The Four Dragons: Clearing the Meridians and Awakening the Spine in Nei Gong

by Damo Mitchell

Within the context of a larger discussion of Dao Yin, Damo Mitchell teaches and explains the Dragon Dao Yin exercises, a set of four short sequences designed to work with the subtle energies of the spine and lead pathogenic energies out of the body. More 'Yang' in nature than Qi Gong, Dao Yin focuses on outwards movements and strong internal cleansing. The book highlights this important distinction and covers the theory, history and development of Dao Yin exercises, as well as the relationship between Chinese medical theory and Dao Yin training. One chapter is devoted to problems related to stagnation and the flow of Qi, and explains the different causes and forms of stagnation. Later chapters look at breathing patterns and the extension of Yi, opening the joints, and rotating the bones and spine. Damo Mitchell also discusses stillness as the source of movement, the philosophical significance of the Dragon and the pearl, and the means of hardwiring Dao Yin exercises into the energetic body. Central to the discussion is the concept of the spine, and how to wake it up. For the first time in the English language, the Dragon exercises – Awakening, Swimming, Soaring and Drunken – are described in detail, with photographs and step-by-step instructions on each of the exercises as individual therapeutic exercises and as a form.

Genres: Taoism

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Aslı Can · Rating 3 out of 5]

Might be good for really beginner level information but not enough information about the roots and it is not covering many aspects of Qi-Gong. Its more like a practice book but even the practices are hard to follow from the book. I couldn't understand the movements exactly.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has served to be quite difficult to put together a coherant understanding of what tcm, and the martial arts are getting at when they describe the phenomena of qi/chi. Each book I read adds a small grain to the puzzle.

This proved to be an interesting read though. I found that the charts and practices described here helped center me as to what these ideas truly are. Of course though if you are so daring to attempt to see if such ideas are bullshit - as we say in america - the best way to learn is to try it yourself.

Consistently throughout my readings the following exercise is recommended:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FJy0...

Note, you won't get much out of this - except for some nice stretches - if you dont have experience meditating, or with yoga.

Recommended for :
Those curious of alternatives models of the human body
Martial artists scholars
Practitioners of sports medicine

[AuroraSpiral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, lots of diagrams. But I really appreciate the extra detail this book covers on breathing. It goes into the breath in more detail than Daoist Nei Gong, or White Moon on the Mountain Peak. I really found that this extra insight into breathing, and the breathing/stretching/massage exercises really increased the effectiveness of Sung Breathing which is outlined in Daoist Nei Gong.

[Studentoflife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the dragon sets and clear way Damo teaches them step by step. IT's difficult to learn Nei Gong from a book, but he does a wonderful job with his explanations. I really like the information he shares on what is going on physically and energetically with the movements of this set.