Acupuncture to the same acupoint results in individualized brain activation
Chinese researchers find obvious individual differences exist in the activated areas of the brain with acupuncture. This difference may greatly influence the research result of fMRI as well as the conclusions about those results.
Study on inter-individual variability of cerebral response to acupuncture with fMRI.
Placebos less effective due to inaccurate societal views
The predominant socio-cultural view of placebos is negative. However, "negative views of placebos are inconsistent with evidence that placebo treatments can have positive effects on symptoms. RCT [Randomized Controlled Trial] participants should be informed about potential benefits of placebo treatments to avoid misunderstandings and unease." Scientific tools, fake treatments, or triggers for psychological healing: How clinical trial participants conceptualise placebos.
Relaxation techniques reduce labor pains
Relaxation and yoga may have a role with reducing pain, increasing satisfaction with pain relief and reducing the rate of assisted vaginal delivery. Relaxation techniques for pain management in labour.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) endorses Qigong and Tai Chi
"A program of regular exercise that includes cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor exercise training beyond activities of daily living to improve and maintain physical fitness and health is essential for most adults....Neuromotor exercise training, sometimes called functional fitness training, incorporates motor skills such as balance, coordination, gait, and agility, and proprioceptive training. Multifaceted physical activities such as tai ji (tai chi), qigong, and yoga involve varying combinations of neuromotor exercise, resistance exercise, and flexibility exercise. Neuromotor exercise training is beneficial as part of a comprehensive exercise program for older persons, especially to improve balance, agility, muscle strength, and reduce the risk of falls." American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine recommended during cancer treatment
"Informed oncology nurses can assist patients by making appropriate referrals to licensed acupuncturists and qualified TCM practitioners to help alleviate unpleasant symptoms associated with cancer and conventional cancer treatment." Traditional chinese medicine for cancer-related symptoms.
Therapeutic lifestyle changes underutilized for mental and emotional wellbeing
Therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) are underutilized despite considerable evidence of their effectiveness in both clinical and normal populations. Healthcare professionals are more likely to prescribe medications than to show their troubled, depressed, anxious and unhappy clients how to help themselves by changing the way they live. This is due to America's obsession with quick and easy fixes, like popping a pill for whatever ails you. Change Your Lifestyle and Change Your Psyche.
More medical schools offer 'alternative' training
"The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine, an association that helps medical schools incorporate CAM education, has grown to 50 members -- up from eight from when the group was founded in 1999. Among its current members are Mayo Clinic, Duke University Medicine and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine."
Qigong Institute Milestone: 7000 articles in the Qigong and Energy Medicine Database™
The 7000th article is research on how meditation alters functional interdependence between brain regions. "The globally reduced functional interdependence between brain regions in meditation suggests that interaction between the self process functions is minimized, and that constraints on the self process by other processes are minimized, thereby leading to the subjective experience of non-involvement, detachment and letting go, as well as of all-oneness and dissolution of ego borders during meditation." Reduced functional connectivity between cortical sources in five meditation traditions detected with lagged coherence using EEG tomography.
Review of electromagnetic techniques for breast cancer detection
"This paper focuses on reviewing the main electromagnetic techniques for breast cancer detection. More specifically, this work reviews the cutting edge research in microwave imaging, electrical impedance tomography, diffuse optical tomography, microwave radiometry, biomagnetic detection, biopotential detection, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)."
New introductory article on Qigong and Tai Chi Go with the Flow - Tai chi and qi gong are two gentle practices designed to keep your energy moving. January 2012 issue of Energy Times.
Includes quotes from Qigong Institute President Tom Rogers and Dr. Roger Jahnke, Director of the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi.
The Great Yoga Divide - A recent controversy highlights how far Western yoga has moved from its traditional root
Special issue of Medical Acupuncture explores military applications of acupuncture
The current issue of Medical Acupuncture, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., explores how the U.S. military is incorporating medical acupuncture to assist in the medical care of military personnel serving in the war zones and the efforts underway to explore military applications of acupuncture.
Acupuncture little better than "sham" for migraine
"According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture eases pain by stimulating certain points on the skin believed to affect the flow of energy, or "qi" (pronounced "chee"), through the body. But some modern research suggests that the needle stimulation triggers the release of pain- and inflammation-fighting chemicals in the body, even if it doesn't strictly follow traditional principles. "The sham acupuncture effect is so strong and long lasting, that this suggests that other factors, like the stimulation of cytokines or endorphins, are important too," Molsberger said. And even though real acupuncture has not clearly beaten the sham version, it has outperformed standard migraine treatments in some studies."
Yang-Sheng E-magazine - January 2012 issue of Yang-Sheng is on the webstands. Includes training tips on meditation, the first World Experts of Yang Sheng meeting in Hangzhou, Daoism and the Origins of Qigong, and more
New Qigong Institute web page: Epigenetics, Psychoneuroimmunology, and Qigong
Research by the Harvard Medical School and others has demonstrated that the practice of Qigong affects gene expression, and immune, nervous system, and cellular function. Qigong positively affects telomeres and telomerase, which allows cells to live longer -- true "anti-aging" and the legendary "fountain of youth". Qigong also changes which genes are expressed, thereby promoting gene transcription for stress reduction and improvement of immune function. The scientific basis of Qigong is explained in part through the convergence of epigenetics (cellular biology) and psychoneuroimmunology (neuroscience). Epigenetics, Psychoneuroimmunology, and Qigong.
New Qigong Institute Podcast: 'This is Qigong'
An updated introduction to Qigong by Qigong Institute President Tom Rogers. This podcast describes the fundamentals of Qigong and Tai Chi, their similarities and differences, why they are so important for both individuals and our society, the scientific basis of Qigong and Tai Chi with a summary of important research from the last few years from the fields of neuroscience, cell biology, and physics, and a personal note on why one might want to practice Qigong. This is Qigong.
Acupuncture reduces protein linked to stress
Although the study was done in rats, scientists suggest the findings could help explain why many users of the therapy report health benefits. (More).
Relaxation and yoga helpful during childbirth
Relaxation and yoga may have a role with reducing pain, increasing satisfaction with pain relief and reducing the rate of assisted vaginal delivery. Relaxation techniques for pain management in labour.
Qigong found useful in treatment of type 2 diabetes
In a randomized controlled trial in Australia, Qigong was associated with improvements in weight, waist circumference, leg strength, and insulin resistance in patients with diabetes. Qi-gong mind-body therapy and diabetes control. A randomized controlled trial.
Yoga found effective treatment option for severe mental illness
As current psychopharmacologic interventions for severe mental illness are associated with increased risk of weight gain as well as other metabolic side effects that increase patients' risk for cardiovascular disease, yoga may be an effective, far less toxic adjunct treatment option for severe mental illness. Effectiveness of yoga therapy as a complementary treatment for major psychiatric disorders: a meta-analysis.
Growth of Cancer cells controlled with electromagnetic frequencies
It's encouraging to see that western medical science is catching up with what Royal Rife discovered in the 1930's. Namely, cancer cells can be destroyed by electromagnetic vibrations and that the treatment does not affect non-cancerous cells. Cancer cell proliferation is inhibited by specific modulation frequencies.
National Qigong Association Annual Conference Call for Papers
Presenter applications are now available if you are interested in presenting a workshop at the NQA's 17th Annual Conference: RENEWAL REALIGNMENT REBIRTH being held at the Hilton Vancouver, Washington Friday July 27 through Sunday July 29, 2012.
Physicists extract light from seeming emptiness
Physicists in Sweden say they have managed to create light from vacuum, the closest thing to empty space known to exist. All things are born of being. Being is born of non-being (Tao Te Ching 40). The great Tao flows everywhere. All things are born from it (Tao Te Ching 34).
Meditation aids immune system after breast cancer treatment Lymphocyte Recovery After Breast Cancer Treatment and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Therapy. Biol Res Nurs. 2011 Nov 14.
Meditation found helpful for bipolar disorder Experience of mindfulness in people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative study. Psychother Res. 2011 May;21(3):277-85. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Nonremitted Patients with Bipolar Disorder. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2011 Apr 2.
Yoga decreases insomnia in postmenopausal women
This study showed that a specific sequence of yoga might be effective in reducing insomnia and menopausal symptoms as well as improving quality of life in postmenopausal women with insomnia. Yoga decreases insomnia in postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial. Menopause. 2011 Oct 30.
Qigong, Tai Chi, and yoga are promising exercises for the management of osteoarthritis Complementary and Alternative Exercises for Management of Osteoarthritis. Arthritis. 2011;2011:364319.
Tai Chi positively affects sleep quality in older adults The effect of Ti Chi exercise on the sleep quality of the elderly residents in Isfahan, Sadeghieh elderly home. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2011 Winter;16(1):55-60.
Tai Chi helps in treating chronic low back pain Tai chi exercise for treatment of pain and disability in people with persistent low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. 2011 Nov;63(11):1576-83.
Parent-delivered Qigong improves measures of autism Early intervention for autism with a parent-delivered Qigong massage program: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Occup Ther. 2011 Sep-Oct;65(5):550-9.
Yoga as effective as stretching for lower back pain A Randomized Trial Comparing Yoga, Stretching, and a Self-care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain. Arch Intern Med. 2011 Oct 24.
Acupuncture more effective than drugs in preventing migranes Acupuncture versus topiramate in chronic migraine prophylaxis: A randomized clinical trial. Cephalalgia. 2011 Oct 21.
Energy medicine used to treat breast cancer
Beating breast cancer. Targeted radiation shortens treatment, reduces side effects. Los Altos Town Crier, October 19, 2011.
Tai Chi improves sleep and reduces stress in college students Changes in Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sleep Quality in College Students Through Taijiquan Courses: A Cohort Control Study. J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Oct 14.
Anti-aging "silver-bullet" and "fountain of youth" identified
Telomerase activity is an indicator of cell health and modulates cellular aging. Your lifestyle, behavior, and thoughts affect telomerase activity. It is possible through Qigong practices to slow cellular aging, especially by reducing stress. A challenging epigenetic message: telomerase activity is associated with complex changes in lifestyle.
It's Mind-Body Week in Washington October 13-16, 2011
Check out the list of speakers and schedule.
US army lends an ear to acupuncture
Battlefield Acupuncture is being offered by clinics across the capital after the US concluded it helped provide relief to servicemen caught in the blast of roadside bombs and other explosive devices. London Evening Standard, October 4, 2011.
Relaxation exercises help reduce stress in high school students Integrating a relaxation response-based curriculum into a public high school in Massachusetts. J Adolesc. 2011 Sep 3.
Acupuncture superior to drugs for pain relief in postoperative abdominal surgery [Analgesic effect of acupuncture at Neimadian(Extra) in postoperation of abdominal surgery]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2011 Aug;31(8):738-42.
Listening to music lowers blood pressure in abdominal surgery patients Music as a nursing intervention: Effects of music listening on blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate in abdominal surgery patients. Nurs Health Sci. 2011 Sep 8.
Tai Chi and Acupuncture found helpful in treating rheumatologic/inflammatory and autoimmune diseases [Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway of some non-pharmacological therapies of complementary medicine: possible implications for treatment of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases]. Harefuah. 2011 Aug;150(8):660-3, 687.
Meditation increases positive emotions and improves outlook on life Mindfulness training increases momentary positive emotions and reward experience in adults vulnerable to depression: A randomized controlled trial. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2011 Oct;79(5):618-28.
Music reduces patient preoperative anxiety Effectiveness of different music-playing devices for reducing preoperative anxiety: A clinical control study. Int J Nurs Stud. 2011 Oct;48(10):1180-7.
Music enhances standard pain management therapies Emotional foundations of music as a non-pharmacological pain management tool in modern medicine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2011 Oct;35(9):1989-99.
Auricular (ear) acupuncture affects autonomic function in healthy volunteers Brain-modulated effects of auricular acupressure on the regulation of autonomic function in healthy volunteers. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:714391.
Meditation improves symptoms and quality of life in breast cancer survivors Improving Symptoms and Quality of Life of Female Cancer Survivors: a Randomized Controlled Study. Ann Surg Oncol. 2011 Sep 13.
Meditation Reduces HIV Treatment-related Side Effects Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for HIV Treatment Side Effects: A Randomized Wait-List Controlled Trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2011 Sep 17.
Electrical stimulation of acupoints reduces postoperative pain and analgesic usage for patients with spinal surgery Pain reduction of acupoint electrical stimulation for patients with spinal surgery: a placebo-controlled study. Int J Nurs Stud. 2011 Jun;48(6):703-9.
Tai Chi Reduces Cellular Inflammation in Older Adults Mitigating Cellular Inflammation in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Tai Chi Chih. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2011 Sep 19.
Tai Chi Improves Muscle Reflex Modualtion and Strength Effects of 12-week Tai Chi training on soleus H-reflex and muscle strength in older adults: a pilot study.Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011 Sep 27.
Tai Chi Provides Additional Benefit for Patients with Depression Complementary Use of Tai Chi Chih Augments Escitalopram Treatment of Geriatric Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2011 Oct;19(10):839-850.
NCCAM Highlights Relaxation Techniques
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has produced a new backgrounder (paper) that includes Qigong fundamentals of relaxation thro9ugh deep breathing and meditation: Relaxation Techniques for Health: An Introduction.
Acupuncture helps provide allergy relief
Some patients are able to stop using decongestants and others have gone off their medications entirely. Some Turning To Acupuncture For Allergy Relief.
National Qigong Association Annual Conference July 27-29, 2012
The 2012 Annual Conference will be held in Vancouver, WA. For more information: nqa.org.
Acupuncture shown to alleviate certain symptoms in emergency patients [Acupuncture in emergency medicine : Results of a case series.]. Anaesthesist. 2011 Sep 16.
Tai Chi Lowers Risk of Dementia and Memory Loss Could Tai Chi Prevent Memory Loss? fyiLiving, August 15, 2011.
Ling Qi Institute to offer Higher Education accredited undergraduate and post graduate studies in Qigong
The Ling Qi Institute will be a ‘not for profit’ (NFP) training centre providing Australian Higher Education Board accredited undergraduate and post graduate Qi Arts courses that will be underpinned by contemporary education and teaching practices. Proposed courses will be available internationally by a blended delivery system of online learning and residential. Students will be required to have adequate access to internet facilities and be able to attend residentials twice a year, initially proposed for Australia and Europe/UK. It is also proposed that a Graduate Diploma and a Masters (by Research) of Oriental Health Science and Philosophy will be offered to post graduate students. The Institute will also have the capacity for developing and offering individualised curriculum. The organization is soliciting Academic and Governance Board participation. More information: http://www.lingqiinstitute.wordpres s.com.
The Chi Center Presents: Awaken Your True Power of Vitality, Joy and Wellness
The Chi Center presents this exciting opportunity to learn the powerful teachings of Wisdom Healing Qigong direct from Qigong Master Mingtong Gu, who was recently awarded World Qigong Master of the Year by the World Qigong Congress. The Qigong Institute is a sponsor of this event to be held September 25, 11am-5pm, Craneway Pavilion, Richmond, CA. Tom Rogers, President of the Qigong Institute, will talk about the Milestones and Highlights in Qigong Research over the last few years. For more information: http://www.chicenter.com/Chi/Promotion/. Read the Press Release.
Eighth Annual Taoist Gathering - October 21-23, 2011
The Eighth Annual Taoist Gathering will be held in Oakland October 21-23, 2011 with the theme IMMORTALITY - an appropriate theme for this Rabbit Year. The Rabbit, or Hare, is an emblem of longevity in Chinese mythology and the Hare is said to derive his essence from the Moon. When we look at the Moon, we can see the Moon Hare standing near a rock under a Cassia tree and holding the Elixir of Immortality in his hands. Come hear about and practice approaches to Immortality from Hirsh Diamant, Alex Feng, Liu Ming, Ken Cohen, Solala Towler, Ted Cibik, Effie Chow, Michael Kidd, Anita Marshall, Tina Chin-Kaplan, David Wei, Thomas McCombs, Amy Matecki, Robin Rosario, Master Zhong Guo Guang, Wyming Sun, and others. You can register on the website where you will find the agenda and final details. www.thetaoistcenter.com or you can email them for a registration flier. info@thetaoistcenter.com.
Stimulation of different acupoints produced different brain activation patterns, as indicated by fMRI Power estimation predicts specific function action of acupuncture: an fMRI study. Magn Reson Imaging. 2011 Aug 15.
Laser Doppler flowmetry used to show increased blood flow due to acupuncture
Non-acupoint needling had no effect. This is the first time that spectral analysis has been used to investigate the microcirculatory blood-flow responses induced by acupuncture. Assessing the effects of acupuncture by comparing needling the hegu acupoint and needling nearby nonacupoints by spectral analysis of microcirculatory laser Doppler signals. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:435928.
Tai Chi and Yogs help prevent aging induced oxidative stress-related diseases
Dietary intakes and antioxidant status in mind-body exercising pre- and postmenopausal women. J Nutr Health Aging. 2011;15(7):577-84.
Using electromagnetism to treat cancers
EM researchers in the 20th Century were severely persecuted by the AMA and existing medical establishment. See The Supression of Energy Medicine. It is encouraging that this type of therapy is being rediscovered. Microsecond and nanosecond electric pulses in cancer treatments. Bioelectromagnetics. 2011 Aug 3.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) found effective for posttraumatic stress disorder A controlled comparison of the effectiveness and efficiency of two psychological therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing vs. emotional freedom techniques. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2011 Jun;199(6):372-8.
Electroacupuncture and acupuressure shown to affect somatosensory processing in the brain
Differences in Cortical Response to Acupressure and Electroacupuncture Stimuli. BMC Neurosci. 2011 Jul 27;12(1):73.
Homeopathic medicine linked to physiological changes in autonomic nervous system An exploratory study on scientific investigations in homeopathy using medical analyzer. J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Aug;17(8):705-10.
Cells generate electrical fields that may be used for intracellular organization and intercellular interaction High-frequency electric field and radiation characteristics of cellular microtubule network. J Theor Biol. 2011 Jul 20.
Meditation increases brain efficiency Meditation training increases brain efficiency in an attention task. Neuroimage. 2011 Jul 7.
Qigong improves weight, waist circumference, leg strength, and insulin resistance in people with type-2 diabetes Qi-gong mind-body therapy and diabetes control a randomized controlled trial. Am J Prev Med. 2011 Aug;41(2):152-8.
Tai Chi improves bone health and muscle strength
Effect of green tea and Tai Chi on bone health in postmenopausal osteopenic women: a 6-month randomized placebo-controlled trial. Osteoporos Int. 2011 Jul 16.
Asthma patients report no difference between active albuterol, placebo, and sham acupuncture
Although albuterol resulted in a higher increase in forced expiratory volume, patients subjectively rated albuterol, placebo albuterol, and sham acupuncture essentially the same. Active albuterol or placebo, sham acupuncture, or no intervention in asthma. N Engl J Med. 2011 Jul 14;365(2):119-26.
Acupuncture in China analyzed in real-time in Austria
Heart rate variability of patients receiving acupuncture for post-stroke rehabilitation in China was monitored and analyzed in real-time by a team of researchers in Austria. Teleacupuncture has become a reality. They also found that acupuncture significantly affects the autonomic nervous system during treatment. Biomedical Teleacupuncture between China and Austria Using Heart Rate Variability, Part 1: Poststroke Patients. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:782489.
National Qigong Association Annual Meeting is only 5 weeks away!
Qigong: Gateway to Balance & Creativity. 16th Annual conference. August 19-21, Dolce Valley Forge Conference Center, King of Prussia PA. Chungliang Al Huang will be presenting “The Tao of Dancing with Qi” on Saturday evening. (More).
A Taiwanese study found that Qigong improves health related quality of life Effect of Qigong on quality of life: a cross-sectional population-based comparison study in Taiwan. BMC Public Health. 2011 Jul 9;11(1):546.
Using fMRI, Chinese researchers show that acupuncture on different meridians affects different areas of the brain Study on the relative specificity of the heart and lung meridians in brain with fMRI. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2011 Jun;31(6):529-34.
Yoga practice mapped to brain activity
Researchers mapped specific brain patterns to the representation of words and pure consciousness during yoga samyama practice. Int J Psychophysiol. 2011 Jul 1.
Spirituality found as effective as fruit and vegetable consumption in reducing mortality rate Impact of Spirituality/Religiosity on Mortality: Comparison With Other Health Interventions. Explore (NY). 2011 July - August;7(4):234-238.
Acupuncture proven to affect brain waves Variations of Brain Activities of Acupuncture to TE5 of Left Hand in Normal Subjects. Am J Chin Med. 2011;39(4):673-86.
Conferences on Yoga Therapy and Research
The International Association of Yoga Therapists is sponsoring two seminars. The 2011 Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research will be held September 1-4 at the Asilomar Conference Center on the California Coast. The 2011 Symposium on Yoga Research will be September 23-25 at Kripalu Institute in Massachusetts.
Meditation Can Reduce Heart Attacks By Fifty Percent, Study Claims
Meditation, specifically transcendental meditation (TM), has reportedly been shown to reduce heart attack-related deaths by up to 50 percent, a new study claims Researchers tracked 201 people as they underwent either Transcendental Meditation or health education classes as part of a stress-reduction approach...(More)
Qigong improves quality of life, immune function, and survival in cancer patients A Critical Review of the Effects of Medical Qigong on Quality of Life, Immune Function, and Survival in Cancer Patients. Integr Cancer Ther. 2011 Jun 28.
Meditation found effective for dealing with work stress and depressive feelings A randomized, controlled trial of meditation for work stress, anxiety and depressed mood in full-time workers. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:960583.
Acupuncture modulates proteins responsible for the development and function of neurons Electroacupucture and nerve growth factor: potential clinical applications. Arch Ital Biol. 2011 Jun;149(2):247-55.
Acupuncture and the relaxation response (qigong) help AIDs patients Acupuncture and the relaxation response for treating gastrointestinal symptoms in HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy.Acupunct Med. 2011 Jun 24.
Patient education combined with acupuncture helps breast cancer survivors Patient education integrated with acupuncture for relief of cancer-related fatigue: Randomized controlled feasibility study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Jun 25;11(1):49.
Tai Chi helps prevent and reverse the progression of cardiac disease The impact of Tai Chi exercise on coronary heart disease: A systematic review. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2011 Jul;23(7):376-81.
Meditation Reduces Cardiovascular Risk
Meditation increases parasympathetic and reduces sympathetic nerve activity. Increased heart rate variability during nondirective meditation.
Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2011 Jun 21.
The Healing Power of Ritual Ritual is such a critical aspect to our lives... for millennia, ritual has guided humans to plant crops and to harvest them, to pray to the gods, to honor tradition. In our modern life, sacred ritual seems to have been replaced with television viewing or going to work. Even going to church, mosque or synagogue has become an obligation rather than an integration. I find that a personal practice like Qigong, yoga, tai chi, etc. can fulfill that critical element of "ritual" in our lives. Whether it is the group class that you attend once each week or the quiet time you find for yourself, your personal practice is essential. Yes it feeds your body... and certainly it calms the "monkey mind" that our fast-paced word feeds... but ritual personal practice feeds the spirit, fulfills our spiritual hunger for being connected to something infinite... to our own infinite nature... Breathe Deep Newsletter, June 2011 - Issue #61.
Diaphragmatic breathing (Qigong) helps reduce oxidative stress
Qigong breathing helps diabetics, smokers, athletes, and other groups by reducing heart rates, increasing insulin, reducing glycemia, and reducing free-radical production. J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Jun 20.
Meditators process emotions differently
At high levels of processing meditators are less affected by stimuli with adverse emotional load, while processing of positive stimuli remains unaltered. Neurosci Res. 2011 Jun 13.
Short-term meditation increases brain efficiency and connectivity Short-term meditation increases network efficiency of the anterior cingulate cortex. Neuroreport. 2011 Jun 17.
Medical Qigong found beneficial for cancer patients Effect of medical Qigong on cognitive function, quality of life, and a biomarker of inflammation in cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. Support Care Cancer. 2011 Jun 19.
Long-term practice of mindfulness leads to emotional stability Impact of mindfulness on the neural responses to emotional pictures in experienced and beginner meditators. Neuroimage. 2011 Jun 13.
Tai chi counteracts age-related loss of muscle strength
Doing tai chi helps women counter the age-related loss of muscle strength, a new study suggests. The study involved post-menopausal women who took a 12-week tai chi course, with sessions three times per week. It found that after 12 weeks the women had an 8 per cent improvement in their leg muscle strength and a 17 per cent improvement in balance. (More).
High Intensity Laser Therapy found more effective than Ultrasound in treatment of lower back pain Short-term effects of high-intensity laser therapy versus ultrasound therapy in the treatment of low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2011. Jun 8.
'OM' chanting affects parasympathetic activity
Using fMRI, researchers at the National Institue of Mental Health and Neuorsciences in Bangalore India found that 'OM' chanting affected the limbic system similarly to vagus nerve stimulation treatment used in depression and epilepsy. They found no corresponding effect for pronouncing 'ssss'. Int J Yoga. 2011 Jan.
Yoga Improves Mental Health of Japanese Seniors Effect of yoga on mental health: Comparative study between young and senior subjects in Japan. Int J Yoga. 2011 Jan.
Western Medical Model Found Inadequate for the Practice of General Medicine Distinguishing between complementary and alternative medicine and integrative medicine delivery: the United kingdom joins world leaders in professional integrative medicine education. J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Jun.
Mental Health Benefits of Yoga in a Secondary School: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial
A Harvard Medical School study finds that "...yoga is acceptable and feasible in a secondary school setting and has the potential of playing a protective or preventive role in maintaining mental health." J Behav Health Serv Res. 2011 Jun 7.
Tai Chi Could Help Overcome Cognitive Effects of Chemotherapy, Evidence Suggests
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 11.4 million Americans are currently living with cancer. While cancer treatments are plentiful, many have negative side effects. Previous studies have indicated that a significant number of patients who receive chemotherapy also experience cognitive declines, including decreases in verbal fluency and memory. Now, one University of Missouri health psychologist has found evidence that indicates Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art, might help overcome some of those problems. (More).
Long Term Yoga Practice Improves Mental Health
Researchers found that "average self-rated mental disturbance, tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, and fatigue scores of the long-term yoga group were lower than those of the control group". Biopsychosoc Med. 2011 Jun 3.
New cancer study finds benefit in old therapy
“Patients who practiced medical Qigong experienced significant improvements in quality of life, including greater physical, functional, social and emotional wellbeing, and enhanced cognitive functioning, while the control group deteriorated in all of these areas,” NewsMedical, May 24, 2011.
Acupuncture Gets Military Support For Gulf War Illness Treatment
The Department of Defense has made a $1.2 million research grant to the New England School of Acupuncture (located in Newton, Massachusetts). The goal of the study is to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of Gulf War Illness (GWI). The study is a double-blind, randomized investigation. (More).
Meditation helps low-income older adults decrease stress and improve their health
Examining Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Perceptions from Minority Older Adults Residing in a Low-income Housing Facility. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 May 31.
Overwhelmed caregivers: Try meditation
Home-based caregivers of ill or elderly family members are under enormous physical and mental stress, but daily meditative yoga may be a simple, effective strategy for maintaining health.... (More).
Tai Chi proves superior to exercise walking for stepping over obstacles and fall prevention
Strategies of stepping over obstacles: The effects of long-term exercise in older adults. Gait Posture. 2011 May 19.
Mindfulness practice reduced stress and anxiety in senior medical students
A randomised controlled trial of the effects of mindfulness practice on medical student stress levels. Med Educ. 2011 Apr.
Tai Chi Prevents Falls, Boosts Mental Health in Seniors: Study
"Tai chi helps reduce the risk of falls in older people and also improves their mental health, a new study has found...." (More).
Qigong revitalizes cancer survivor
"Every day, Gina Thompson of Bolinas puts in two or three hours of Qigong, either on her hardwood floor or outside on her deck. This ancient form of tai chi is a big commitment, but that is what it takes to reverse the aging process..." (More).
Mind Body Research Update - May 2011 Mind-Body Research Update for May 2011. Kevin Chen, Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Music Therapy helps patients with chronic stroke by reorganizing the brain
Music-Supported Therapy induces plasticity in the sensorimotor cortex in chronic stroke: A single-case study using multimodal imaging (fMRI-TMS). Brain Inj. 2011 May 11.
Sustained training in mindfulness meditation may impact distinct domains of human decision-making
Interoception drives increased rational decision-making in meditators playing the ultimatum game. Front Neurosci. 2011 Apr 18;5:49.
Tai Chi helps reduce age-related loss of muscle strength and power
Tai chi training improved body composition, muscle strength, functional capacities, and general health perception in post-menopausal women.... Menopause. 2011 May 6.
6 Million Americans prescribed meditation
"More than 6 million Americans are advised meditation and other mind-body therapies by conventional health care providers, according to a report released Monday by Harvard Medical School..." abcNEWS/Health, May 9, 2011.
Acupuncture effective in primary headache treatment
"Acupuncture has a long tradition of use for the treatment of many pain conditions, including headache. Its effectiveness has been studied mainly for primary headaches, particularly for migraine and tension-type headache (TTH)..." Neurol Sci. 2011 May;32 Suppl 1:15-8.
Master Mingtong Gu Awarded the World Qigong Master of the Year by 13th World Qigong Congress
Master Mingtong Gu accepted the World Qigong Master of the Year Award from Dr. Effie Chow before a sold-out crowd at the 13th Annual World Qigong Congress Gala in San Francisco. Mingtong Gu is founder of The Chi Center in Petaluma, CA and a trained master and world teacher in the ancient and modern practice of Qigong. (More)
Nonpharmacological interventions for breathlessness
"...Exercise is a long established management strategy in both respiratory and other chronic diseases to maintain fitness (which reduces breathlessness) and increase psychological well being. All patients with breathlessness should learn appropriate nonpharmacological interventions." Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2011 Jun;5(2):77-86.
Music alters visual perception
"...top-down modulation of visual processing is not purely predictive in nature: mood, in this case manipulated by music, may also directly alter the way we perceive the world." PLoS One. 2011 Apr 21;6(4):e18861.
Qigong Rap
Michael Clark with the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi invented Qigong Rap three years ago. Listen to Michael Clark's Qigong and Tai Chi Rap. The newest entry in this genre comes from Doctor of Oriental Medicine Dr. George Love. Listen to "This is why i do Qigong."
Second International Conference on Tai Chi/Qigong for Health
This conference will feature presentations of cutting edge research on the health effects of Tai Chi, training and practice in techniques of Tai Chi, and information and workshops for health care providers, Tai Chi instructors and practitioners, and the general public. The Call for Proposals form is due May 15. Conference is Sunday, June 19 - Tuesday June 21, 2011 at Indiana State University. (More).
Meditation helps decrease stress, suppress info overload
Mindfulness meditation helps regulate a vital brain wave called the alpha rhythm which suppresses information overload and improves memory, besides easing pain. It involves focusing your mind on the present, which is known to improve mood, decrease stress and boost immune function. The alpha rhythm is particularly active in the cells that process touch, sight and sound in the brain's outmost layer, the cortex, where it helps to turn down distracting sensations and regulate the flow of sensory information among brain regions. (Read the article). (Read the abstract)
Qi Portal™ internet-based program for Qigong self-care looking for volunteers
A Texas-based R&D firm, Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems, Inc. (OWLS) is looking for volunteers to participate in a project that will eventually develop an Internet-based program for giving instruction, guidance, and social support for the self-care practice of Qigong. They are looking for people who would be willing to spend a couple hours of their time reviewing, using, and assessing a prototype of the QiPortal™ program. OWLS will be compensating volunteers for their time. If you are interested in finding out more about this project, click here. You will fill out a form providing OWLS your contact information, and consent that it is okay to contact you about this project. (NOTE: OWLS will not be using your contact information for any other reasons, nor sharing your information with any third-parties).
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day - 13th World Congress on Qigong/Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are you doing on April 30th? Participate in a world-wide event promoting the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong. For more information see http://www.worldtaichiday.org. Attend the 13th World Congress on Qigong/TCM in San Francisco.
Qigong helps alleviate neck pain in office workers
A six week study in Sweden found that regular Qigong practice resulted in an improvement of neck pain and disability in office workers. (Read the abstract.)
Meditation Leads to Greater Pain Relief Than Morphine
Researchers at the Departments of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest University School of Medicine used fMRI to identify brain regions associated with pain reduction in beginning meditators. Read the abstract or Read the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Press Release.
Tai Chi Prevents Falls in Older Adults
(New York Times) For the first time since 2001, the American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatrics Society have updated their guidelines for preventing falls in older people. The update includes two notable changes: One recommends tai chi — the meditative, slow-motion Chinese exercise — as an effective way to prevent falls, while another suggests that doctors review medication use by all elderly patients, with an eye toward reducing use of those drugs that increase the risk of falling. More.
Qigong Promotes Health of Wheelchair-Bound Older Adults
A 12-week Qigong program was found to improve the physical health (blood pressure, heart rate variability, and distal skin temperature) and psychological health of wheelchair-bound older adults in long-term care facilities. The research suggests "that qigong exercise is a suitable daily activity for elderly residents in long-term care facilities and may help in the control of blood pressure among older adults." (Read the abstract).
Meditation Found Effective for Menopause Symptoms
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School have found that meditation may be a clinically significant resource in reducing the degree of bother and distress women experience from hot flashes and night sweats. Read the abstract.
Meditation Beats Dance for Harmonizing Body and Mind
(ScienceDaily) — The body is a dancer's instrument, but is it attuned to the mind? A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that professional ballet and modern dancers are not as emotionally in sync with their bodies as are people who regularly practice meditation. More.
Qigong Institute in the Press
The Qigong Institute is quoted in Qigong, the new yoga.
13Th International Energy Psychology Conference
Portals to a Transformed World: Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Practice. June 2-8, 2011. Reston VA. Keynotes by Bessel van der Kolk, Candace Pert, John Veltheim, Alberto Villoldo and Lynne McTaggart, and 60 other great presentations by leaders in the field. Energy Psychology is a family of powerful evidence-based healing methods that blend contemporary and ancient healing traditions to provide relief from mind-body distress. Conference website.
New Book: Vital Healing - Energy, Mind and Spirit in Traditional Medicines of India, Tibet and the Middle East - Middle Asia
Vital energy, expressed as "prana" in the Indian practice of Ayurveda, is the unifying concept that underpins and connects all of the traditional medicine systems of South East Asia. Vital Healing describes the origins, health strategies, diagnostic approaches, and modern-day uses of each tradition, and also draws parallels to, and finds correlations with, mainstream Western concepts - and demonstrates how all these therapies fit within the context of their own cultures and ours. Vital Healing: Energy, Mind & Spirit in Traditional Medicines of India, Tibet and the Middle East - Middle Asia
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Enhances Brain Connectivity
Mindfulness meditation training alters intrinsic functional connectivity in ways that may reflect a more consistent attentional focus, enhanced sensory processing, and reflective awareness of sensory experience. Read the abstract.
Improved performance in endurance sports through acupuncture
German researchers have found acupuncture has a significant impact on performance of athletes in endurance sports. Read the abstract.
Thirteenth World Congress on QIgong/TCM
The Congress overlaps with World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. Two greats reason to visit San Francisco in April. More information.
Official World Tai Chi & Qigong Day 2011 T-shirts
Don't be without your official t-shirt when you celebrate on April 30, 2011 with people from over seventy nations in this world-wide event. See the World Tai Chi & Qigong Day website. Sale of t-shirts helps support the organization and promotion of the event.
Mind-Body Week DC - October 13-16, 2011
The Mindfulness Center and other mind-body Centers and practitioners in the Washington DC metropolitan area are committed to promoting and improving the health of the community, and thereby also contributing to the health of the nation. Mind-Body Week D.C. takes these efforts into the private sector, and considers evidence-based medical research and knowledge as the foundation for the appropriate application of mind-body therapies, and their role in the standard of medical care. More.
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