Qigong science: a blending of east & west (Part 2) Author: Johnston SL Conference/Journal: Paraplegia News Date published: 2000 Other: Volume ID: 54 , Issue ID: 12 , Pages: 34 , Special Notes: Full Text COPYRIGHT 2000 Paralyzed Veterans of America , Word Count: 351 According to traditional Chinese medicine, a life-force energy called qi permeates all living things. Good health requires an ample supply of qi (pronounced 'chee'). Depleted by the demands of daily living, qi is naturally replenished through breathing, eating, and closeness to nature. When qi is consistently diminished, out of balance, or polluted, sickness follows. Qigong (pronounced 'chee gung') has evolved to include medical, martial arts, spiritual, and recently, business applications. Qigong-related practices encompass gentle movement, breathing, and meditation. Qigong's healing claims do not lack scientific basis. The Qigong Institute (Menlo Park, Calif.) has compiled a database of more than 1,000 scientific studies (albeit of varying scientific merit) indicating, for example, that qigong can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, circulation, digestion, mental health, respiration, and cancer outcomes. Mind/Body Discipline Although historically dismissing Eastern healing perspectives, many scientists are beginning to explain them through an emerging mind-body discipline called psychoneuroimmunology. This is a long word for a simple idea. Basically, emotions and psychological states affect your physical health. From a psychoneuroimmunology perspective, qigong-induced mental states result in the release of beneficial neurological agents and hormones that strengthen your immune system, which in turn fosters physical health. For example, qigong practice stimulates endorphin release, associated with moods of well-being or euphoria (e.g., the 'runner's high') and increases levels of DHEA, a steroid hormone associated with health and youthfulness. Although the true nature of qi can only be speculated, scientists have shown that qigong-related practices can generate a considerable amount of electromagnetic energy. Some researchers believe that the qigong-associated energy induces hormonal shifts by influencing subtle electromagnetic fields that surround humans. These fields, in turn, affect the brain's all-important pituitary and pineal glands, which secrete key hormones that regulate the entire body. These master glands have been shown to be sensitive to electromagnetic field fluctuations. Interestingly, a clustering of magnetic substances--called magnetite--are found near these glands in an area corresponding to what is called the 'Third Eye' in Eastern healing and spiritual traditions. These traditions believe this 'Eye' is one of the body's most powerful energy centers--one that can be developed through qigong practice.