Qigong combines movement, meditation, and breath regulation to enhance the flow of vital energy in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune function. Because Qigong can be used by the healthy as well as by the severely ill, it is one of the most broadly applicable systems of self-care in the world. In China, it is estimated that 200 million people practice it every day. You can practice it standing, walking, sitting or lying down, even if you are confined to a bed or a wheelchair. Qigong (also referred to as Chi-Kung) is an ancient Chinese exercise that stimulates and balances the flow of Qi, or vital life energy, along the acupuncture meridians or energy pathways; breaking down energy blocks and promoting blood and lymph flow. This increase of blood and lymph flow and a shift in neurotransmitters creates an actual sensation that is clearly perceptible to the individual; the Chinese call this `Qi sensation'. Like acupuncture, Qigong emphasizes prevention, it teaches how to remain well. In China Qigong methods are at the center of the national self-care system of health maintenance. Qigong cultivates inner strength, calms the mind and restores the body to its natural state of health by maintaining the balance of all systems. Practiced regularly Qigong's combination of movement, deep relaxation and breathing can improve strength, flexibility and healing. Recent medical studies in both China and the USA show that Qigong can reduce stress, increase circulation and provide resistance to disease. Today, most hospitals in China include Qigong in their health care programs and some carry out government-supported research.

How Qigong Works

Qigong can range from simple calisthenics-type movements with breath coordination to complex exercises where brain wave frequency, heart rate and other organ functions are altered intentionally by the practitioner. A number of current studies show that Qigong decreases heart rate and blood pressure, and increases the delivery of oxygen to the tissues accelerating the elimination of toxins. By inducing alpha and theta brain waves, Qigong promotes mental clarity and deeper sleep, reducing anxiety and decreasing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Qigong alters the body's neurochemistry profile, moderating pain, depression and addictive cravings. It also moderates the function of the hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands and optimizes immune efficiency. Some conditions that Qigong helps resolve effectively include: digestive problems, asthma, arthritis, insomnia, pain, depression and anxiety. In China, many hospitals combine Qigong with conventional medicine in order to treat cancer, bone marrow disease and diseases of old age. Qigong is often found to be more effective than chemotherapy, surgery or acupuncture for the prevention and treatment of disease.