Qigong is an Eastern practice that developed in China thousands of years ago. "Qi" refers to the vital energy in your body and "gong" is the practice and training of this energy. The goal of Qigong is to bring balance to the functions of your body. For this reason, it is being studied for its potential healing effects. Although not a cure for any disease, Qigong is linked to improved quality of life in cancer patients.
Qigong Research
Research has been conducted to ascertain the effects of Qigong on patients before, during and after cancer treatment. A study published in March 2010 in the "Annals of Oncology" found that patients with a variety of cancers who participated in Qigong exercise saw decreased side effects as well as improved quality of life, mood and inflammation when compared with controls who received standard care. Qigong was used in addition to standard care and is not meant as a stand-alone treatment. Talk to your doctor before trying Qigong.
Raising The Arms
Every Qigong routine begins with opening moves that help "awaken" your energy. Raising the arms is an easy exercise that will help warm your body up and potentially help combat stiffness in your arm and hand joints. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and arms hanging by your sides. Exhale and turn your palms to face behind you while sinking down into your knees. Slowly raise your arms up to your shoulders, allowing your wrists to hang loosely and your fingers to remain relaxed and slightly curled. Straighten your legs and bring your arms in line with your shoulders. Turn your palms to face forward, bend your elbows and slowly bring your arms back down to your sides. Bend your knees as you return to the starting position. Repeat the movement four to six times.
Rowing On A Calm Lake
A Qigong exercise that gently stretches the lower back and potentially increases energy is called "rowing on a calm lake." Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your feet parallel and pointing forward. Slightly tuck in the chin as well as your tailbone while bending your knees and relaxing your shoulders. Turn your palms to face forward, bend your elbows and slowly inhale. Straighten your knees and raise your arms up to head height, palms still facing forward. Exhale, bend your knees and bring your arms down toward your thighs, palms facing behind you. Repeat the motions four to six times.
Balancing The Qi
Performing movements that will "store" your energy are an essential ending to your Qigong practice. Balancing the qi is an exercise that can be done to finish your session. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and arms by your sides. Bring your hands in front of you at hip height, palms up and fingertips pointing towards each other about two inches apart. Inhale and raise your hands up to your chest while keeping your palms upwards. Simultaneously, rise up onto your toes. Exhale, turn your palms over, lower your hands and come back down to your heels. Finish in the starting position. Repeat this movement four to six times.
References
- Qigong Institute: Qigong
- Annals of Oncology: Impact of medical Qigong on quality of life, fatigue, mood and inflammation in cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial; B. Oh et al; March 2010
- Everyday-TaiChi: Raising the Arms
- Everyday-TaiChi: Rowing on a Calm Lake
- Everyday-TaiChi: Balancing the Qi
