How to Use Qigong to Improve Health

The ancient Chinese practice of Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a system that uses the body and the mind to heal itself. It's sometimes referred to as a holistic practice or a psychosomatic one. Basically, Qigong uses meditation, deep breathing techniques and sequential movement exercises to direct bodily energy to vital areas where it's said to heal damage, prevent illness and even cure disease. Qigong is practiced to increase longevity, reduce stress and improve overall health. Follow these steps to find out how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement

Use Qigong to Reduce Stress

1. Close your eyes.

2. Clear your mind.

3. Breathe in deeply. Make sure you fill your lungs with air all the way down into your belly.

4. Exhale fully, using abdominal muscle contractions to completely expel the air from your lungs before you pull in another deep, healing breath.

5. Perform all movements slowly, but with strength and purpose.

6. Allow your mind to focus only on your body, your breath and your motion. Don't let your mind wander. Forget for a while everything that's happening in your life.

7. Notice how much better you can feel after only a single session. Proponents believe that Qigong breathing, meditation and exercises can reduce stress levels and tension that contribute to anxiety, depression and even heart disease.

8. Learn more about how to use Qigong to improve health by purchasing a book on the subject, like Ken Cohen's "The Way of Qigong" (see Resources below). You may also wish to find a Qigong teacher to help you learn proper technique. Visit the Web site of the National Qigong (Chi Kung) Association USA for more information (see Resources below).

Use Qigong to Manage Diabetes

9. Incorporate Qigong breathing and meditation into your life. The reduction in stress and anxiety that can follow can help those suffering from diabetes.

10. Practice a dynamic (incorporating physical movements/exercises) form of Qigong rather than a static one. Proper exercise is key to managing diabetes. Exercise regulates insulin levels in the blood.

11. Improve your health by making Qigong a lifestyle, rather than a task that you have to complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Think about what you want to get out of Qigong. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different Qigong forms. Each is intended for a different purpose. One form may be intended for stress reduction while another is meant to increase longevity. Yet another is meant to treat a specific disease or condition.
• If you experience severe pain, dizziness or disorientation while performing Qigong, see your doctor or go to the hospital right away.
• 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.

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