Qigong can calm your body and mind, improve your state of mind and balance yin and yang. You can end up with increased mobility and energy.
History
Qigong, which is as old as Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been practiced for 5,000 years. During the communism revolution, most of the texts written about Qigong were ruined. However, there were not many texts to begin with because Qigong practice was often kept secret. Many Qigong masters were killed, and their knowledge was lost. The first Qigong medical conference was held in Beijing in 1988. Qigong is currently studied as an alternative medicine.
Types
There is medical, spiritual and martial Qigong. Medical Qigong is one of the four types of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Spiritual Qigong is meditation. Meditation is done through movements, as well as at rest. Martial Qigong aids the practice of martial arts as well as other sports. It increases balance, flexibility and coordination. These functions combined also reduce the risk of injury. Qigong increases raw strength, power, speed and endurance.
Function
In China, Qigong is used as preventive medicine and as medical treatment. Qigong works by improving and restoring your electromagnetic energy, energy flow or Qi in the body so you get more oxygen to your cells. This energy releases repressed feelings and balances hormone levels. It also cleanses and strengthens your organs, immune system and nervous system.
Identification
Qigong’s breathing work and movements can lower anxiety by increasing blood flow and circulation. Quality of sleep improves also, and your bones, joints and organs get increased nutrients and oxygen. Toxins are reduced or eliminated. Your blood pressure can lower and if you suffer from low blood pressure, your blood pressure can elevate. Qigong practice dilates your blood vessels, which allows easier blood flow through your blood vessels.
Benefits
Qigong can help anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorders and post traumatic stress disorder. When you’re anxious, your heart rate increases, and sometimes you have a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety also presents as chest pain; the chest tightens and breathing speeds up. Qigong changes functions of the brain. Stress is reduced and you have an increased sense of well-being. Qigong increases the hormone melatonin. It's also used to treat cancer, asthma, back pain, ulcers and migraine headaches.
