This book is an easy read for children and adults alike. The drawings are helpful when doing the exercises and the information on Chinese medicine and diet are explained in a simple to understand way. A great read for anyone interested in learning the Chinese healing arts. Chiu Ling

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is new to qigong. It's a charming story that illustrates the emotional, physical and social benefits of regular qigong practice. It's much more than a story though, it's also an excellent reference book that provides clear and concise information on key exercises and the background and fundamentals of qigong. I love it and will be dipping into it regularly.
Lisa Spillane author of Six Healing Sounds with Lisa and Ted

Steve, I have read your book and enjoyed it. I liked how you disclosed the relevance of self esteem and self discipline as integral facets of martial art philosophy. I also enjoyed the charts, symbolism and form graphics. As a believer of the mind- body- spirit connection; you have masterfully connected this to the power of Qigong. Well done. Rose Steinke

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Steve Zimcosky is a holistic health educator, Qigong and Tai Chi instructor, and licensed Massage Therapist. He is a level 2 certified instructor with the National Qigong Association and teaches at Case Western Reserve University and Cuyahoga Community College. Growing up a frail child lacking confidence, Zimcosky was sent to stay with his paternal grandparents in Smock, Pennsylvania during the summer months for several years. Doctors could find nothing wrong with him and thought that his ailments were all in his head. It was at his grandparents' property, when he climbed a hill, that he met a Chinese man, Zhu Shen Tian.

The Old Man from the Hill (Lessons in Qigong and Tai Chi) is the story of a young boy who spends a summer with his grandparents and meets his Qigong/Tai Chi teacher. He learns the ancient Chinese health art of Qigong and notices how it affects his health, personality, and even his studies. The book is more than a story - Zimcosky combines the story with examples and it is well illustrated. The only downside to this book is that the illustrations don't show as well on Kindle as they do in the book, so it's worth the extra two dollars to get the hard copy.

This book is great for those wanting to learn the art of Tai Chi and Qigong in a non-boring, non-preachy way. Zimcosky's writing is engaging and, for those interested in these techniques, the book is fulfilling. Without question, Zimcosky is an expert in his field. His writing shows that. The illustrations are easy to follow, too, making this a real go-to book, and one that can be referenced time and time again. A very enjoyable and interesting book.

Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite

'The Old Man from the Hill (Lessons in Qigong and Tai Chi)' by Steve Zimcosky is the story of a young boy who goes to live with his grandparents during his summer holidays. His main purpose of going to spend his holidays with them is due to health reasons. There he runs into an old Chinese man who introduces him to the Chinese exercise of Qigong and the boy finds his life changing for the better. Apart from the story of the young boy, the book also introduces the readers to the techniques of Qigong and Tai Chi and the benefits of practicing them.

The book can be used for a guide for learners of igong and Tai Chi. The illustrations are helpful and will help those who are looking for clarity in practicing the Qigong exercises. The book will help in enhancing your well being. The author also speaks about the theory of the five elements. The classification of things according to the theory of five elements is very informative and useful. The Standing Meditation and the exercises are explained clearly in the book making it easy to practice.

It is an excellent book that will guide you in maintaining a balance between the body and mind, leaving you healthy and active. The simple narrating style makes it accessible to all types of readers. The book also gives information about the types of food that can make you feel healthy and the boy finds himself fully fit and energetic by the time the summer vacations are over.

Your book is a wonderful short read that inspires the layperson to seek out and explore these wonderful exercises of old for health and rejuvenation of mind and body. Although it is a short read, it is packed with vital information critical to understanding Chinese medicine and a Taoist approach to life. I would recommend this book to any beginner who would like to start on the road to self-respnsive health care.

This book is a sweet story told from the eyes of a ten year old who discovers with the wonderment the virtues of Qigong. He is taught these precious health practices, step by step through the wise direction of his special Chinese teacher John. You too can benefit from these Qigong exercises along with Chinese Medicine basics by simply picking up this book and following along. Zimcosky’s descriptions are clear and easy to follow – you will most certainly enjoy and learn from his experience and Qigong expertise.

This is such a great book. Steve Zimcofky is an excellent teacher. I wish this book would be made into a movie. It is educational, entertaining, and inspiring. Thanks to Steve for sharing his knowledge to help others.

This is a good reference book for anyone who is interested in Qigong and Tai Chi and understanding how consistently performing these movements can improve health and decrease stress. The information about the elements and the corresponding organs in the body is very enlightening. I wish the drawings and charts were larger though, (they are hard to see on my Kindle).

The story of the boy and his first teacher flows easily and naturally, with lots of information in this little book. The traditional nature of "John," the teacher, comes through in genuine true to the heart lessons, that remind me of my own teacher, my Grandmaster, in many ways. It is interesting to experience qigong through the eyes of a child in this book.

The story is nice and has many honest moments (such as the incredible soreness one might feel in the beginning of practice as it is new to them) and various feelings one has when meeting such a fine teacher, wanting to do good, absorbing information just by listening, and the bond of student and teacher, which is very important in learning qigong. Along with the story, though, also comes key points of Chinese medicine basics -- Yin/yang, zang/fu organs, meridians, Wu Xing, as well as five elements. Very nicely done. Easy to understand and useful information for the beginner and a nice reference just to have to share with others if not a beginner.

A nice touch is the end part of the book, where the writer elaborates on diet and seasonal eating, warm/cool foods, etc. and a glance into Chinese dietetics. I really thought this was useful for the person who wants to truly understand "living qigong" since diet is very much a part of a qigong practitioner's life.

The book contains a few basics for practice, and goes just deep enough to give a view into some basic practices of qigong. The illustrations were excellent, easy to follow and clear. I particularly am fond of the traditional explanation of the microcosmic orbit with the "old style" points on the orbit, and the story linked nicely with this, as the writer stressed the importance of having a good teacher in energy practices and went into detail about how his teacher taught this traditional practice to him, in such a respectful way.

I really enjoyed reading this. It is an excellent book for a beginner, who wants some information along with a story, and also the advanced practitioner who just enjoys a good qigong story. It is enjoyable. Nice read for those who love Chinese medicine and qigong.

Easy to read with insight into the benefits of practicing Qi Gong. The changes that take place in a young man’s life inspire you to learn more about this ancient approach to health and well being.

A nice beginning story....about the subtle changes that can happen during the beginning of training...very enjoyable! Will read it many times again.

This is a great book for those who want to learn a little bit about Tai Chi and Qigong.
I love that it is not a huge, overwhelming book that I as a beginner would get lost in it and lose interest.
This was a pleasure to read! My husband picked it up one evening and read it. He said that it was an interesting book and he enjoyed reading it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is new to qigong. It's a charming story that illustrates the emotional, physical and social benefits of regular qigong practice. It's much more than a story though, it's also an excellent reference book that provides clear and concise information on key exercises and the background and fundamentals of qigong. I love it and will be dipping into it regularly.

Wonderful way to introduce tai chi to younger people. Loads of information. Made things clearer even to me as an adult

I wish having met the Old Man when I was young, looking for where to go!
Now, I practice Qigong every day!

Easy to read with insight into the benefits of practicing Qi Gong. The changes that take place in a young man’s life inspire you to learn more about this ancient approach to health and well being.

This is a wonderful way for young person who wants to have more energy, be happier and just feel good. I have been practicing Tai Chi Ch'uan and Chi Kung for many years and this is a great starter. I only wish this was available in printed edition.

The story was lovely and the descriptions of the exercises were very helpful. Simple and straight forward. A delightful read.