Benefits Of Qi Gong
Qi Gong and Mental Health is a Chinese practice that involves gentle movement, focused breathing and meditation to support mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. The ancient practice, which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), can be done standing or sitting and can help lower stress levels. It’s often paired with acupuncture to create a holistic wellness practice that helps manage pain, anxiety and depression. It’s a form of exercise and also can be used to reduce the risk of falls among seniors and improve balance.
It Calms Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is a complex condition that causes extreme tiredness that doesn’t go away even with rest. Research shows that qigong can boost energy, but the reason behind this isn’t completely understood. One theory is that qigong calms the sympathetic side of your autonomic nervous system, which controls functions like digestion, heart rate and blood pressure. This can lower your stress levels and trigger your parasympathetic side, which can stimulate a natural “rest-and-digest” response. As a result, you can feel less anxious and have better sleep quality.
Another benefit of qigong is that it can strengthen your back, according to the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. The study followed 72 office workers with low back pain and sent half to an hourlong qigong class while the other group received general advice for managing their back pain. After six weeks, those who took a qigong class saw improvements in their pain, range of motion and core muscle strength, while the other group didn’t experience any changes.
It may also boost your immune system. Studies show that qigong can increase the number of white blood cells in your body, which helps fight infections. Those who have a history of depression can benefit from qigong, too. A review of nine studies published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that participants who regularly practiced qigong experienced fewer symptoms of depression than those who didn’t. The researchers believe that qigong can help reduce depression by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and shutting off the inflammatory cytokines in your immune system.
If you’re considering incorporating qigong into your daily routine, consult your healthcare providers to see if it’s safe for you. It’s best to start slow and pay attention to how your body feels; ignoring pain can lead to injury or worsen any symptoms. In addition, it’s important to be aware of your personal limitations and never push yourself too hard. Remember to practice daily, and you can reap the benefits of this powerful mind-body practice.
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