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Over the last few years that has changed. Qigong and energy medicine researchers worldwide have produced over 3900 clinical and experimental research papers. And though it would usually be difficult to locate such a number of studies, thanks to the efforts of Qigong Institute founder Dr. Ken Sancier, abstracts of these scientific articles are available from the online Qigong Institute Database.
The word Qigong (pronounced ‘chee gong’) is a combination of two ideas: ‘Qi’ means air, breath of life, or vital energy of the body, and ‘gong’ means the skill of working with, or cultivating, self-discipline and achievement. The art of Qigong consists primarily of meditation, relaxation, physical movement, mind-body integration, and breathing exercises.
In their paper ‘Multifaceted Health Benefits of Medical Qigong (2004), Sancier and Holman cite the following list of biological benefits of a daily qigong practice:
Some of it a bit technical, but much of it completely understandable. Who wouldn’t want healthy blood pressure, a strong immune system, and a good long life?
Tai chi and qigong are so much alike, it can be difficult for beginners to figure out the differences between them. Both have flowing and gentle movements. The distinction, tai chi forms are a long set of linking movements, while qigong exercises are often simpler, specific, and more focused. Qigong is known as the mother of tai chi. Both provide many health benefits, though the qigong, because it is so focused, tends to work more quickly.
A medical doctor and tai chi advocate, Dr. Lam has written a number of articles on the health benefits of tai chi. He cites specific studies and research that recommend tai chi as a highly effective way to deal with health issues, such as arthritis, back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoporosis, fall prevention, diabetes, and chronic diseases.
I participated in a number of Dr. Lam’s tai chi workshops, gaining certification in his Sun Style Short Forms, which were developed to benefit people with arthritis, and his Cloud Hands Form, designed to greatly benefit people with diabetes. He is a generous and serious tai chi enthusiast who is working hard to disseminate tai chi throughout the world. His tai chi instructional DVDs are some of the best found anywhere.
We’ve now come to a time where the oriental arts are more accepted in Western Society. A great example of this is found in The Bulletin in the July 2007 article ‘Top 10 Complementary Medical Treatments From Mayo Clinic’ (see paragraph below*) by Herb Denenberg who showcases an article written by Dr. Amit Sood, the head of research at the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program of the top-ranked Mayo Clinic. In his article Dr. Sood lists tai chi as one of the top 10 Mayo Clinic recommended complementary medicine treatments, along with such notables as meditation, acupuncture, and yoga.
*Here are a list of sites posting the article. As the internet is fluid, my originally listed source, The Bulletin, no longer has the article posted at the url given, so here are the alternatives:
Bottom Line Secrets
Heart Spring
EustatiusMed
And the best thing about qigong and tai chi? They are beneficial, gentle, and easy to do for everyone no matter age or ailment. And once learned you can do them anytime, anywhere.
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Photo Credit: Asif Akbar
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