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. It is practiced widely in the clinics and hospitals of China. There are a variety of styles, from gentler to vigorous. One unique feature is its ability to train the mind to direct the body's energy, or chi, to any part of the body. Some believe that, when moved correctly, chi can bring your body to a natural state of balance. Qigong is believed to relax the mind, muscles, tendons, joints, and inner organs--helping to improve circulation, relieve stress and pain, and restore health. Besides greater stamina and vitality, and improved cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive function, the benefits can include:
Lower blood pressure: In a 20 year study, patients with hypertension were given drugs to control blood pressure, both in the control and qigong groups. Over time, the qigong group were able to lower the use of blood pressure drugs, whereas the control group had an increase in blood pressure which required greater use of drugs.
Enhanced immune system: In one study, blood samples taken the day before training started and after 30 minutes of daily qigong training for one month showed a statistical difference in white blood cell counts.
Stroke: Over a study period of 30 years, patients practicing qigong had a 50% reduction in death from any cause, death from stroke, and sickness related to stroke, compared to the control group. One small pilot study showed fewer symptoms and improvement in function among fibromyalgia patients.
For more information on energy medicine, there are more than 4,000 citations online at www.qigonginstitute.org.
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309
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