Health Benefits of QiGong

Why do we exercise? For the health benefits. And when we look at Tai Chi QiGong various health benefits have been attributed to its practice by its practitioners. This is not treatment, and does not replace any modern medical intervention, but it can have preventative and complementary benefits. These include physical, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular, along with mental health and wellbeing benefits.

There are three positive impacts of Qigong practice, two of which have parallels with, and are understood within, modern western medicine, physical exercise and mindfulness. The third element, unique to the traditional Chinese medicine understanding, is the manipulation of Qi or lifeforce energy.

Musculoskeletal and neuromuscular benefits

Practicing QiGong movements can have a beneficial impact on the muscles, ligaments and skeletal alignment. This can then result in positive improvements and/or retention of ability of many necessary and beneficial physical attributes such as:

• Balance

• Posture

• Strength

• Flexibility

• Coordination

• Easing aches and pains

• Circulation (Lymphatic and Blood)

• Reducing inflammation

• Lung function

Mental health wellbeing

Practice of Qigong incorporates mindfulness through breathwork and the slow and focused practice of flowing movements. Mindfulness practice is recognised to have a positive impact on perception of mental health wellbeing. This was long understood within traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy and is now increasingly recognised within modern western medical practice and western culture.

In addition, any positive impacts on physical health can also have beneficial outcomes for metal health. For example, an obvious example is that being in persistent physical pain can drain mental positive energy and can impact in mental wellbeing issues such as depression. If steps are taken that can reduce or eliminate physical pain this can then have a parallel positive impact on mental health.

Benefits of Qigong practice on mental health, either through mindfulness, or through the positive mental health benefits of physical health improvements, include:

• Reducing stress

• Reduce cognitive decline

• Improvement in mood

• Creating a sense of calm and wellbeing

Qi flow and manipulation

Within traditional Chinese medicine is a belief that an additional element of lifeforce exists within the body in additional to the physically understood elements.

Qi is traditionally believed to flow along a series of Meridans, interacting with numerous pressure points which have associations with the physical elements of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine belief is that when Qi flows freely through the meridians it helps to nourish the organs and the body is healthy while blockages can cause negative impacts on physical and/or mental health.

The primary and original purpose of Qigong practice is to positively manipulate the flow of Qi in relation to these meridians and pressure points to achieve positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

What conditions can Qigong practice benefit?

Qigong practice can have benefits for any condition that can be positively impacted by the above mentioned physical or mental improvements in a way that is understood and recognised within modern Western medicine. Additionally, practitioners of Qigong as a traditional Chinese medicine also consider that manipulation of Qi can positively impact and improve many health conditions.

Please note: I strongly believe this is as a complement and not a replacement for qualified medical intervention and treatment. Always seek qualified medical advice for any condition and if you have any concern about the impact of practicing Tai Chi QiGong if you have a pre-existing health condition.

Some indicated benefits of Tai Chi include for Fibromyalgia as covered in this 2018 BBC news story and heart health, body weight and fat reduction, and mental health as covered in this Michael Mosley Just One Thing episode