This concise book presents what is referred to as "Chinese Shamanic Cosmic Orbit Qigong." The book begins with a rather brief introduction to Qigong and Chinese spiritual/cosmological traditions. It then begins to focus on the qigong practices that it describes as "Wu," meaning Chinese Shamanic, Cosmic Orbit Qigong. This style is traced to Emei Zhengong aka Mt. Emei Sage Style Qigong. Master Wu says that this style combines the traditions of Wu (shamanism) with Confucianism, Daoism, Chinese Medicine, and the martial arts. He cites Chinese shamanism as the source of all the classical Chinese traditions. This ancient, esoteric lineage of practices includes mantras, mudras, visualizations, connection to the "Qi field" of the lineage, and combinations of breath, movement, stillness, and qi energy exercises found throughout Qigong traditions. Master Wu gives a brief history of his own teaching of these practices, mentioning that the present book is an expansion of a booklet he created for his students in 2003. Even the present book seems like a booklet since it is short and focuses mainly on outlining the practices used in this style of Qigong.

There are 12 practices, each with a specific description of its purpose (Master Wu shows the Chinese character names of important words and phrases throughout the book and also has a full page calligraphy style drawing for each of the 12 practices as well as an appendix which quickly summarizes these). Wu explains the Chinese medicine and cosmology principles that are present in these practices, so you will learn about the 5 elements/phases, the meridians, connecting with Heaven and Earth,
accessing yin and yang energies, and more.

I found this book to be valuable and easy to use as a practice guide. As an energy healer who uses Reiki and other qi-based healing methods I was pretty familiar with the subjects included in this book [in fact this book reminded me of theories that Mikao Usui may have borrowed from Chinese medicine teachings in developing the Reiki teachings), though for someone new to this subject I felt that it could have provided a more full explanation of some of the basics. Also, more discussion of spiritual development associated with these practices could have been offered, as this system is part of shamanic traditions for spiritual development and mastery. These are powerful practices that will produce tangible effects for anyone who commits to them, so I'd like to see Master Wu expand on this book and share more about the mystical tradition that has brought us these practices.

For anyone interested in Chinese Medicine, Qigong, or similar methods of healing and personal empowerment this book would be valuable, though I feel that it would be best to have read more general background material on Qigong before proceeding with this book.


Chinese Shamanic Cosmic Orbit Qigong is published by Singing Dragon (www.singingdragon.com). To learn more about Master Wu you can visit www.masterwu.net


Jed Shlackman, M.S. Ed., LMHC is a counselor, energy healer, and Reiki teacher in Miami, Florida.
Jed's website is www.phinsights.com

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