This is where qigong comes into play, an ancient holistic system that focuses on meditation, breathing techniques, movement, posture, and other active elements.
By implementing key techniques into your daily life, in addition to other healthy habits, you can reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening diseases.
If you are interested in this ancient system and would like to protect both your short- and long-term health, here’s what you need to know — and more importantly, what researchers have discovered.
Qigong Offers Medicinal Benefits That Support the Anti-Aging Process
For centuries, qigong has been used in order to self-heal. It is a system that increases vitality, healing, and overall health maintenance.
The benefits associated with a consistent practice are vast, including optimal health into old age, youthful vitality, more rapid healing, and a greater mind-body connection.
Although this system dates back thousands of years, the research on the medical benefits of qigong has only been active for the past four decades or so. Since the early 1980s, researchers have taken a particular interest in the benefits of qigong in relation to the reversal of some diseases — most of which are associated with the aging process.
Combining the concepts of “qi” — the vital energy of the body, and “gong” — the skill of being able to work your qi, qigong can have a dramatic impact on your internal systems and organs. It can also support a more balanced lifestyle.
In order to measure the effect of qigong on the functions and energies of the human body, researchers use the Electroacupuncture According to Voll or EAV for short. Measuring the electrical conductance of the skin across various individual acupuncture points, researchers have been able to document the impact that qigong has on organ systems and the meridian system (the path in which qi flows).
In addition, qigong has been shown to support hypertension patients, boost sex-related hormones, lower your risk of stroke, and enhance blood flow to the brain.
How Qigong Impacts a Patient with Hypertension
Considering approximately 103 million Americans live with high blood pressure, it’s imperative that those affected take a proactive approach — especially among the aging population.
Numerous studies have highlighted the association between qigong and blood pressure, including this 2015 review, which analyzed 2349 hypertension patients, across twenty trials. It was concluded that qigong is an effective therapy option for hypertension, and no serious adverse events were recorded.
More recently, a 2017 study examined the impact that qigong and more specifically, meditation exercises, had on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). It was found that in comparison to no intervention, qigong was able to significantly lower both SBP and DBP.
The Impact of Qigong on Sex Hormones
As you age, your sex hormone levels change in unfavorable directions — once again, impacting variables such as your blood pressure.
However, qigong has been shown to have a positive impact on plasma sex hormone levels.
This has been reported among both men and women, especially in relation to estradiol.
The Association Between Qigong and Stroke Risk
Your risk of having a stroke significantly increases with age, with one-third of ischemic strokes occurring in the elderly (those who are 80 years or older).
Numerous studies have examined the impact that qigong has on stroke risk, including a 2017 review, published in Medicine.
After examining twenty-one trials and 1604 patients, it was concluded that qigong may reduce major stroke risk factors, especially in relation to variables such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and hypertension. There is also evidence that qigong may improve a patient’s quality of life following a stroke.
Qigong Can Also Impact Cerebral Blood Flow
The aging population faces a greater risk of vascular cognitive impairment, as well as Alzheimer’s disease.
Since cardiovascular function is often impaired, impacting blood flow to the brain, disruption can occur. To support your cardiovascular health and in turn, your brain health, qigong can assist your efforts.
In this case study, two qigong masters were examined in relation to their brain function. While practicing qigong, researchers found that there was an approximate 22.2 percent increase in mean blood flow velocity in the posterior cerebral artery. This has been reported in a number of studies, potentially offering hope to those living with cerebral arteriosclerosis.
Overall, there’s a large collection of studies that have examined the impact of qigong on the aging process, particularly in relation to associated diseases. Today, experts agree that qigong tends to go hand-in-hand with other healthy-boosting habits, expanding longevity and improving quality of life.
Although qigong can benefit everyone, regardless of your age, it is particularly beneficial among seniors. Being able to improve your range of motion, strength, balance, and flexibility, this system can improve your overall health and positively impact your risk of chronic disease.
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