Neil Kingham

It is rare to see a well designed, randomized controlled study on qigong, and it is nice to see that the benefits of this ancient health art are being shown by modern scientific studies.

This recent study, published in American journal ‘Daibetes Care’, looked at 251 adults with type 2 diabetes, and assigned them randomly to a qigong group, a control group or a progressive resistance training (PRT) group as an active comparison. Conventional diabetes care was continued at the same time.

After 12 weeks statistically significant reductions in plasma glucose levels were observed in the Qigong group, with a reduction found in every participant in this group. Fasting glucose of the Qigong group significantly improved compared with that of the PRT group and the control group.

The authors conclude that ‘Qigong therapy for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and demonstrated trends toward improvement in insulin resistance and A1C. These results suggest that Qigong may be an effective complementary therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes.’

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Acupoint Yong Quan – ‘The Bubbling Spring’ – Kidney 1

The point Yongquan, on the sole of the foot, is one of the most important in Qi Gong practice, and is also of great use in Tui na and acupuncture for its calming and relaxing effect.

It is located on the sole of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals, roughly a third of the distance between the base of the second toe and the heel, in the pronounced depression below the balls of the feet (it roughly corresponds with the solar plexus point in reflexology.)

As the only point on the sole of the feet, it is the lowest on the body and has a strong effect on descending Qi and Yang from the head. It is thus used for headaches, cough, dizziness and  nosebleeds.

In Qi Gong practice, Yongquan is the point through which we connect with the Yin energy of the earth. It has a rooting, grounding effect and can be used in all cases of anxiety, agitation, insomnia etc. So great is its calming effect that one of the classical indications for this point is for ‘rage with desire to kill’!

How to use it

In my experience Yongquan responds well to simple pressure, and I often use it in Tui Na massage treatments. Apply strong pressure to this point until a Qi sensation is felt at the fingers, or if uncertain, for a minute or so.

For insomnia, massage or press the point before bed. In China this is often combined with a warm foot bath to help sleep.

Yongquan is one of the easier points to activate mentally. If you are feeling anxious or over-stimulated, simply turn your attention to the soles of your feet. Feel the pressure of the ground against them. Focus on the Yongquan point. You may find it useful to imagine roots growing out of your feet and descending deep into the earth.

‘Qi Gong’ is normally translated as ‘Energy Work’. While ‘Qi’ refers the the vital energy that we work with using Qi Gong, the word ‘Gong’ doesn’t exactly mean ‘work’ as we know it in English. In fact, it has a much more subtle and complex meaning that can help us to understand more about Qi Gong.

‘Gong’ is actually the same word as the ‘Kung’ in Kung Fu – 2 different systems of Romanising Chinese words gives us 2 different spellings, but the meaning is the same. In both cases ‘gong’ is a kind of knowledge, understanding and ability gained through persistent effort over time.

The key here is that effort must be persistent, and it must extend through time. The understanding of ‘gong’ does not come overnight, no matter how hard you work. Just as a master craftsman practices for years to hone his skills, in Kung Fu and other martial arts we must practice constantly to attain the highest skills. In Qi Gong, we must likewise persist with training day after day to gradually improve and learn. Eventually, we begin to attain the Gong – our understanding, experience and abilities grow through dedicated practice.

In traditional Qi Gong a ’100 day practice’ is often recommended. This means taking one particular exercise, set or form, and practicing daily for 100 days without missing a single day. When you consider that this is more than 3 months, that’s no mean undertaking! The idea is that such regular practice will really make you familiar with that exercise, your understanding of it will grow with your experience, and it will have plenty of time to have an effect. This is ‘gong’ at work!

You may not fancy trying the 100 day practice, but if you practice martial arts or Qi Gong, bear in mind the meaning of ‘gong’, and try to make your practice a regular part of your routine, even if you only have have time to practice for a few minutes each day. You will progress much faster this way!

Recent joint studies from China and the USA show that regular practice of qigong can help cancer patients live longer, reports ChanelNewsAsia.com – The study shows that qigong practice significantly decreases reoccurrence of cancer and improves oxygen intake.

It’s probably not surprising that the story doesn’t make any mention of Qi or of traditional Chinese medicine, as it is reporting a scientific study. Nevertheless, the aims of qigong include regulating and strengthening the Qi, and so improving overall health. I know many people whose health has benefited from qigong practice, including some who are certain that it has helped them significantly with their recovery from serious illness. Tai Chi and Qi Gong have been part of my own practice for many years, and I often recommend them to my patients. I believe that regular practice of these arts is one of the single best ways to good health and wellbeing.

Read the full story here:

Some studies show practicing qigong helps fight cancer

Qi Gong (or ‘Chi Kung’) is one of the branches of Chinese Medicine, and is closely related to T’ai Chi (taiji). It literally means ‘energy work’ and is considered by many both the most important and the most profound method of health maintenance and spiritual development.

Qi Gong is typically divided into 5 types: Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian, Medical & Martial, however, these are broad categories and many styles fall into more than 1 category. In fact, Confucian Qi Gong is rare, ands most types can be traced back to either Buddhist or Taoist roots.

The exercises of Qi Gong normally consist of a few slow movements in sequence combined with specific breathing techniques, and sometimes visualisations. Sometimes no movements are used, especially in meditation exercises. Most styles have many different exercises for different purposes. When practicing, short but regular practice is normally encouraged rather than long but infrequent practice.

First references to this ancient art appear in Chinese texts dating from as early at 700 BCE. Zhuang Zi, writing in 600 BCE said ‘breathing techniques can improve metabolism; moving like a bear and a bird will result in longevity’. Around 250 BCE the famous Taoist doctor Hua To created the ‘5 animal play’ Qi Gong in which mimicing animal movements was said to balance the 5 elements and improve health and wellbeing.

Pretty much all Qi Gong has overall health maintenance as one of its main aims. Medical Qi Gong focuses on this aspect, specifically in the treatment of illness. Martial Qi Gong is perhaps the style least interested in healing, and concentrates on developing fighting and self defence skills.

Most Qi Gong, and certainly the Taoist and Buddhist types, is seen as a form of self development in which the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual spheres are all improved through practice. Most Qi Gong practitioners notice better health, improved posture, deeper breathing and a calmer more positive outlook. With dedicated practice, spiritual development can be persued, if desired.