Why is qigong important

It can be difficult — or nearly impossible — for someone with chronic fatigue to function in their daily life. In a study, 64 people with chronic fatigue experienced improvements in their symptoms after four months of practicing qigong. And qigong may give your immune system a little extra help. A review of several studies found that qigong had a noticeable impact on immune functioning.

It increased levels of certain immune cells in people who practiced it regularly. Many people who are undergoing cancer treatment need relief from side effects and the stress of treatment. Often, they turn to alternative medicine practices like acupuncture , yoga or massage. Qigong may have a place on this list, too.

Some evidence suggests that using qigong can help patients with cancer fight fatigue and mood disturbances. This boost may be a welcome relief. Keep in mind that qigong is not an overnight fix. Like any exercise, you need time to master it to get the full benefits. While taking a class is helpful, Dr. The researchers state that several qigong breathing techniques may:. However, while qigong may have potential for supporting respiratory health, there are no controlled trials that assess whether it has any beneficial effect on individuals with COVID A review and meta-analysis on the benefits of tai chi and qigong for cancer survivors found that both practices appear to improve quality of life.

The researchers looked at 22 previous studies, which included a total of 1, participants. Tai chi and qigong practice had correlations with improvements in depression, fatigue , and difficulty sleeping. As a practice for the body and mind, qigong does not solely focus on exercise and physical health.

It incorporates mindfulness, meditation, breathing regulation, and movement, all of which have general links to stress reduction and mental well-being. Several studies have also found that practicing qigong can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, although the results are mixed.

The review cited above on cancer survival found that qigong appeared to lessen depression. A analysis of prior studies also found the practice had an antidepressive effect, but only in five of the nine studies examined. There was also a high risk of bias in these studies.

Additionally, qigong may help with mental health by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that induces a state of rest and relaxation.

However, more high quality research is necessary to confirm these benefits. As with any exercise, it is possible that a person may fall or otherwise injure themselves.

However, because qigong uses slow, controlled movements, the risk of injury might be lower than those of more intense forms of exercise. Additionally, no studies have shown that qigong can act as a substitute for mainstream medical treatments. As a result, it is vital to seek medical help for any health condition. There are many ways to start practicing qigong. It can help narrow down the focus and style of learning before looking for classes or other learning resources.

A person can try:. Axe on Instagram Dr. Axe on Google Plus Dr. Axe on Youtube Dr. While it might not be as physically challenging as other types of Read More. Axe on Facebook 10 Dr. Axe on Twitter 1 Dr. Axe on Facebook 11 Dr. Axe on Twitter 3 Dr. Is it okay to workout on an empty stomach? Ultimately, it depends View All. Most Popular Fitness. Let's Be Friends. Axe on Facebook 2. Axe on Instagram K Followers.

You might also feel a flood or release of emotions, including unpleasant ones that have been kept suppressed. This emotional release following a treatment is believed to be beneficial to both psychological and physiological well-being.

Related: A Meditation for Energy. Qigong has been or is currently being studied for its potential impact on a massive array of health conditions, including high blood pressure , type 2 diabetes , depression , and early intervention in children with autism. One area that holds much promise is oncology, specifically in helping cancer patients manage the side effects of treatment.

Research out of University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and published in the journal Cancer linked qigong with reduced rates of depression and increased quality of life in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Other research suggests qigong helps ease fatigue in men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. Though not a substitute for necessary medical care, emphasizes Cohen, who was the first person to teach qigong in U. A yoga practitioner himself, he urges yogis to give this slower yet like-minded practice a try.

Intimidated by the precise physicality of the movements? As you inhale, breathe in vital life energy. Picture yourself condensing the vital qi denser and brighter in your lower dantian with every exhalation.

Lying down, place your hands on your lower abdomen, which is known as your lower dantian, or energy field. As you breathe in, direct your breath into the lower abdomen and feel your belly rise.