The Healing Power of Internal Martial Arts

how TAI CHI & QI GONG saved my life

by Danielle Pashko

The Healing Power of Internal Martial Arts

After a frustrating battle with my own health issues, I found myself at a crossroads where conventional medicine and even my extensive background in functional nutrition alone couldn't provide the relief I desperately needed. It was then that I discovered internal martial arts, grounding techniques and shifting my body into the parasympathetic mode that allowed for healing. I never imagined that the slow, deliberate movements I once associated with elderly park-goers would become my lifeline.

It was through the practice of internal martial arts—Tai Chi and Qigong—that I began to reclaim my health. These ancient disciplines didn't just restore my physical strength; they brought balance to my nervous system, calmed my mind, and reignited my spirit. Now, as a dedicated student and advocate, I am passionate about sharing the profound healing potential of these practices with others seeking a path to wellness

I believe that true healing starts with your nervous system. And that’s why I want to invite you into the Soulhakker community.

Join the Soulhakker Membership Community

(for only $9.99 a month - less than the cost of a green juice!)

CURIOUS what SOULHAKKING feels like?

These 30 second videos will give you a preview of
what’s waiting for you behind the membership wall

Daily Soul Series (30 Second Clips)
1. Body Tapping Warm-Up
1. Body Tapping Warm-Up

Body tapping warmup to awaken your internal organs and strengthen your immune system.

This is best practiced in the morning to start of your day with more energy.

Click here to join the Soulhakker Membership and you’ll get access to the full video series

2. Chi Circulation & Intestine Exercise
2. Chi Circulation & Intestine Exercise

The upper, middle, and lower dantian are concepts from Traditional Chinese Medicine Taoist philosophy, and Martial arts. They represent energy centers in the body where vital energy, or Chi is cultivated and stored. Each dantian has unique functions and associations. In this video, Sifu Gary Tong explains how these practices can open our spiritual awareness, in addition to being grounded, relieving brain fog, and helping neurological issues. Do this practice anytime you feel stressed or are seeking mental clarity.

3. Qigong for the Five Elements
3. Qigong for the Five Elements

This Five Element Qigong series will help you to strengthen your internal organs. Each organ is related to one of the five elements:

(Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth, Water). The movements are combined with breath and sound.

This ideally may be practiced in the morning after video 1 and 2, although if you are short on time, this can be performed any time of the day.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP & ACCESS THE FULL VIDEO SERIES

4. Beginner Tai Chi 12 Posture Yang Form
4. Beginner Tai Chi 12 Posture Yang Form

If you are new to Tai Chi, it is encouraged to learn this Tai Chi 12 Posture form and understand the movements before advancing to the 24 Posture Yang Short Form. Tai Chi is the balance of Yin and Yang. Each movement should be coordinated with breath and flow. It’s not just about choreography but feeling the energy within.

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5. Cultivate Chi to Relieve Stress & Anxiety
5. Cultivate Chi to Relieve Stress & Anxiety

Increase circulation and “chi” throughout the body and release stress and tension. Intestine Exercises help to stimulate digestion, promote elimination, and detoxify internal organs such as the kidneys, liver, spleen, stomach and small intestines.

Meridian stretching works on the body’s connective tissue and opens the meridian related to each internal organ.

Chi Sensing helps to feel the energy within us and provides a sense of rootedness'.

Practice this series in the morning following Body Tapping.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP & ACCESS THE WHOLE VIDEO SERIES

6. Heavenly Cloud Hands Meditation
6. Heavenly Cloud Hands Meditation

Heavenly Cloud Hands is a moving meditation that is an Ancient therapeutic form of LAMAS Qigong. It helps to reduce stress, feel peace and awakens the spirit. Once you memorize the movements, it’s encouraged to practice in nature and feel the beauty around you and from within.

I enjoy doing this practice outside before sunset

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7. Healing Meditation
7. Healing Meditation

In this guided meditation, you will do a scan of your body and visualize yourself strong, healthy and living in the most powerful version of yourself. While meditation can be performed sitting cross legged or in a chair, you can also lay down with your eyes closed and relax into it. Do what feels best for you.

You can do this meditation anytime you feel anxious, stressed, tired or need a time out.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP & ACCESS THE WHOLE VIDEO SERIES

Meet Sifu Gary Tong
Meet Sifu Gary Tong

what you get as a SOULHAKKER MEMBER

  • THE DAILY SOUL SERIES

    A powerful video collection designed to align your body and spirit. These seven sessions blend the ancient wisdom of Tai Chi and Qigong into daily, soul-nourishing movement practices.

    Perfect for grounding, releasing stuck energy, and cultivating a sense of calm, clarity, and vitality in just minutes a day.

  • COMMUNITY VIDEO LIBRARY

    Gain exclusive access to the full Soulhakker wellness video library—your personal portal to guided healing, energetic restoration, and mind-body transformation. Conversations with experts. New videos are released monthly to keep your wellness journey fresh, inspired, and aligned with the seasons of life.

  • MEMBER DISCOUNT ON COACHING & PRODUCTS

    As a Soulhakker member, you receive 20% off private health coaching sessions with Danielle Pashko. Regularly priced at $350, your exclusive member rate is just $280. Whether you're navigating chronic illness, energy depletion, or seeking to align your health with your spiritual growth,

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP

Meet my Sifu, Master Gary Tong

Sifu (teacher) Gary Tong is has been a master instructor in Tai Chi and Qigong for over 4 decades. Gary teaches Yang style Tai Chi Chuan and LAMAS Qi Gong, a medical form of Qigong for the prevention and healing of various illnesses and diseases. Gary Tong is a Licensed Massage Therapist in the state of Florida where he practices Chi Massage and Therapeutic Bodywork. Sifu Gary is also a member of the “Healing Society" and “World Tai Chi and Qigong” Organizations, promoting global health and wellness, through the healing arts of Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung (Qigong), Taoyin Yoga and Meditation. 


Gary's vision is to share the knowledge and love of these healing arts and help in creating a harmonious society.

Inside the Soulhakker Membership, you'll find easy, powerful ways to reconnect with your body, mind, and energy.

A few of the HEALTH benefits of
Tai Chi & Qigong:

Balancing the Nervous System

Tai Chi and Qigong have been shown to enhance parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity, leading to reduced stress and improved emotional regulation. This shift supports the body's natural healing processes and fosters a sense of calm.​

Enhancing Cardiovascular Health

Regular practice of these internal martial arts can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and enhancing circulation. The meditative movements promote relaxation, which in turn benefits cardiovascular function.

Boosting Cognitive Function

Engaging in Tai Chi and Qigong has been linked to improved cognitive abilities, including better memory and attention span. These practices encourage mindfulness and mental clarity, contributing to overall brain health.​

Improving Sleep Quality

Practitioners often report better sleep patterns, attributing this to the calming effects of the movements and breathing techniques. Enhanced sleep quality further supports physical and mental recovery.​

Strengthening Musculoskeletal Health

The gentle, low-impact movements help increase flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. This makes Tai Chi and Qigong particularly beneficial for older adults or those recovering from injuries.​

Scientific Insights

Research supports the health benefits of internal martial arts. Studies have demonstrated improvements in balance, flexibility, and mental health among practitioners. These findings highlight the potential of Tai Chi and Qigong as complementary therapies for various health conditions.​

Embracing Internal Martial Arts for Healing

Incorporating Tai Chi or Qigong into your routine can be a gentle yet powerful way to enhance your health. Whether you're seeking stress relief, physical rehabilitation, or a deeper mind-body connection, these practices offer accessible paths to wellness.

If you’re curious, check out the Soulhakker Membership Community
and my Daily Soul Series videos so you can try it yourself at home!

True healing starts with the nervous system

learn about martial arts

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