The day is over and it's time to unwind. You sit down at the table and enjoy a quiet dinner with the family. After performing your nightly rituals, still you find it hard to relax. You try watching a little television, reading a magazine article, taking a longer, hotter bath or even counting sheep -- but nothing seems to help remove the tension from the day which has just ended.

Flipping through the channels on your television set you see countless infomercials offering a cure for your late night tossing and turning. However, many people are searching for an alternative to a solution in a bottle. The new wave of the karate craze is sweeping the nation -- promising stamina, energy and an improved memory.

One might never suspect that a form of karate could offer relaxation, the name alone sounds harsh. However, at home, far away from the Dojo and the countless "kee-yas" of a karate class, you can find comfort in the ancient Chinese art form of Tai Chi.

"The Tai Chi Book," written by Robert Chuckrow, Ph.D., gives beginners and advanced students instruction on proper performance of this ancient form.

Complete with helpful illustrations and explanations, Chuckrow, who has been studying Tai Chi for nearly three decades, guides the student through the philosophy of the ancient form, as well as important stretching and breathing techniques. These chapters are extremely helpful to the novice who may have heard the buzz about Tai Chi but isn't exactly sure what it is or what it's used for.

From its opening pages, "The Tai Chi" Book brings the outsider into the realm of Tai Chi making his home his Dojo. And, for those who want to learn more about the different katas and philosophies, Chuckrow offers advice on how to select a teacher with whom you will connect and have a more successful learning experience.

In addition, the book also explains the history of Tai Chi including its use in self defense.

Whether you want to gain more insight into the latest buzz or start out on your road to tranquility, check out Chuckrow's, "The Tai Chi Book."

-Sam De Palma