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.
