| Qi gong is one of the most powerful tools for | | | | Manages and Resolves Conditions that Age the Body |
| staying young and nourishing longevity. How does it | | | | Qi gong circle walking is especially effective as a |
| work? | | | | healing tool for people who have cancer which plays |
| Builds Internal Strength and Suppleness | | | | a large role in cellular break down and premature |
| Unlike traditional western exercise, qi gong trains the | | | | aging. At Stanford University, Dr Arnold Tayam, head |
| energy of the body to invigorate internal organs to | | | | instructor of the qi gong program, uses a special |
| promote balanced health and prolong youthful | | | | form of the circle walking to help promote greater |
| appearance. | | | | states of relaxation and rejuvenation to help facilitate |
| For example, in the Chinese medicine system, the | | | | greater healing with cancer patients. |
| spleen is said to rule the muscles of the body. Certain | | | | Nourishes the Spirit and the Body |
| qi gong movements stimulate the spleen organ and | | | | Qi Gong facilitates a connection with a higher power |
| its associated energy pathways. Thus, when one | | | | through meditation and movement. |
| performs movements that target the spleen, the | | | | David Felton, MD, a renowned immunologist who |
| muscles become more youthful, supple to support | | | | conducted research at the University of California, |
| the skin and prevent winkles (especially on the face). | | | | found that the immunity system is strengthened by |
| Also, since it involves deep breath work, greater | | | | spiritual practices. |
| levels of oxygen enter the bloodstream to help | | | | Therefore, qi gong, as a spiritual practice, can play a |
| rejuvenate the internal organs on a cellular level. | | | | role in helping the immunity system stay balanced to |
| Last, on an energetic level, it is said that our essential | | | | prevent conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis often |
| energy or jing is responsible for youthfulness and | | | | associated with aging although juvenile forms can also |
| housed in the organs of the kidneys. The | | | | occur. |
| movements nourish the energy of kidneys. Thus, | | | | Creates Youthful Bones |
| many qi gong masters have strong kidneys and | | | | Qi gong nourishes the bones in two ways. It |
| often appear untouched by time. | | | | strengthens the internal organ of the kidneys, said to |
| Creates Youthful Brain Cells | | | | rule the bones in the Chinese medicine system. As |
| Researchers at the University of California at Irvine | | | | result, bones tend to heal faster and have greater |
| discovered that when qi is emitted by qi gong | | | | protection against degeneration and osteoporosis. Qi |
| masters, a greater perfusion of blood occurred within | | | | Gong also strengthens by creating movements that |
| the brain. | | | | have an isometric strengthening impact on bones and |
| Greater perfusion of blood nourishes the brain cells to | | | | fascia. |
| help prevent dementia and other cognitive and | | | | As an example, a 74 years old client who performs qi |
| mental conditions associated with aging. Thus, | | | | gong everyday, was able to have her cast removed |
| performing qi gong can help keep the brain and mind | | | | two weeks ahead of schedule following ankle surgery |
| young and vibrant. | | | | because her bones mended more rapidly than a |
| Prevents Conditions that Prematurely Age the Body | | | | similar patient who was half her age but not |
| Qi gong also promotes greater states of relaxation. | | | | performing qi gong. |
| As a result, heath conditions that are influenced by | | | | In summary, qi gong can promote greater states of |
| stress such as premature graying, high blood | | | | youthfulness and longevity by nourishing the internal |
| pressure, and certain types of immunity imbalances, | | | | organs, muscular and bone systems, and by |
| occur less in individuals practicing qi gong. | | | | promoting greater mental and spiritual balance. |