Product Description

The Tao of Seduction consists of two texts on ancient Taoist sexual alchemy, discovered while excavating the Mawangdui archaeological site in Hunan province. Lin Liao Yi, a specialist in Chinese literature and philosophy, has translated and commented on this two-thousand-year-old treatise on ancient Chinese ways of love, which teaches the art of “nourishing life.” The first of these texts is a series of questions, from the emperor to his high functionaries, concerning Taoist precepts for enjoying a healthy and spiritual sex life. For example, the advisors recommend breathing only five times through the mouth during lovemaking to energize the members of the body. In addition, this portion of the book includes recipes for erotic dishes such as pan-fried beef, tea with dates and eggs, and sheep’s kidney. The second half of the book is illustrated with sexual positions, including the tiger’s ballad, the grasshopper’s landing, the caterpillar on a stem, the Phoenix’s takeoff, and others. This title is bound in the style of a traditional Chinese text, along with a lavish casing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1007335 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .98" h x 9.52" w x 13.66" l, 3.23 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Yi's translation of the oldest existing treatises on human sexuality-some of the texts date as far back as 453 B.C.-receives a fittingly lush treatment in this impressive Taoist guide to sexual health and well-being. Though the passages are brief, much of the ancient advice is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. Readers may be pleasantly surprised by how much attention is paid to pleasing both partners, as well as the book's sophisticated guide to positions and techniques. Emphasizing a holistic approach and the acquisition of proper balance, much focus is put on breathing, sleep and a proper diet. Yi does a fine job of letting the material speak for itself, choosing to comment only when it's necessary to clarify or expand upon a given passage. Supplemented with elegant color illustrations of courtship and lovemaking from the 16th to 19th centuries and a selection of recipes to alleviate symptoms as varied as fatigue, digestion and (of course) impotence, this thoughtful, elegant treatment should delight those interested in Chinese art, medicine and philosophy.
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About the Author
Lin Liao Yi studied Chinese philosophy and literature at the University of Hong Kong. After completing her studies, she moved to France and joined the Department of Direction and Production at the film school FEMIS in Paris. She has written, directed, and produced a number of documentary and fiction films. She also teaches qi gong, tai chi, and Chan (Zen) meditation in France and abroad.