Dog Mother: World Culture and Dog Qigong

Dog Mother explores the powerful relationship the dog has with humanity. From a Daoist perspective, it examines the pivotal role the dog has in world culture through studies of folklore, mythology, and religion. Opening new insights on the dog’s significance and ample cross-cultural connections. Dr. Baolin Wu reveals the spirit that connects dog and humanity in sharing for the first time the Chinese zodiac’s Dog Qigong from the White Cloud Temple in Beijing. A practice embodying the canine spirit to transform the practitioner, to increase the body’s ability to self-heal, and to establish a deep relationship with nature. In addition, he also offers Dog Neigong exercises, simple enough to perform throughout the day to increase the body’s natural senses (smelling, hearing, seeing) generating health and long life. The book is a cultural treasure-trove, a formidable cornucopia of dog lore, and a potent resource for self-healing and Daoist realization. A must-read for all interested in dogs, personal cultivation, and cultural exploration.

• Wu Baolin, Author

  Dr. Wu Baolin (b. 1954) is a senior master of Daoist taijiquan, Chinese medicine, and qi cultivation. Born in China, he now heals and teaches in Santa Monica, widely recognized as an authority in Chinese medicine and the martial arts. He is also the author of Dog Mother (Three Pines Press, 2022), and various other works on qigong, longevity, and health. Brent Christopher Wulf (b. 1982) began studying qigong under Dr. Baolin Wu in 2006 and has since studied other Daoist arts such as: taijiquan, swordplay and medical massage. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2019. He is a California native.

• Brent Christopher Wulf, Author

  Brent Christopher Wulf began studying qigong under Dr. Baolin Wu in 2006 and has since studied other Daoist arts such as: taijiquan, swordplay and medical massage. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2019. He is a California native.

• Dog Mother represents a pioneering achievement that will benefit academics and the general public. The authors have undertaken thoroughgoing research on how dogs and wolves have shaped human culture, with stimulating treatments of canine physiology and behavior, esoteric knowledge (such as the Yijing), beliefs and practices worldwide (especially those related to Daoism), etc. Their work not only enhances our knowledge, but also challenges preconceived notions about our world, while the chapters on Dog Qigong provide important instructional materials. Most importantly, Dog Mother inspires us to consider how humanity can learn from nature, which is especially relevant during our COVID-19 era.
  —Paul R. Katz, Distinguished Research Fellow, Institute of Modern History, Academia Sinica
• This book is a treasure that deeply touched me from beginning to end. It has the world’s most wonderful title, Dog Mother. The book covers all the topics I love: dogs, Chinese culture, qigong, history, religion, and information about animal and human interaction. It excites me to see all this under one cover. It is a treat that I am willing to dig and roll in the mud for until the dog star has completed its journey through the sky. Dr. Baolin Wu, with a dog’s truthfulness and hard-working dedication to serving the greater good, has lovingly shepherded this precious gem to fulfillment. Brent Wulf has researched the content with a dog’s magical sense of smell for treasures large and small from Chinese and world history with a dog’s loyalty to his human teacher, playful spirit, and commitment to truth and beauty. This book embodies the pure heart, integrity, love, and joy that only dog people can summon. Dog Mother is a jewel that will make you cry, laugh and howl at the moon, even if you are a cat person.
  —Sabine Wilms, Happy Goat Productions and Imperial Tutor