Health Benefits of Qigong

Qigong (chee gong) is a practice that involves a series of postures and exercises -- including slow, circular movements -- regulated breathing, focused meditation, and self-massage.

One unique feature of qigong is its ability to train the mind to direct vital energy, or chi, to any part of the body. Qigong energizes and renews the mind, muscles, tendons, joints, and inner organs -- helping to improve circulation, relieve stress and pain, and restore health.

A variety of benefits have been linked to qigong:

• Greater stamina and vitality
• Reduced stress
• Enhanced immune system
• Improved cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, and digestive function
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved balance and expanded range of motion

Some of the Health Benefits of Qigong?

As a complement to Western medicine, qigong can help the body heal itself, retarding or even reversing the effects of certain diseases linked to aging and enhancing the efficacy of other treatments in recovery from illness and injury.

• High blood pressure. In a study lasting 20 years, patients with hypertension -- whether in the control or qigong group -- were given drugs to control blood pressure. At first, participants in both groups had a drop in blood pressure. But blood pressure in the qigong group stabilized over time. They even were able to lower their use of blood pressure drugs. By contrast, the control group had an increase in blood pressure, requiring greater use of drugs.
• Immune system. Just 30 minutes of daily qigong training for one month has been shown to produce a tangible impact on the body’s immune system. In one study, blood samples taken the day before training started and after it was completed showed a statistically significant difference in white blood cell counts.
• Stroke. In one study looking at mortality, among patients who’d suffered a stroke, 86 in the qigong group survived compared with 68 in the control group. That was after a period of 30 years. Compared to the control group, patients practicing qigong had a 50% reduction in death from any cause, death from stroke, and sickness related to stroke.
• Fibromyalgia. One small pilot study showed fewer symptoms and improvement in function among patients with fibromyalgia who were practicing qigong. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can cause widespread pain and fatigue.
• Arthritis. My personal experience with rheumatoid arthritis is that the daily practice of qigong has given me greater range of motion, far less pain and a reduction in frequency of painful episodes.

Qigong Practice is Simple and Easy 

Almost anyone can practice qigong. Many of the various styles are simple to learn, easy to perform and a full practice session requires only minutes. There are immediate benefits as well as the long term ones. While performing the routines, the practitioner will experience a improve energy level and if the movement is one intended to help manage pain, the level of pain will be more tolerable.