For most
people, the first and foremost benefit of Qigong lies in helping to
relieve or prevent chronic health problems. In China, Qigong is used to
help relieve a range of maladies such as: diabetes, asthma, cancer, poor
circulation, internal organ problems, arthritis, nerve pain, bad backs,
joint problems, hypertension, autoimmune disorders and general physical
disease.
Qigong and Tai Chi, like acupuncture and other facets of Traditional Chinese Medicine, are based on
the concept of "Chi" - internal energy - the life force. Both Tai Chi
and Qigong build Chi. This energy can be used to heal injuries and
illnesses, improve your general health or develop certain abilities.
Chinese medicine treats the whole person. Western medicine often treats
only the
disease.
Qigong exercises are generally simpler and more specific than Tai Chi,
with techniques that promote overall well being as well as particular techniques for
individual health problems. Doctors in China regularly
prescribe Qigong and Tai Chi as therapy for high blood pressure, poor
circulation, asthma, nervous diseases, impotence, arthritis and back,
neck and joint problems. These exercises loosen the joints and make the
spine stronger and more flexible. Tai Chi and Qigong are two of
the finest; heart and lung exercises for older people, especially those
who are not capable of strenuous exercise. Tai Chi and Qigong both
include meditation techniques and are extremely effective for calming
and stilling the mind, releasing stress and retarding the aging process.
How Tai Chi and
Qigong Benefit Older People
Everyone, whatever
their interest or profession, wants to be healthy and have an old age
Free of illness and infirmity. In China at least 60 or 70 million people
over the age of 60 practice Tai Chi and Qigong specifically to keep
themselves young in body and mind, and these techniques have worked for
thousands of years. In parks all over China, you will see people in their
60's, 70's and even 80's doing their morning exercises and displaying a
flexibility you'd be unlikely to see in an American over 30 years old.
Like anything worth having, Tai Chi and Qigong require a certain amount
of effort and perseverance, however they offer older people a realistic
way of regaining their youthful vigor and clarity of mind, while
preventing adverse effects of the aging process.
●
T'ai Chi and
Qigong reduce stress responses and lower the incidence of anxiety,
depression, fatigue, and general mood disturbance (Journal of
Psychosomatic Research, 1989 Vol 33(2) 197-206).
●
T'ai Chi and
Qigong minimizes the effects of chronic conditions such as allergies and
asthma (American Journal of Chinese Medicine (1981 Spr Vol 9 (1) 15-22).
●
T'ai Chi and
Qigong improves breathing capacity (Hawaii Medical Journal Vol 51 No 8
August 92).
●
T'ai Chi's and
Qigong's regular practice can lower high blood pressure (American
Journal of Chinese Medicine (1981 Spr Vol 9 (1) 15-22 & Hawaii Medical
Journal Vol 51 No 8 August 92)
●
Boost the
immune system (Prevention Magazine v. 42 May 90, p. 14-15+).
●
Slow the aging
process (QiGong, The Art & Science of Chinese Energy Healing, Kenneth S.
Cohen, Ballentine Books, NY, 1997).
●
Improves balance and
coordination TWICE as effectively as other balance training (Prevention
Magazine, v. 46 Dec. 94 p. 71-72+ & USA Today, May 1996).
●
Improves postural
control, while stretching, toning and relaxing the body in a cumulative
way that no other exercise can achieve (American Journal of Occupational
Therapy, 1992 Apr Vol 46 (4) 295-300.
●
T'ai Chi and Qigong
is probably the lowest weight bearing exercise, and modified forms can
be suitable even for arthritis sufferers (American Journal of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, June 1991, 70 (3) p 136-141.
●
T'ai Chi and Qigong
has been recommended as an adjunct therapy for chronic pain, AIDS,
arthritis, insomnia, asthma, high blood pressure, Parkinson's, Multiple
Sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and any psychosomatic illness.
●
70% OF ALL
DOCTOR'S VISITS ARE DUE TO STRESS (Copyright, Stress Management &
Relaxation Technology, 1997).
