Tai Chi-Qigong for Heart Disease

[Anna York]

I’m sure you know several people who have some type of heart disease. I certainly do, and I know from watching their struggles that it’s no fun. For example, my beautiful mother-in-law GG (glorious grandma), shown in the picture above, had heart trouble for many years, ultimately having a pacemaker inserted to help with her heart rhythm. She was a cheerful, inspiring presence, always offering an encouraging word to everyone she met. Even more powerful was her ability to face every day with courage and a sense of adventure. She was always willing to try something new, which is how she began attending my Tai Chi and Qigong classes at 89 years of age. Living up to her reputation as a super cool GG, she discovered Qigong was a good way for her to exercise and take care of her heart. 

Overall benefits of Qigong

There is a large body of research that has been done in China on the health effects of the Tai Chi and Qigong forms that constitute New Creation Qigong. Western scientific research is also proliferating that reveals a great variety of beneficial physiological, social and psychological benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

• Stress relief

• Induces relaxation response

• Lowers stress hormones 

• Improves posture

• Improves respiration and circulation

• Enhances micro-circulation

• Increases balance and coordination

• Increases flexibility, range of motion

• Oxygenates the body

• Improves flow of energy through straight spine

• Improves digestion

• Lowers blood pressure

• Enhances immune system function

• Balances brain hemisphere dominance with the practical effect of increasing balance of activity on each side of body.

• Raises awareness of the body and the way it functions

• Improves awareness of body position (proprioception)

Those with heart disease can benefit in the ways described above.

Specific Qigong Benefits for Heart Disease

Qigong is especially good for those with heart disease because it helps lower several major risk factors, including high blood pressure and heart rate. It enhances modulation of the cardiac autonomic system. Many of the benefits are related to relaxation that comes through breathing, visualization and mental practice associated with the slow, gentle movements. Improved respiration enhances oxygen flow throughout the whole body, including blood, organs, tissues and cells. 

Remember Virginia at age 89! It’s never too late to start!