Hawaii: 6,000-year-old therapy at the heart of wellness retreat

A Chinese master of medicine-free healing is prompting interest in Kokolulu Farm, a retreat center on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Ning Jian Xiong arrived in early February and will be in residency at Kokolulu, near the village of Hawi, through July.

Since arriving in early February, Ning’s weekend retreats have been sellouts as people seek his knowledge in Zhineng Qigong, a 6,000-year-old Chinese therapy in which healing focuses on exercise, love and energy.

“Energy has been the foundation of our program from the very beginning,” said Lew Whitney, the retreat’s co-founder. “Boost your immune system. Control your mind. That’s the key.”

Kokolulu initially provided alternative treatments primarily to cancer patients, but its outreach now extends to people with a variety of ailments that Whitney said are often difficult to diagnose and treat.

Whitney added that his staff doesn’t dissuade people from seeking relief from modern medical procedures. Instead, they encourage a blend of Eastern and Western therapies.

“The mind controls the body,” he noted. “Our goal is to help people feel empowered.”

Weekend retreats are priced at $225, which include meals or lodging. Longer stays that include room and board are also available. Individual sessions with Ning can also be scheduled.

Info: (808) 889-9893