by Paul J. Condello, DMD

Finding Dr. Yang’s Wa-Qi.com website was like finding a pearl in an oyster. It is a subscription-based website that provides training in the essential elements of qigong and t’ai chi. Dr. Yang is a renowned qigong and t’ai chi master who has devoted his life to the practice, teaching, and research of these powerful, nurturing, and healing  mind-body disciplines. Dr. Yang’s practice has greatly benefited the general public as well as cancer survivors and caregivers. His online courses are scientific and evidence-based training programs that help all participants cultivate and nurture overall wellness.

I chose the Saturday-morning fundamentals class, which has been convenient and enjoyable. We practice slow and gentle movements that are very calming. They help reduce my stress level, which I find so important in these troubled times. There is a substantial body of evidence that suggests the practice of qigong can increase our energy, suppleness, strength, coordination, balance, and agility. There is also evidence that it can strengthen our immune systems, metabolic functions, and cardiovascular systems. Good research from major universities also shows that qigong can provide relief from chronic pain and accompanying mental distress. I treat patients who have chronic orofacial pain, and I utilize healing techniques that I learned in Dr. Yang’s training course. 

Dr. Yang also shares life wisdom with us. He teaches us how the practice of extending simple kindness to others and ourselves can produce positive changes in our ability to handle obstacles and increase our resilience, both so necessary in this particularly challenging moment. These practices can also help us get better, more nutritive sleep.

In online education and training, sometimes a connection to the instructor doesn’t quite come through. With Dr. Yang, however, you will feel a strong connection to his powerful yet nurturing presence. He authentically communicates his compassion to the participants, and he always instructs us to smile during the movements. Dr. Yang’s inner smile is honest and genuine—and at the end of each session, everyone’s heart is smiling.

Wa-Qi.com is a gem of an educational website, and the tuition is very modest. All of the sessions are recorded for your review and daily practice, usually only 15 minutes a day to reap the benefits of the practice and Dr. Yang’s wisdom.