Filed under: Advice, Happiness, Health, Healthy Eating
At the beginning of the year, researchers from the Research Institute at Bastyr University completed a study that found the ancient Chinese energy healing modality qigong (also known as ch’i kung) helped lower some of the markers associated with type II diabetes. The findings are published in the January 2010 issue of Diabetes Care, the official journal of the American Diabetes Association.
Qigong is an internal, subtle energy, meditative practice that promotes the circulation of qi or chi energy throughout the body. This energy is considered the life force and working with this life force with movement or stillness (standing, sitting or lying down) is thought to enhance the overall health of the practitioner.
Understandably, this discipline lies outside of the domain of modern western science. However, there is a movement, in both China and the West, to study this practice using scientific methods. It is for this reason that this latest study is of such keen interest.
Researchers compared three variables: the effects of qigong versus the effects of resistance exercise training versus the care usually given to those with type 2 diabetes (as the control group).The qigong group practiced the energy technique twice a week for 12 weeks, as well as meeting with a qigong practitioner once per week to make sure the exercises were being done correctly. This schedule was mimicked by the resistance exercise group. The control group simply continued with the usual care for type II diabetics, as recommended by their doctor.
Continue reading Fight Type II Diabetes With Qigong Meditation