QI GONG FOR HEALTH
July 22nd, 2008
The 4,000-year-old traditional Chinese medicine practice of Qi Gong can improve your health. Qi Gong is a system involving therapeutic health care, preventative health techniques and physical training. Qi Gong, or “energy cultivation,” integrates aerobic exercise, relaxation, meditation, and breathing exercises. When practiced regularly, Qi Gong strengthens the body’s vital energy.
Qi Gong can effectively treat a wide range of health conditions including: Chronic pain, osteoporosis, stress, cancer, and depression. Recent studies have concluded that Qi Gong may benefit heart health. Practicing Qi Gong lowers the blood pressure, metabolic rates, oxygen demand, and pulse rate. When practiced alongside conventional medical treatments, Qi Gong speeds cardiac rehabilitation by improving coordination, balance and physical activity. Qi Gong is often practiced for health maintenance as well.
Modern Qi Gong practices can be categorized as medical, martial or spiritual with overlap between the branches. All styles have similar principles: Posture, breathing techniques and mental focus.
Healing Qi Gong (medical) is the preventative aspect of traditional Chinese medicine. Medical Qi Gong is taught for primarily health maintenance purposes but may be tailored for curative intervention. Various forms of Qi Gong are also taught in conjunction with Chinese martial arts, and are prevalent in advanced internal martial arts training. Spiritual Qi Gong developed from Taoism and Buddhism and emphasizes tranquility and self-awareness.
Health benefits of regular Qi Gong practice include: Improved balance, flexibility, concentration, increased strength and energy, and prevention of illness. Qi Gong can be beneficial for various diseases and ailments, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, headaches, arthritis, and asthma.
Stress responses that adversely impact all body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems can be decreased with Qi Gong. Qi Gong speeds up metabolism and develops body strength. Qigong exercises combine flexibility, aerobic, and cardiovascular conditioning.
A consistent practice of Qi Gong promotes longevity and has a long-term effect of reestablishing the body/mind/soul connection. Regular Qi Gong practice can extend lifespan by slowing the aging process.
For more information about Qi Gong for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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