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Part 1: Qigong Basics

Part 2: Proven Benefits

Part 3: Qigong Demonstrations

Hugely popular in Eastern cultures, Qigong is a form of standing meditation boasting countless health benefits. Dr. Michael Caley is a Qigong instructor who has seen first hand the power of this practice. “Every person has Qi,” says Michael. He suggests, “the best Western example” of Qi “is the Force in Star Wars.” To many, Qi seems foreign and fantastical, a made-for-movies phenomenon. The typical Western mindset tends to reject the success of alternative healing forms. However, the evidence speaks for itself. In numerous scientifically sound studies, the positive results of Qigong and the power of Qi are clearly apparent. Together, Michael and Emily demonstrate some actual Zhan Zhuang Qigong exercises, including postural realignment and harnessing internal Qi.

Stress, tension and a time-pressed lifestyle cause visible distress on the body. Adults usually store this stress in muscles and connective tissues which gradually distorts the natural balanced posture. Postural realignment repositions the body’s standing form back to its natural state. This process is meant to open the meridians of the body and allow the Qi to flow freely.

Once a “player” of Qigong has a strong grasp on the standing meditation element, other soft body movements are added to the session. This, along with intentional breathing, leads to reduced tension and pain after only a few weeks. Other reported benefits include: lowered heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels; increased lung volume; lessened asthma symptoms; improved circulation; reduced frequency of seizures; better balance and posture; increased bone density; less pain from injury and surgery; heightened memory; less depressive, obsessive-compulsive behaviours; and stronger libido.

Skeptics still might need more proof. In a double blind experiment, known as the John Hopkins study, the manipulative power of Chinese Qi Masters was tested. The Masters were each given a Petri dish of microscopic cells and were asked to either encourage or restrict the growth of the cells using their Qi. By holding their hands over the Petri dishes, the two groups did just as they were told. The results were mind-blowing. The cell cultures of the “encouraged growth” group had multiplied incredibly. The cultures of the “restricted growth” group remained small.

The point of Qigong is to “put yourself back in the natural position,” Michael explains. The mix of intentional breathing and dynamically balanced posture may not be for everyone, he adds. It’s important that each person find a balance that is right for them, and Qigong may or may not provide that balance. If it does, weekly sessions combined with daily practice will stimulate balance and harmony between body and mind.

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