Are You “Old” Before Your Time? 
by Keith Shaw

First, ask yourself these question...

How do you feel when you wake up? Do you lack energy and fear facing the new day ahead? Are you stiff, lacking flexibility, feeling pain in your joints?

How do you feel throughout the day? Do you feel exhausted by 9:30 in the morning? Even more drained in the afternoon? Are you unable to concentrate or think clearly?

Do you have hypertension (high blood pressure)? Feel and get run down from high levels of stress at work, in traffic, at home and from life? Do you get frequent headaches? Frequent colds and sickness? Experience shortness of breath even from the slightest physical exertion? Did you put on a few extra pounds this year?

If you answered yes to any of these, there’s great news. With continued practice of Qigong you can start on a journey to better health and well being!

What Is Qigong?

Qigong has been practiced throughout China, Korea and other Asian countries for thousands of years and continues to be practiced daily in parks, schools, gyms and at home. In my visits to Asian countries, I always see groups of people, young and old, women and men, congregating at sunrise to do their Qigong exercises.

Qi means “breath or gas” in Mandarin Chinese and is the energy produced by breathing that keeps us alive; gong means “work or technique”. Qigong is then the "breath work" or the art of managing the breath to achieve and maintain good health and to enhance the energy mobilization and stamina of the body in coordination with the physical process of respiration. Unlike other physical exercises, such as weight lifting, aerobics or running, Qigong can be done everyday.

Qigong involves the coordination of different breathing patterns with various physical postures and motions of the body. The gentle, graceful movements, combined with controlled breathing and meditation make Qigong an ideal health and fitness program for women, men and children of all ages. As humans, our Qi energy is at its peak in our late teen years, 18-20.

As we age, we lose a little of our energy and health, year after year. But there’s good news — you don’t have to. With Qigong exercises you can balance and enhance your mental, physical, and metabolic functions — your mind, body and spirit. You can learn to concentrate on and control your breathing which is an important component of the relaxation response; so very critical in combating and managing stress. And, you can strengthen your immune system for a longer, healthier life.

The Medical Establishment Is Embracing Qigong

Recent scientific evidence has proven the power of the mind and its thoughts on the health of the body; in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, recuperation from injury and in lessening pain. In fact, a recent (April 2006) program on PBS, “The New Medicine”, showed that studies in Integrative Medicine have established that the mind, body and spirit are all active “ingredients” for overall well being and good health, and critical in preventing disease or living well with chronic disease. Leading medical institutions, such as the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas and Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in New Jersey, now provide and teach Qigong. The University of Arizona and Duke University also offer courses in Integrative and Alternative Medicine to physicians.

What Are Some Types Of Qigong Exercises And The Benefits?

There are many Qigong exercises that can help specific areas of your body, mind and spirit. Here are three that target some of the key health issues today.

I) Circulation Qigong:

Circulatory system diseases are a significant burden in terms of morbidity, mortality, and use of health care services. According to the National Center for Health Statistics and the CDC, expenditures for circulatory diseases total nearly 20% of all personal health care expenditures.

Ongoing practice of Circulation Qigong provides the following health benefits:

1) It directly stimulates the organ meridians to strengthen blood circulation,

2) It also strengthens the lymphatic system that protects the body from being infected by cancer cells, fungi, viruses and bacteria,

3) Circulation Qigong also detoxifies your tissues,

4) When the function of these systems is improved; the health and wellbeing of all your internal organs, your immune system, and your brain function will be improved.

II) Stress Relief Qigong:

Stress Relief Qigong controls high blood pressure and releases tension. Evidence suggests that reducing your blood pressure by only 5-6 points can decrease the risk of stroke by 40%, of coronary heart disease by 15-20%, and reduce the likelihood of dementia, heart failure, and mortality from vascular disease.

Some of the other benefits you gain are:

1) Release of your stress,
 
2) Improvement and control of your breathing,

3) And calming and strengthening of your internal organs.

III) Concentration Qigong:

The exercises for Concentration are important in that they increase your mental power and all of your senses, including the sense of smell. The inability to identify the smell of lemons, lilac, leather and other smells predicts which people will develop Alzheimer's Disease, according to a study presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology’s annual meeting. It is estimated that world-wide the number of people with Alzheimer’s will increase 238% over the next 30 years! In the U.S. alone it is the third costliest disease after heart disease and cancer! So, it is very important to consistently practice these exercises to improve our concentration.

With consistent practice of Concentration Qigong exercises, you can improve:

1) Your ability to concentrate,

2) Mental capabilities and

3) Your probability of a longer, healthier life.

In summary, Qigong is an excellent addition to improve your health regimen and keep you on track for a healthy lifestyle. Through continued, diligent practice you will reap the many benefits of Qigong and help your mind, body, and spirit heal — naturally.

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