DONALD MOORE
Synergy Tai Chi Qigong for Multiple Sclerosis
Introducing Tae Geuk Kwon Yeon Oh Kwan the World’s Most Advanced Form of Tai Chi
Introduction & disclaimer
My name is Donald Moore and I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) in 2006. Please understand that I cannot advocate anyone else follow the methods I am using and that are written down in this paper. Multiple Sclerosis is a very complex and debilitating disease and I am not a physician. Please read and follow these suggestions only with the advice of a qualified neurologist. This condensed article is designed as a personal journal to record my experiences with this horrible disease. For a copy of the full report contact me at GrandmasterMoore@gmail.com
By looking at me one would never know I had this devastating disease. I am in relatively decent shape. I eat right. I don’t smoke or drink. However, I have the classic “tingling” and pain in my extremities. I have bouts of vertigo and can become very depressed, especially as it concerns this disease.
Being born a male I find it very difficult to discuss my emotions on any kind of serious level. Real tough guy, huh! Right! All of these are classic signs of this very serious condition.
I have been involved in the martial arts for nearly 50 years, and have had a school in the Chicago suburbs, as well as my current location of Metropolis, IL. Synergy Tai Chi Qigong is based on the Yang Tai Chi System as applied through a TaeKwonDo/Hapkido Lens.
History: My Multiple Sclerosis was found quite by accident. I had been injured at my job some time ago and have a recurring back injury. Sometimes this injury is quite debilitating. While delivering medications on the back of a box truck for the State of Illinois my back was re-injured. Some months later I was hurt on the truck again. Workman’s comp ordered the MRI.
I got a call from my doctor who told me the bad news about my back also said there was something “funny” on the MRI. She called it a neoplasm. She said she wanted another one of my brain. So, I had the extra MRI done.
Nearly a week later I was told over the telephone at work that my test results looked like Multiple Sclerosis and I should go see a Neurologist right away. I went to the specialist and she told me I had Multiple Sclerosis.
I spoke to several of my friends about his diagnosis. One of my friends recommended a book by Dr. Roy Lavar Swank called the Multiple Sclerosis Diet book. This changed my life. Being a martial arts instructor and a true believer in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I began seeing an acupuncturist and training in Chinese Medical Qigong/ Chi Kung. I trained with several great Chinese Masters including Master Peng, Youlin from Thunder Bay Canada.
After about 3 years I finally found another Neurologist. He ordered another MRI. Afterward they sent him the results on paper and he was angry. He wanted the actual films for the MRI. Not just the report. He and I waited until the rest of the patients had left his office and set up 2 computers one for the original MRI and one for the new one. We went through them slice by slice. Absolutely no change, I was in complete remission. With no medication, only dietary changes and Qigong/ Chi Kung!
Another disclaimer: While a portion of this article is going to describe the measures I took in dealing with my Multiple Sclerosis. I in no way advocate others to follow in my footsteps so to speak. Please see your physician with regard to your disease.
What is Multiple Sclerosis? The Central Nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves in the body. Nerves around the brain, spinal cord and periphery nerves are covered with fatty tissue call myelin. This acts as insulation for the nerve. With Multiple Sclerosis your own body's auto-immune system attacks the myelin coating.
It breaks and destroys chunks off and exposes the nerve. This causes “short circuiting” inside the body. The symptoms differ from person to person greatly. There is no known cause or reason for M.S., but it is generally agreed by doctors and scientist that the body’s own immune system has mistakenly recognized the myelin as an enemy and is slowly attacking it.
Men & Women: While the statistics state that there are approximately four hundred thousand people in the United States with this condition it is interesting to note that women are much more likely to be stricken with this. Many times in TCM, men and women with M.S. will be treated with female therapies. Herbs like Dong Qui and Angelica are commonly used. M.S is diagnosed by acupuncturists and TCM doctors as a Yin Deficiency.
Types of M.S.: There are generally four types of Multiple Sclerosis. The most common is known as relapsing remitting. The Second Type is known as secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis. The third type of M.S. is called Benign M.S. The final type is known as chronic M.S.
Depression and M.S. There is a marked increase in depression with people with M.S. It exists for two reasons. The first is that the brain is slowly degenerating and causing the thinking process to be slowed. The second is the reality that it’s there and you constantly need to be aware of it. The depression can be quite severe and is exacerbated by stress. When your limbs are not doing what you want them to do or the “bugs” are crawling all over you it can be difficult to keep a positive mental attitude.
M.S. and Temperature: Temperature also has a profound impact on people with M.S. We cannot be exposed to temperatures of either heat or cold. Both hot and cold can cause me to become light headed and make it difficult to think or concentrate.
What is Chi/Ki: Chi is the internal energy that gives life and motion. It is understood in the west as bio-electric or bio chemical energy.
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I have a personal theory on the existence of Chi that I would like to share. I am a Christian and believe that all glory and energy comes from God through His Son, Christ Jesus. In my research I found a few interesting things that have leaded me to a belief or understanding of Chi.
The Hebrew word Ruah has an almost identical meaning. This word appears 304 times in the Jewish/Christian Bible. It is defined as spirit 180 times, wind 92 times and breath 32 times. Depending on context and usage in the bible. Genesis 1:2 states God’s Spirit was hovering/moving over the water during creation. Some translations I have read state God’s breathe was hovering/moving above the water. Hmm? Genesis 2:7 states “God formed man from the dust of the earth breathed into his nostrils “the breath of life” and man became a living being.”Remember when we train we say breath in the nose and out the mouth. I find this fascinating. Yin Energy comes from the Earth and Yang energy from the Sky. Life comes from God’s energy in the heavens. So conception is still related to the Earth and Life still comes from God! There seems to be a word/concept in each of these cultures that has not only the same meaning but the same sub-text as well.
Chi is a created non physical element of the body. Much like consciousness, one cannot cut the body and pull it out and say see here is the consciousness of the body. It is accepted that consciousness resides in the brain. Chi is an element in the body related to consciousness that can be effected by thought and exercise. Can this energy heal? Good question, I believe it can.
What Chi is not: Chi is not a metaphysical or pagan type of nonexistent entity.
Chi is eastern science: Centuries ago the ancient Chinese looked at the body as a whole and developed an understanding of the nature of the body and how it interrelated with itself and the world around itself. This is observation became known as Chi. Chi is then applied through the understanding of the 5 elements. These elements are not elements like on the periodic table but 5 phases that Chi goes through.
Chi is western science: Modern scientists agree that acupuncture has benefit and value. However, they are divided on how it actually works.
a. Chi can and has been photographed using a method called Kirlian photography.
b. Tesla was one of the first modern scientists to theorize and prove the existence of HEF (Human Energy Field).
What is TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the form of healthcare that has existed in China for more than 2000 years. Its primary function is the assist and balances the Chi in the human body. It does this through the use of specialized herbs, acupuncture / acupressure and Qigong/ Chi Kung.
What is Qigong? (Chi Kung, Ki Kong): Qigong literally means energy exercise. This is a very ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine. It is designed to aid in regulating the flow of Chi throughout the body. It is practiced through deep breathing, meditation, and visualization.
Yin and Yang: Yin and yang are the TCM method for determining polarity or charge within any object. Yin is generally considered to be white, negative and comes from the earth. Yang is black positively charged and from the heavens.
14 meridians: Chi travels and is accessible though 14 meridians in the human body. Each one of these meridians is correlated with a specific organ inside the human body. As this system was developed before we understood the precise function of each organ many of them deal with certain bodily function associated with said organ. Along the meridians there are entry and exit points for the Chi. These points are referred to as pressure points.
Organ system: In TCM there are 12 bilateral organs meridians or pathways of energy. There are also 2 primary meridians feeding these twelve. Each organ or group of organs listed within the parameters of Traditional Chinese Medicine not only function for their own processes, but also interact and interrelate with each of the other organs.
The organs are Organ Polarity Element Notes about Meridians
🌀1 Lung Yin Metal
🌀2 Large Intestine Yang Metal
🌀3 Stomach Yang Earth
🌀4 Spleen Yin Earth
🌀5 Heart Yin Fire
🌀6 Small Intestine Yang Fire
🌀7 Bladder Yang Water
🌀8 Kidney Yin Water
🌀9 Pericardium Yin Fire Also known as the sex organ meridians.
🌀10 Triple Warmer Yang Fire Thyroid gland, Hippocampus, and Hypothalamus.
🌀11 Gall Bladder Yang Wood
🌀12 Liver Yin Wood
🌀13 Conception Yin Storage place for all yin
🌀14 Governor Yang Storage place for all yang.
Conception and Governor Meridians (Ren Mai & Du Mai):
The conception and Governor Meridians run along the centerline of the body. In Chinese they are known as the Ren Mai and Du Mai. They are not associated with any individual organ but feed all. The conception meridian is the source of Yin Chi and the Governor is the source of Yang Chi. These are very important pathways and must be kept health.
Microcosmic Orbit: The Microcosmic orbit is the movement of Chi through the Governor and Conception channels. For Chi to travel in this circular manner it takes about 30 minutes. So a 30 minute workout with Qigong is actually sufficient to positively affect the total chi system.
Grand Cosmic Orbit: The Grand Cosmic Orbit is the movement of Chi throughout the entire body. Along every meridian and channel. This takes 24 hours. Yin Chi begins in the conception vessel and flows into the organ meridians. Chi then begins to move from meridian to meridian in a preordained order.
What are modern medical treatments options for MS: Modern western medicine views multiple sclerosis as an immune disorder, and treats it as such? Currently there is no cure. The primary goal is to slow down the progress of this extremely debilitating disease.
What is TCM MS diagnosis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body considerably differently than the Western medical community. Rather that cut out and remove/replace diseased organs and systems the TCM diagnosis is based on 2000 years of observations. Common TCM diagnoses include cold or heat, Phlegm or Dryness (Arid) among others. Each one of these TCM symptoms includes specific disease and criteria for diagnostics.
How does TCM view MS: Most times Multiple Sclerosis is seen as a deficiency of Yin Energy within the body. It has been termed seen that the liver energy is attacking the spleen energy. Other common TCM diagnosis for M.S. includes Yin vacuity Stirring Wind, Blood Vacuity Stirring Wind, Yang Vacuity and Blood Stasis. Interestingly, these are often the same sort of diagnosis that would be applied to PMS in women.
Dietary plans: Probably the best book is called the Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book by Dr. Roy Lavar Swank. After many years of study Dr. Swank found that the incidence of MS occurs much more often in people of Northern European decent. It is especially prevalent in Sweden, Finland, and Germany. It is virtually nonexistent; however, the closer to the equator one lives. After careful consideration he determined that the culprit had to be in the food eaten by these cultures. In the north because of the underlying cold during a good amount of the year people eat more hard and hydrogenated fats. Butter, Lard Etc. are common kitchen ingredients in the average German or Danish Kitchen, but in there Italian or Greek counterparts are replaced by healthier oils and wine. Poly unsaturated as averse to saturate oils. These cultures also eat less beef and pork. To follow Dr. Swanks diet is very difficult. Virtually no meat other than white meat chicken and turkey. Nothing hydrogenated or made with butter. Basically if it congeals in the refrigerator or at room temperature you cannot eat it.
Herbals & Supplements: There are many herbals that are healthy for the body. People with M.S. need to be aware of all options that are out there. Chinese herbalism is a very interesting practice. While western herbalism follows similar concepts as the pharmaceutical industry IE what herb works for this symptom or that symptom? Chinese herbalists are more closely concentrating on ways to create balance. Which of course they believe to be at the center of the problem. Shi Quan Da Bu Wan, Bar Jen Wan, and Geiji Wan are some Chinese herbal formulas that can help with the Yin energy and restoring the balance in the organs. On a western level however, Evening Primrose Oil (GLA) is very helpful for me, although not in the recommended dosage. I to take 6000mg or 6 grams of this supplement every day. The same goes for Omega 3, and CoQ10. Too much emphasis cannot be placed on these supplements. I also take Magnesium, Selenium, Saw Palmetto, Dong Quai, Ashwagana, Vitamin D, Vitamin B, and Vitamin E.
What is Qigong for MS: Qigong for M.S. is a short and easy to follow method of circulating and cultivating Chi. This style can be performed from a standing position as well as a seated one. We find that the seated exercises are very helpful for M.S. patients that often times are less stable on their feet than others.
This system is a combination of the techniques that I have found to be most beneficial for people with this condition. It works with principles and movements, borrowing heavily, from Tai Chi Qigong 6 forms for Health, Chilel Qigong and other forms of Qigong I have learned along the way. If you find modifications that are more productive for you, please feel free to take advantage of them.
Exercises
a. There are 6 main warm ups I like to perform for this system.
Standing Chi Kung Exercises
a. There are 6 main exercises I like to perform for this system.
Seated Chi Kung Exercises
a. There are 6 main seated exercises I like to perform for this system.
Two person Chi Kung Exercises
a. Hands forward facing each other feeling each other’s Chi
b. One hand up one hand down receiving and transmitting Chi
c. Thunder Palms
d. Sensitivity drills
e. Ghost fingers
Upcoming Seminars: Seminars or additional training sessions will be planned and held during upcoming months.
Belt/Sash Ranks and Instructor Titles
Most martial arts record student progress with a series of belts or sashes. These are important because people like to be able to see their accomplishments. So in that vein we have included a series of levels in this system. These levels are marked with colored sashes to indicate the level of the student. They are based completely on the knowledge and skill of the practitioner. Not necessarily on improvement over this horrible disease.
We also include instructor titles in the ranks of medical Qigong. This indicates the authorization to teach the program to others in the community.
Additionally it is important to note that I have earned the title of Professor in the Traditional Healing Arts from Sigung Prignano.
If you are a Taekwondo and or Hapkido School looking to break into the market of martial arts for our senior citizens, look no further than Synergy Tai Chi as we teach a system you can teach very quickly and draw from a virtually untapped marked of potential students. In the past I have had paid programs of this art that I taught in retirement homes. If you would like to help people improve their lives through Tai Chi contact me about our Instructor Training Program.
🟡Hear what others have to say about our program:
🌀 Synergy Combat Arts
Dear Grandmaster Moore:
I am writing to you to express my sincere gratitude for the time and attention that you have shown to me over the last several months. I have been attending your Taiji Qigong Class since May it has made a remarkable difference in my overall energy level and my physical health. I have more energy in the early afternoon and am experiencing flexibility in my joints.
I would like to start by giving you some background into why I feel Taiji Qigong has made a genuine difference in my personal life. In September of 2008 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I was hospitalized when my entire right side of my body went numb. After numerous testes it was determined that I had 9 lesions on my brain and 7 lesions on my spinal cord. They began me on daily injections of steroids and monthly injections of I.V. steroids to help slow the progression of the lesions in my brain, and spine. I was doing the regimen until April with very little progress in my symptoms. My symptoms were tingling in the hands and feet, memory loss and confusion, terrible fatigue( I would fall asleep at about 10:00am and not wake up till 2:00pm or sometimes 3:00pm). I was weak and my immune system was completely shot. It was when I was taking my daughter to her regular martial arts class that Mater Moore asked me what was wrong, I told him about what was going on and he suggested that I try Taiji Qigong. I was not sure it would work, but was so desperate I was willing to try anything. Those first few classes he taught me about chi and its effect in my life, how to harness it and use it to change the exhaustion that I was feeling to something I could control.
I have been going to classes now twice a week for two months and I got a new MRI done in the last part of June my Neurologist said that the Lesion that was on my Left side is still active but that there are no new lesions developing and that I am showing progress. I believe that the Taiji Qigong had a lot to do with that. I was on steroids for seven months and my disease was not under control, I was sick constantly, tired, relapsing and out of control. I have been doing Grandmaster Moores' version of Taiji Qigong for 2 months and I am strong, energetic, full of life and confident in my ability to control this thing that was once so out of my control.
Sincerely Tanya Gilman - Student
Peng You Tai Chi Association
Thunder Bay ON. Canada
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Dear Grandmaster Donald Moore,
I am writing this letter to express my sincere appreciation to you for coming to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada to participate in our Taiji Qigong Six Forms Instructors Certification Course. Your demonstrations at the Dragon Boat Racing Festival and Lake Superior Day were extremely impressive and will be remembered by many citizens in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate your outstanding achievement in practicing and promoting Taiji Qigong Six Forms for Health. I am most certain that, with your many years of Martial Arts experiences and Qigong training, you will be able to use Taiji Qigong to enhance the lives of both you and the others in your community.
Taiji Qigong Six Forms for Health is a unique exercise. It promises all the health benefits of both Taiji and Qigong. It is simple and easy to learn. It is suitable for all age and physical conditions as the participants can perform the Forms either standing or sitting. It does not require any special equipment or facility and can be done almost anywhere – indoor or outdoor, gym or living room. Taiji Qigong Six Forms for Health is made up of relaxed, gentle, circular, and slow movements that harmony the mind, motion, and breathe. It is designed to help the participants use their minds to consciously circulate the Qi to nourish the whole body and mind so they can achieve the maximum harmony of the inner self and the outer world.
Taiji Qigong Six Forms for Health has been taught in many communities. It is especially popular in hospitals, senior centers, and senior homes. The approved benefits are overwhelming. It has been used to help people with some specific diseases such as Diabetes, Arthritis, Parkinson’s and many other chronicle diseases. I am most confident that the Forms will be beneficial to people with MS. I would like to offer my fully support and assistant to you in promoting the Forms to help many people fight against the MS.
Please accept my gratitude towards your effort in promoting Taiji Qigong Six Forms for MS.
Grandmaster Peng You
Thank you! To Grand Master Donald Moore! We appreciate your business! I had the honor to photograph the Grand Master for an upcoming magazine article that is being written about his use of certain techniques to help with M.S. If you are interested in learning more about what Synergy Combat Arts teaches, give Donald a call 847-370-6175. I take my son to him and I can tell you from firsthand experience, Donald’s teachings have improved my son's overall self-confidence and personal behaviors! Synergy Combat Arts is located at 3106 Old Marion Rd. Metropolis, IL 62960 give him a call! – Richard Harrison
🟡 ATTENTION MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL OWNERS:
Are you looking to expand your student base and offer a unique program that caters to adults and seniors?
Synergy Tai Chi is the perfect solution for increasing the income of your school. This gentle yet powerful practice combines the principles of Tai Chi with the benefits of Chi Gung.
Here's why adding Synergy Tai Chi to your school is a smart business decision:
🌀1. Growing Market: Adults and seniors are increasingly seeking holistic health and wellness programs. Synergy Tai Chi offers a low-impact, accessible option that meets their needs. You will be able to attract the parents and grandparents of your youth students to your school.
🌀2. Retention and Referrals: Satisfied students are more likely to remain loyal to your school and recommend it to their friends and family. Synergy Tai Chi can help you build a strong referral network.
🌀3. Enhanced Reputation: Offering a specialized program like Synergy Tai Chi positions your school as a leader in the martial arts community of your city, attracting new students and building credibility.
🌀4. Additional Revenue Stream: Synergy Tai Chi classes can generate a new source of income for your school, helping to offset operating costs and increase profitability. You are able to offer Tai Chi Retreats and Seminars in addition to weekly classes.
By offering Synergy Tai Chi, you're not just expanding your business; you're also helping adults and seniors in your community improve their health and well-being.
This gentle practice can:
Enhance balance and coordination
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve flexibility and mobility
Strengthen the immune system
🟡 Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your school and make a positive impact on your community while increasing profits. Contact us today to learn more about adding Synergy Tai Chi to your martial arts program.
🟡 Call us today to get started Ph: 847-370-6175
About the Author
Miss Tatsu @misstatsu @misstatsunee creates vlogs 🍝 Living in Philippines. Eczema survivor and food adventurer. Crafter and passionate VA 💌 For business and collaborations send me a message: https://twitter.com/MissTatsuNee
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