How to Manage Diabetes With Qigong

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice used by practitioners to promote health, fitness and well being. Pronounced "chee-gong," it's employed as a means to treat and manage many of the most common ailments plaguing human beings, including diabetes and hypertension. Qigong is a combination of breathing techniques, meditation, visualization exercises and focused movements. The materials needed to practice Qigong (like comfortable clothing) are inexpensive. Follow these steps to use Qigong to manage diabetes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Loose, comfortable clothing to allow for maximum range of motion

1. Use Qigong to restore harmony to your body. According to traditional Asian medical beliefs, ailments like diabetes are caused by imbalances in the body's energy flows. Qigong re-aligns your body to your environment.
2. Take your position. Qigong has many forms/movements that can be done either standing or sitting.
3. Be aware of your body. Pay close attention to your posture. Improper posture can result in unwanted strain on the body. It will limit the effectiveness of your practice.
4. Maintain your balance and weight distribution throughout your Qigong exercises.
5. Notice your breathing. Proper breathing techniques are central to Qigong.
6. Breath deeply. Relaxed, regulated breathing increases the blood oxygenation needed to help regulate blood sugar levels and manage diabetes.
7. Visualize your breath. Picture it entering your nose and pull it down deep into your lungs and abdomen. Expand your stomach with your abs to pull in more air.
8. Clear your mind. One of the main benefits of Qigong is its ability to reduce stress and promote overall feelings of well being that may help you manage your diabetes. Diabetics know just how important it is to reduce the stress that can lead to hypertension and heart disease.
9. Practice Qigong as part of your total health and fitness program. Regular exercise such as Qigong is essential to maintaining health and regulating the blood sugar levels that contribute directly to diabetes.
10. Learn more about Qigong and its application in treating common ailments by visiting the Qigong Institute Web site (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• If you're new to Qigong, practice each component separately before combining them. You'll need to master every aspect of Qigong in order to maximize its effectiveness.
• If you're using Qigong to manage diabetes, combine it with changes in your diet to get the most out of it. For example, regulate your sugar intake and avoid "white" foods like white bread, pasta and rice that cause short term, dramatic spikes in blood sugar levels.
• If you experience any pain, shortness of breath or dizziness while practicing Qigong, stop what you're doing and consult a doctor immediately.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.