Mantak Chia (Chinese: 謝明德, Pinyin: Xiè Míngdé, born April 24, 1944, in Bangkok, Thailand) is a Taoist Master. Mantak Chia is the creator of the Healing Tao, Tao Yoga, Universal Healing Tao System, and Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort, located in the northern countryside of Chiang Mai, Thailand. He wrote more than 60 books on Taoist practices and taught the principles of Taoist internal arts. His books have been translated into more than 40 languages. He views himself primarily as a teacher. Mantak Chia has been named twice as "Qigong Master of the Year" by the International Congress of Chinese Medicine and Qigong in 1990 and 2012 and is also listed as number 18 of the "100 most Spiritually Influential people" in The Watkins Review 2012.