Qigong
Chinese medicine is becoming more popular in the Western world as science begins to prove that many of the treatments and techniques used by traditional Chinese doctors actually work as well or better than modern medical treatments. As stress relief and gentle muscle building activities like meditation and yoga grow more mainstream, the Chinese practice of Qigong is gaining practitioners of all kinds.
Qigong is a gentle, meditative moving practice that helps relieve stress, build muscle strength and flexibility, and increases circulation. Some qigong techniques don't even require a patient to move, and will work for paralyzed or otherwise immobilized people. Millions of Chinese people practice Qigong daily to keep themselves in shape. Most qigong techniques use a series of poses that stretch specific muscles groups, combined with deep and slow breathing.
The deep breathing techniques taught in qigong have been proven to be a very effective stress relief technique, as well as encouraging better blood circulation throughout the body. The gentle stretching helps relieve muscle pain or weakness, as well as improve joint use. Starting your day with a round of qigong can jump start the metabolism, release any tension the muscles may have from being immobile overnight, and improve circulation for the day's activities.
The best way to learn safe and appropriate qigong techniques is to visit an experienced and trusted qigong instructor. Many Chinese medicine practitioners teach qigong, as well as offering other Chinese medicine techniques such as herbal medicine, cupping, and acupuncture. There has been a rise in Western instructors teaching qigong classes at gyms and health clinics, but many of these teachers have only a basic knowledge of the stretches. For the most accurate and safe instruction, find a master of qigong instead of trusting someone who has only practiced it for a year or two.
