Who Is a Good Candidate for Qigong?

What is Qigong?

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that has been used for thousands of years. It is a type of meditative discipline centered around the traditional Chinese medicine belief that Qi, or energy, must flow throughout the body to achieve and maintain health. The practice of Qigong involves the use of slow, deliberate movements and relaxed breathing patterns to encourage the flow of Qi. This prevents stagnation of the body’s energy, which is thought to lead to health problems. It is also used to help relax the mind.

Who is a good candidate for Qigong?

The slow, gentle movements of Qigong are a safe practice for most individuals. It can be done while standing or sitting. It is low-impact, so it is safe for individuals with arthritis or other joint issues. In general, good candidates for Qigong are individuals who would like to balance Qi (life energy), reduce stress, and improve overall health.

Qigong may also be used as an alternative or complementary treatment for several health conditions. Therefore, good candidates for Qigong may include individuals with conditions such as:

• Depression or anxiety
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Osteoarthritis

Who is not a good candidate for Qigong

While Qigong is generally safe, some individuals who should speak with a medical professional before starting Qigong or any other type of physical activity. This includes:

• Individuals with diabetes, heart disease, or circulation problems
• Individuals who take medications that cause dizziness, especially when changing positions
• Anyone who has an injury or has had recent surgery

In addition, individuals with certain psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, or mania should not practice Qigong. The practice can lead to adverse mental or physical effects for these individuals.