What
Qigong (or Taiji) Practice Can Do For You?
GENERAL BENEFITS
Qigong teaches inner strength increases flexibility, and boosts immune
power. It reduces stress, stores up energy, increases body awareness,
and improves balance and coordination.
PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Practitioners reported less tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion
and state-anxiety; they felt more vigorous, and in general they had
less total mood disturbance.
MENTAL HOMEOSTASIS
Pscyhological homeostasis refers to emotional control or tranquility.
It has been stated that the biological function of human emotion and
repression is primarily homeostatic. Evidence suggests that a feedback
relationship exists between forms of homeostasis, and the body-mind
type of therapies and practices (Qigong, Taiji, etc.) thus have a combined
physiological, physical, and psychological effect.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
A study conducted in China indicates that Qigong and Taiji may increase
the number of T lymphocytes in the body. Also know as T-Cells, these
lymphocytes help the immune system destroy bacteria and possibly even
tumor cells.
REATHING, ACHES, BLOODPRESSURE
In a study done in China, after practicing Qigong for 3 months, participants
observed a "big increase in breathing capacity", a disappearance
of backaches and neck aches, those with high blood pressure claimed
a drop of 10 to 15 mm Hg systolic at rest, and all participants claimed
to have more energy in their daily work.
BALANCE
Qigong and Taiji is superior to more technological balance therapies,
but that Taiji and Qigong Qi reduced the risk of injury by falling.
Complications from these injuries are the sixth leading cause of death
in older Americans, and account for about $10 billion loss per year
to the economy.
MENTAL & PHYSICAL STRESS
Mind & body exercises, such as Qigong and Taiji, are increasingly
replacing high-impact aerobics, long distance running and other body
punishing excercises of the 1980's mind /body workouts are kinder to
the joints and muscles, reduce the tension that often contributes to
the development of disease, which makes them especially appropriate
for high powered, stressed out baby boomers. Unlike most conventional
exercises, these forms are intended to stretch, tone, an relax the whole
body instead of isolating parts based on a series of progressive choreographed
movements coordinated with deep breathing.
BEYOND TRADITIONAL CARE
Health practitioners encountering clients who are faced with problems
that do not seem to respond to traditional health care, may employ some
of the health traditions of other cultures and to view the body and
mind as a balanced whole. Qigong and Taiji focus on the mind/body connection
to facilitate healing through relaxation, breathing, and movement
CURES/PREVENTIONS
Cases show that Qigong can (1) dramatically help illnesses such as hypertension,
asthma, and insomnia; (2) prevent arteriosclerosis and spinal deformity,
and (3) shorten recovery phase from long-term illness. Results from
elderly Qigong and
Taiji practitioners show strength, and flexibility superior to
non-practitioners.
BALANCE
Institute of Chicago indicates that people with moderate balance problems
can be helped by practicing Qigong and Taiji. Participants...of the
2 month course ...experienced about a 10 percent improvement in balance.
An Emory University study supports Hain's findings.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Qigong and Taiji exercises appear to be safe for RA patients...weight
bearing exercises have the potential advantages of stimulating bone
growth and strengthening connective tissue.
ELDERLY
According to Qigong and Taiji enthusiasts, the discipline can prevent
many ailments, including high blood pressure, tuberculosis, and diabetes,
and US scientists agree that Qigong and Taiji can offer some important
fitness benefits, particularly for older adults.
CARDIORESPERITORY EFFECTS
Practicing Qigong and Taiji regularly may delay the decline of cardioresperatory
function in older individuals. In addition, TC may be prescribed as
a suitable aerobics exercise for older adults.
