Qigong
Qigong (pronounced "chee gong") is a form of Chinese medicine with a tradition extending back thousands of years. The art of qigong has long been practiced as a component of martial arts training and has been used by Taoist and Buddhist monks to focus the body energies.
“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Qigong, where “Qi” means air, breath of life, or vital energy of the body, and “gong” means the cultivation of skill, is a set of breathing and moving exercises that promotes health and well-being.
Research suggests that qigong exercises have a range of healing effects. Some of these include:
- Cardiovascular: lower resting heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Respiratory: improved gas exchange, significant benefits for asthma & bronchitis
- Immune System: better targeting of antigens, an anti-cancer effect
- Circulation: improved microcirculation, helpful for angina, migraine and Reynaud's Syndrome (cold hands & feet)
- Brain: improved cerebral blood flow, less incidence of stroke, brainwaves suggest relaxed and integrated state of consciousness
- Musculoskeletal: improved posture, balance, strength, stamina and flexibility
- Chronic Pain: significant pain reduction from all causes, including injury, surgery, arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Mental Health: decreased stress response, anxiety and depression, improved memory
- Longevity: improved blood pressure, cholesterol and hormone levels, kidney function, mental acuity, vision and hearing, skin elasticity, bone density, immune function, digestion, balance, flexibility, strength, libido, destroys free radicals (major cause of tissue degeneration) by stimulating activity of superoxide dismutase
