The goal of qigong is to correct bio-energetic imbalances and blockages in the body that accumulate throughout our lifetime. These include poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, injuries, surgery, toxic influences, suppression of emotions, and aging. Medical qigong therapy and qigong self-treatment, both enable the body to return to its natural state of health and harmony. Pain and stress may be relieved and hormones regulated. Deep-seated emotions, which are considered a major root cause of illness within Chinese medicine, may be purged and released. This strengthens the body and regulates the internal organs, the nervous system and the immune system.