Therapeutic Benefits of Qi-Gong
From a TCM viewpoint, qi-gong's health benefits or mechanisms are as follows:
Yin and yang refers to the mutual opposite and complementary relationship among the body's organs and functional activities. A practitioner can use different maneuvers of qi-gong to adjust the body's states, such as depressing excitatory conditions or lifting inhibited conditions. Therefore, qi-gong can modify the equilibrium of yin and yang.
Qi-gong aims at managing the flow of qi (vital energy). Qi is the master of blood which means qi leads the blood circulation. Therefore, qi-gong helps to resolve the stagnation in the meridian system, which enhances the nourishment of organs, bones and joints.
The human physiological functions, from a TCM perspective, are driven by the action of genuine qi; which is actually a "vaporization process". Through different forms of qi-gong exercise, the vaporization process is enhanced and a more genuine qi moves through the body providing the power source for all of life's activities.
Qi-gong regulates the organs' functioning and leads to a stronger vitality. The acquired jing of the kidneys can be replenished constantly, therefore the bones and brain marrow are adequate, which fosters a youthful body, better constitution and higher level of intelligence. Most of the aging processes can be delayed.
- The nervous system: using qi-gong allows an individual to enter into a tranquil state allowing the brain to be oriented towards a higher conscious level. There is better integration of the nervous system, and it is expressed as relatively less inhibition in the autonomic nervous systeem.13
- The cardiovascular system: qi-gong reduces the burden of the heart. It changes the excitability state that dominates the heart and blood vessels, makes the capillaries expand and lowers the heart rate. It lowers blood pressure, particularly in those with hypertension (high blood pressure), but can also elevate it in hypotensive (low blood pressure) people.13,14
- The digestive system: the peristalsis and evacuation of food in the gastrointestinal track are expedited, secretion and amylase (a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch to sugar) activities are all increased. Therefore, digestion and absorption are enhanced.14,16
- The respiration system: during qi-gong practice, the respiration rate may be decreased and the mode of ventilation changed. As a whole, oxygen consumption is much lower than even in a sleeping state. The lowered metabolic rate and decreased energy consumption is thought to aid in the recovery of bodily functions.14,16
- The endocrine and immune system: the practitioners' hormonal regulation becomes well adjusted. For example, adrenaline activities are 40% lower than that of the normal people not practicing qi-gong. Phagocytes of white blood cells are more active and lymphocyte transformation rate is increased. Total immune functions are enhanced as well.13
Conclusion
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