Dragon’s Way Qigong

Renee Lehman

(3/2020) In China, the dragon is a magical, mythical being. The Chinese dragon can breathe fire, summon wind and call for rain, fly into the clouds and hide at the bottom of the sea. Along with these abilities, the dragon signifies power, strength, and good luck. Unlike castle-burning dragons of Western stories, the Chinese Dragon is a benevolent symbol in Chinese culture. It is a symbol of miraculous things and represents the collective wisdom of Chinese culture, encompassing the art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), art and architecture, calligraphy, music, martial arts and Feng Shui (pronounced f‘ng shway).

The Dragon’s Way Qigong is a wellness program that was developed in the 1990’s by Nan Lu, OMD, the founding director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation and Tao of Healing in New York City and has helped thousands of people lose weight, improve numerous health conditions, and discover their own healing abilities. It is deeply rooted in TCM, the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world (more than five thousand years). The Dragon’s Way Qigong program is one of wisdom, where you learn how to reconnect to your own powerful healing ability.

The Dragon’s Way Qigong program utilizes Qigong movements, an eating-for-healing plan and an understanding of TCM theory based on the Five Element Consciousness Framework. In this 6-week program, you’ll realign yourself with Nature and its seasonal messages and begin to look at your body from a different perspective – one that views symptoms as messages from the body.

In previous articles I have written about the Five Element Framework, the cyclical pattern of expression in nature, as observed by the ancient Chinese. These Elements or energies are felt to be the prime energetic building blocks from which everything in the material world is composed and were never seen as five "distinct things." So, every living thing and every person is a unique embodiment and combination of these Five Elements. The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. Together, they help us to understand the process of dynamic harmony and balance in the whole system of energy. Therefore, when it comes to our health, if all Five Elements are in balance within us, then we are at a state of optimal health/wellness.

As I have discussed in previous articles, TCM deals with balancing the flow of the natural vital energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee"), which flows through all living things. This Qi flows through the body on specific pathways called Meridians and is essential for health.

When the Qi is balanced, moving smoothly, and in sufficient quality and quantity, health and wellness are promoted. When the Qi is unbalanced or blocked in any way, disease or diseases, will occur. This disease may show up as symptoms on a physical, mental/emotional, or spiritual level. It is important to realize that these symptoms are only the end result of an imbalance, and not the illness itself.

Weight gain and feeling chronically "stressed out" are examples of signs/symptoms from the body, mind, and spirit that there is something out of balance within us and needs to be addressed. It is important to realize that TCM does not "fix" the signs/symptoms. TCM is focused on bringing the whole person into harmony and getting to the root of the problem. So, the underlying root cause (energetic cause) of weight gain or "stress" is addressed. Therefore, if you resolve the root problem (body out of balance), the symptom (excess weight) will be resolved! The Dragon’s Way Qigong program helps you to address the root problem of your symptoms.

The Dragon’s Way Qigong program is not about food restrictions, appetite suppression, or vigorous exercise. It is about understanding the miraculous complexity and delicacy of the body and the way it truly works, about how the organs should operate in harmony, and how Qi powers all its functions. This program provides a real owner’s manual for the body. The main components and principles of the program are Wu Ming Meridian Therapy Qigong, an Eating for Healing Plan, Herbal Supplements, and learning how your body works from the TCM perspective so that you can apply practical lifestyle changes and unique stress release techniques drawn from TCM healing practices.

The Wu Ming Meridian Therapy Qigong is an ancient energy practice of ten simple movements that can increase energy, open energy blocks, and prevent energy from stagnating. TCM uses qigong to open the door to healing (therefore, getting to the root cause) and allow the body's organ systems to work in harmony. When practiced regularly, these qigong movements can help to "clean up" your body. They can help you deal with stress, lose or maintain weight, and increase your energy because it reawakens your body’s own natural healing ability.

The Eating for Healing Plan chooses foods for their ability to heal and build your energy. Food is not looked at as an enemy; it is viewed as an ally. This is not a DIET! It is a way to use food to help heal the root cause of weight and stress issues (the body’s organs not working in harmony).

The Herbal Supplements are a combination of herbs that are ancient TCM formulations. They work in harmony with your body and have been safely used in China for thousands of years. Also, Dr. Lu has used these formulations with thousands of people for many years in both his private practice and in this program. The herbs are not stimulants or appetite suppressants. They help strengthen and rebalance your internal organ systems. The herbs recommended in this program can help boost your body’s healing ability. If you ask, "Do I have to take herbs?", the answer is no. However, if you are struggle with many health issues including excess weight, it is recommended.

Based on the TCM Principles, one learns to listen to what your body wants to eat, when to sleep, and how to function. On the deepest level, the body has wisdom far beyond anything we generally acknowledge. The body is constantly communicating with us through "signals/symptoms." Recognize that these signals/messages, are early warning signs of the body/mind/spirit being out of balance. Therefore, by learning to see your body through TCM principles, you have the opportunity to open lines of communication within your own body, and become healthier.

The following are outcomes of participants from previous Dragon’s Way Qigong classes:

• Decreased anxiety
• Improved digestion
• Decreased low back pain and other joint pain
• Less stress and improved energy
• Improved sleep and mental clarity
• Weight loss and reduction of body fat
• Improvement or complete resolution of issues like bloating, PMS, and Headaches
• Improved blood work (blood sugar levels) and lowered blood pressure
• Improved digestion without enzymes
• Resolution of mood swings

As people become aware of the negative impact of stress on their health and well-being, finding ways to reduce these effects are of great importance. The Dragon’s Way Qigong may be one of the solutions! If you are interested in getting to the root of any weight or stress-management issues. The next Dragon’s Way Qigong program will start on April 15 at the Gettysburg Area Recreation Association building. For more information call 717-752-5728. Make the Dragon’s Way Qigong, Your Path to Wellness!

Renee Lehman is a licensed acupuncturist and physical therapist with over 30 years of health care experience. Her office is located at 249B York Street in Gettysburg. She can be reached at 717-752-5728.

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