Qi Gong for Anxiety

I am not usually drawn to the mumbo jumbo banter of enlightened fitness programs, but instructor and host Lee Holden's calm is downright infectious in this how-to title that includes both short and long routines for qi gong. Following an introduction explaining how “it's important to take time to nourish ourselves,” Qi Gong for Anxiety features Holden offering voiceover discussion of moves that he performs in the middle of the woods on a sandbar in a rushing river, backed by soothing, unobtrusive music and chirping birds. Featuring wave breathing exercises and cleansing breaths, chi massage techniques, attention to acupressure points, and stretches and head-rolls, movements include “Drop and Shake” and “The Boa” (along with some that may remind viewers of the dancers in Madonna's “Vogue” video). Recommended. [Note: also newly available are: Introduction to Qi Gong, Qi Gong for Energy & Vitality, and Qi Gong for the Upper Back & Neck.] Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)