This first lesson serves as an introduction to the Red Dragon Qigong course and offers an overview of the scientific research related to Qigong practice. Rather than beginning with instruction, the focus here is on context — outlining what contemporary studies suggest about the effects of Qigong on physiological regulation, nervous system balance, and overall resilience. The intention is to ground the training in evidence and clarify how traditional practice is being examined through modern research.
The course itself includes five progressive movement practices — Red Dragon Breathing Fire, Red Dragon Ascends to Heaven, Red Dragon Flying through the Clouds, Red Dragon Swimming in the Ocean, and Red Dragon Chasing the Pearl — as well as a complementary seated meditation practice. Together, these methods are designed to cultivate the traditional internal actions of floating and sinking and contracting and expanding (浮、沉、收、放), which form the basis of classical Qigong training.
Subsequent lessons move from theory into direct practice, progressively developing these internal qualities through movement, breath, attention and awareness. As a paid Substack subscriber, you have full access to the complete Red Dragon Qigong course, with this lesson serving as your starting point. If the research and orientation presented here resonate, you’re invited to continue through the remaining lessons and engage the practice directly.
