Under “Obama
Care,” The Affordable Care Act says that insurance
companies "shall not discriminate" against any state-licensed health
provider, which could lead to better coverage of chiropractic, homeopathic and
naturopathic care. This means that
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)- meditation, acupuncture, chiropractic care, homeopathic
treatment etc.-may become a lot more accepted. To help understand the different
types of CAM, this week begins a series on various modalities.
I’m starting with Qigong, as it’s something I practice everyday and find it
extremely helpful for my well being.
There is evidence that some form of Qigong was being practiced as early as
5,000 years ago. The term itself came into use in the 20th century
and today it is an important part of Chinese Medicine. Qigong (Chi Kung) means
cultivating energy. The types and styles range from martial arts, medical to
spiritual. Regardless, they all involve sets of moves, breathing techniques and
meditation. No matter what your physical condition, moves can be modified for maximum
benefit. Learn more about the history of Qigong
The self-healing and health enhancement methods of China -- Qigong and Tai
Chi (also Chi Kung and Taiji) -- are experiencing a kind of renaissance in the
Western societies. Research on the wellness practices of China currently
separates Qigong and Tai Chi into separate categories. The basic health
enhancement concept in both Qigong and Tai Chi, however, is shared – purposefully
manage posture/movement, breath and mind focus. It is proposed that when the
research base on both is combined the magnitude of the impact on health policy
and planning is increased significantly. Qigong and Tai Chi: TraditionalChinese Health Promotion Practices-Qigong and Tai Chi-in the Prevention andTreatment of Chronic Disease
Researchers from the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi (Santa
Barbara, California), Arizona State University, and the University of North
Carolina analyzed 77 articles reporting the results of 66 randomized controlled
trials of tai chi and qi gong. The studies involved a total of 6,410
participants. A majority of the studies compared tai chi or qi gong
with a nonexercise control group, but some included a comparison group that
practiced other forms of exercise, while others included both exercise and
nonexercise groups to evaluate the effects of tai chi and qi gong. Of
the many outcomes identified by the reviewers, current research suggests that
the strongest and most consistent evidence of health benefits for tai chi
or qi gong is for bone health, cardiopulmonary fitness, balance and
factors associated with preventing falls, quality of life, and self-efficacy
(the confidence in and perceived ability to perform a behavior). Evidence is
mixed, according to the review, about tai chi or qi gong's effects on
psychological factors and patient-reported outcomes (reports from patients of
symptoms related to disease). NCCAM
Qigong is offered in many different places: hospitals,
health centers, cancer centers, gyms,
senior centers, community halls, support groups, private studios etc.
There are also a wide variety of videos, including some that are featured as
part of PBS fundraising drives. It’s very helpful to start by taking some
classes so the instructor can help you with breathing, body placement etc. Costs
should be nominal.
To see if Qigong is something you’d like to consider,
check out the following videos:
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