes clear this is no mere exercise manual. It is part cosmology, part alchemy, part spiritual guide. Any spiritual unfolding that is genuine must embrace the whole being. This is the main message I gained from this book. To have your energies flowing properly, you must become fit in mind, body, spirit.

I am convinced that followed properly, the Tao Yin can provide a lot that is lacking in our Western way of health. For grace, harmony and health, this may be the system you are looking for.

This book is recommended for those who are committed to the integration of their full beings. No half beings need apply.

– Reviewed by Jennifer Hoskins in New Dawn No. 98