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What is Qigong
Qigong, as a medical keep-fit activity, has a history of several thousand years in China. The term Qi refers to the body's physiological functions. Qigong experts call it Internal Qi or Dantian Qi (mainly from the visceral organs). Gong refers to Gongfu (practising skill). Therefore, Qigong is a kind of self-training method by which the practitioner uses the initiative to train the body and mind, providing holistic training for self-reliance, self adjustment, body building, prophylaxis, invigorating and strengthening the constitution, resisting premature aging, and prolonging life. The main characteristics of Qigong include the training of Essential Qi in the human body, which integrates mental activity with body postures and respiration.
Theoretical basis of Qigong
The human body is a complicated system. Gases form, food is digested, Qi and blood circulate, saliva secretes, waste material is discharged, the PH changes, and spiritual activity influences metabolisms, all happening continuously in response to the growth of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regards such physiological changes as results of fluctuations and changes in the flow and function of Qi which circulate throughout the body through channels and collaterals. Qigong, a psychopneumatological exercise, drills posture, respiration and focus of the mind in order to unclog the channels and collaterals and re-estalish body equilibrium.
Benefits of practising Qigong
Qigong can affect the complex mechanism of the human body in various ways. Qigong experts and doctors in the past have done much research and established many theories. Contemporary research has further proven that Qigong is a holistic exercise, which requires little of the environment but produces a positive effect on the functions of all body organs and systems or tracts.
Effects on the Respiratory System The effect of Qigong is very obvious on the respiratory system. Most people can deepen, prolong, invigorate and slow down their breathing after from 10-20 times per minute to 4-5 times or even fewer. When Qigong practice is effective, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide decrease. This indicates that Qigong increases alveolar ventilation by activating gas exchange. Reduction in the number of respiration does not cause shortage of oxygen but saves much bio-physiological energy which otherwise would be consumed in more respiratory movement.
Effects on the Digestive System Qigong exercise invigorates and regulates digestion. Studies have shown that the up-and-down movements of the diaphragm muscles in the Qigong-practising group of patients were much larger on scale than in a comparison group that did not practise Qigong. The stomach fundus of a Qigong practitioner was also found to be six times higher than that of a non-practitioner. These Qigong-related changes prevent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and premature aging.
Effects on the Blood Function Qigong can dramatically change the peripheral blood picture. Measuring Qigong effects on blood shows white cells increase 13 to 23 percent on average. The phagocytic index of white cells may also increase from 40 percent to over 90 percent after Qigong practise.
Effects on Cardiovascular Function Static Qigong (also known as Quiescent Exercise) is particularly effective in slowing the rate of heartbeat. Qigong can significantly reduce pulmonary pressure, of which the effect is better than intravenous injection. After Qigong practice, the systolic pressure dropped 18 millimetres and the diastolic dropped 16 millimetres.
Effects on Metabolism It has been proved that a practitioner's gas metabolism is reduced when one enters the quiescent state of Qigong, but change in the quantity of oxygen while doing Qigong exercise can reduce gas metabolism to the minimum level required by the human body ordinarily, which is lower than simply lying.
Effects on the Nervous System Function Practising Qigong can produce beneficial effects on the function of the nervous system, especially the cerebral cortex.
Qigong exercise is quite effective for this disease. The Liver and Kidney meridian could get good restoration and as a result, emotions can be adjusted. Method: self setting exercise 10-30 minutes, relax and lead the Qi through the liver and kidney area down to the foot, then relieve the bad energy out of the foot, and before finishing, use hand and self massage from head to abdomen and low back.
