An ancient Chinese healing practice, qigong encompasses various techniques that encourage the proper flow of energy throughout the body. Qigong incorporates elements such as postures, subtle movement, breathing exercises and meditation to restore proper balance to the body. Qigong can help relieve stress and anxiety and may be useful as a complementary therapy in the treatment of various medical conditions. Check with a medical professional before beginning a new wellness routine, and do not attempt to use qigong as a replacement for established medical treatment.
History
Qigong is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for at least 4,000 years to promote overall health and prevent disease. Written records of qigong techniques date back to the Shang dynasty, which lasted from approximately 1600 BC to 1046 BC. According to the "Natural Medicine Journal," many Chinese hospitals continue to use qigong as part of their approach to holistic patient care. Because qigong is an ancient cultural practice, no standardized training or system of credentialing exists.
Theory
Qigong is based on the belief that the body contains a network of passageways, known as meridians, through which energy circulates. The vital energy in the body is known as qi, pronounced “chee.” According to traditional Chinese medical theory, too much or too little qi in any one part of the body causes pain, discomfort and disease. A typical qigong practice may include swinging the arms in precise movements, uttering certain sounds believed to promote healing in different organs and visualizing energy moving throughout the body.
Types
The Chinese government has identified more than 5,000 different styles of qigong. Most references to qigong refer to the practice of internal qigong, which comprises techniques that practitioners can do on their own after learning them under the guidance of a qualified professional. The effectiveness of internal qigong relies on frequent, regular practice. AltMD.com recommends that beginners practice 15 to 30 minutes daily. External qigong is the practice through which skilled healers direct their own qi into the body of another person to promote healing. Medical qigong is the practice of internal or external qigong to promote healing from specific illnesses. A medical qigong practice may include meditation and specific exercises for cleansing and strengthening the body and for circulating qi.
Benefits
In traditional Chinese medicine, qigong is considered beneficial for a number of ailments, including cancer, addiction, heart disease, depression, kidney disease, mental illness and insomnia. Little scientific evidence is available to support the use of qigong for these conditions, but according to the "Natural Medicine Journal," qigong may be an effective complementary treatment for hypertension, anxiety and pain management. AltMD.com reports that qigong may also boost the immune system, improve strength and flexibility, and decrease stress. In a study conducted by the University of Witten/Herdecke in Germany, asthma sufferers who practiced qigong daily for six months experienced a reduction in hospitalizations and antibiotic use, as well as less sick leave.
Considerations
According to the Natural Medicine Journal, qigong is generally regarded to be safe for the general population when practiced and learned under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Some unguided exercises may aggravate symptoms in patients with mental disorders.
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