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Imagine an energy system that explains how we can enjoy better health and improve overall well-being. Imagine practicing an exercise program that will increase energy levels and reduce stress, while strengthening your mind, body and spirit.

Dragonfly Qigong is just such an energy system. Each movement of each exercise promotes health and enhances your personal energy levels, while helping you remain calm and effective in stressful situations.

Dr. Michael Steward's book contains a modern interpretation and presentation of ancient principles and practical exercises that will put those principles into practice in your daily life. Many of the exercises use new materials and techniques to heighten therapeutic changes and awareness. While learning the simple, elegant postures and forms of the ancient Chinese art of Qigong, you will also add a new understanding of universal health.

Studies have shown many positive health benefits will be experienced by anyone practicing Qigong. Some of the conditions which respond with measurable improvement include: back pain; arthritis; cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension and angina; allergies and digestive problems; asthma and emphysema; dealing with chronic illness; rehabilitation following surgery; recovery from physical injury, such as a sport injury or car accident. In addition, Qigong has been shown to slow the natural aging process, restore brain functions and have a healing effect - all things which everyone will find beneficial.

The saying "When a student is ready to learn, a teacher will appear" has certainly been true for me. I have studied ancient Chinese philosophy for years, but only recently learned about Qigong. Now, my husband and I are fortunate to take classes with Dr. Michael Steward. Practicing Dragonfly Qigong has added a whole new dimension to our lives. In just two years of practicing and learning the forms and exercises, we have each experienced many positive changes in our physical abilities and mental outlook.

When beginning our lessons in Qigong, my husband had back problems and migraine headaches, which have continued to improve. I began class with lifelong severe arthritis. I have lost weight and several clothing sizes. My blood pressure is now consistently normal, without medication. My posture, muscle tone, flexibility and range of motion have all improved dramatically. I am now able to walk smoothly for miles. My breathing has improved so much that I am learning to sing again with our children and grandchildren.

We are especially grateful to recover the ability to participate in the physical activities we enjoy again. It is clear that the slow movements and graceful forms of Dragonfly Qigong can be practiced by anyone, of any age or physical ability.

Dr. Steward brings extensive knowledge, based on many years of study, practice, teaching and expertise in modern and ancient martial arts, sports health education and Eastern philosophy, to share with us in this excellent and timely volume.

I enthusiastically recommend Dragonfly Qigong!! Practicing Qigong, with this book as your guide, will open the door to a whole new way of strengthening your health and enhancing your quality of life.

A Chinese brushstroke is embedded with a history and depth of meaning beyond the simple beauty of what you see. The same can be said of this book and the way Dr. Michael Steward teaches.

I am the student who originally came just to learn a form. Influenced by Dr. Steward’s good humor, creative generosity and gentle guidance, I found instead that Taiji/Qigong practice has become an integral part of my life and health - a moving meditation.

And there is so much more I am eager to learn! I was delighted to have an opportunity to read and work on the technical editing of this text. I know this book will encourage and deepen each reader’s exploration and understanding of Qigong. Make it your own.

My Taiji practice has been a daily investigation of the Tao. No other methods of mind and body self-cultivation can bring one as close to an understanding of the universal way as the arts of Qigong and Taiji. If this is your first experience with Qigong, I sincerely hope it is as much an awakening for you.

I was very fortunate to have found Taiji at the early age of twenty. My experience has been that many young people interested in discipline, self defense, and Eastern philosophy choose a harder style of martial arts initially, and then only later in life realize the benefits of this soft and supple art. My academic background is deeply rooted in math, physics, and science, but I have had little trouble with the metaphysical concepts which Taiji/Qigong practitioners espouse. Physics, at its most basic level, is a Taoist discipline. Concepts such as relativity, wave-particle duality, and infinity, which seem difficult for westerners to understand, are more easily fathomed in Taoist terms. Taiji and Qigong exercise is the perfect combination of my medical, scientific, and philosophical views of our world.

Although I have only been a student of Dr. Steward’s for a short time, I have learned a great deal. His methods of awakening energy within the body offer a great deal, both to beginning students and to those with long years of practice. Few other schools of Taiji and Qigong can help a novice begin to experience Qi as quickly. My practice has been rejuvenated by and has blossomed from the principles and exercises contained in this book.