Is Qigong the Same as Chi Kung?
Yes.  These terms are simply derived from different translation systems of the Chinese pictographs. The terms are synonymous with each other.

Is Qigong the same as Tai Chi Ch’uan?
Yes and No. The graceful postures and exercises in Tai Chi Ch’uan and Qigong all follow the same principals of body movement and alignment and even share many of the same postures.  It is because of this that many Tai Chi Ch’uan schools teach Qigong, but there are differences.  Qigong exercises tend to be shorter and require less space in which to perform the exercises in than their Tai Chi Ch’uan counterparts.  Tai Chi Ch’uan is also taught as a very effective martial art program, despite it possessing the acclaimed positive health and meditative benefits.  Qigong tends to be almost entirely for exercise and meditative practices, but there are a few martial art exceptions.  The only difference between learning Tai Chi Ch’uan or Qigong as a martial art or as a relaxation exercise is the intent in which you practice.  

Is Qigong Therapy the same as Qigong Exercise?
No.  Since the rise of the Communist party in China, the Chinese often refer to anything related to qi as qigong even though both practices cultivate or align qi by very different means.  This can lead to a lot of confusion for those of us in the West. When talking to new students, I add a descriptor to the name to help differential each practice.  Qigong “Therapy” is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of Chinese medicine.  The primary goal of Qigong Therapist is to locate and correct imbalances in the circulation of qi of a patient and lead them back to the natural state of good health. The same rules that apply to Acupuncture apply to Qigong Therapy, minus the needles.  This often is done by private healing sessions with a trained qi healer or therapist.  Qigong Therapy can be compared to Reiki, Luminous Healing, and Therapeutic Touch in its approach.  Qigong “Exercises” help cultivate and self-regulate the energy in the body through gentle exercises and meditations.  Qigong Exercises can be compared to some aspects of Tai Chi Ch’uan or Yoga and are often taught in a small class setting.  Both types of Qigong can combined together to create a total health regimen.  In fact many Qigong Masters and Therapists will often prescribe Qigong exercises for their patients as a form of rehab for their ailments or illnesses after they have their healing session together.

Qigong is growing in popularity thanks to people like Oprah promoting its positive health aspects.  It is a safe, natural healing practice and exercise for all ages.  Its centuries old techniques improve posture, balance, strength, stamina and flexibility which will lead to better vitality even if you don’t believe in qi.  For those who do believe in qi energy I encourage them to try qigong therapy.  Anyone with questions about qigong doesn’t have to wait for Oprah to answer their questions.  They can seek out the answers themselves whether through books, the Internet or local practitioners and instructors. 

About the Author:
Mark Brophy is a Qigong Therapist certified by the Chinese Healing Arts Center, a Professional Member of the National Qigong Association and Health Preservation Association Certified Qigong & Tai Chi Instructor.  He currently teaches Qigong & Tai Chi Ch’uan in the Columbia area.  Check out Mark’s website: www.scqigong.com .

Join us in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, June 28, 2008 for the upcoming Summer Qi Gong and Tai Chi Workshop. Come learn Qi Gong and Tai Chi exercises that relieve stress and strengthen your cardiovascular system. Register today at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html .

I caught a glimpse why when I was staying in the beautiful mountain town of Otavala, Ecuador, with a woman known for her knowledge of traditional Indian medicines. A tour of young American medical students stopped here to listen and learn from the Indian woman’s tour of her herbal gardens. As I followed them, I asked a group of young bright medical students if they were aware that Tai Chi was found to reduce high blood pressure. One lovely young woman replied, “Oh, yes, I’ve heard that, but I would never prescribe it.”

I asked why, and she responded that she couldn’t because she didn’t know if it would work. Although Tai Chi studies do show that Tai Chi indeed helps lower high blood pressure, it is true that it does not reduce it in every person. However, it is also true that every drug prescription does not work on every person either. I suggested to the young medical student that she consider that many times I’ve been to the doctor, and he’s pulled out a prescription pad and explained, “Let’s give this a try, and see how it works for you, and if it doesn’t do the job, we’ll try something else.” Most of us are familiar with this, and by the confused look on the student’s face, I’m assuming her memory banks were bringing up similar images.

So, why are our medical universities leaving students with the impression that they should not be prescribing Tai Chi, since we know it can help lower high blood pressure for many, who if it is successful with them, may enjoy a lifetime free of chronic and costly medications? And not only do that, but offer a plethora of GOOD SIDE EFFECTS including a stronger immune system and healthier respiratory system. This is a deep and important question we need to be asking as patients and consumers, and health professionals must begin asking this question regularly in order to fulfill the duties of their Hippocratic oath, specifically the admonition to “do no harm.” Because if a drug has potential side effects that are harmful, and a natural Tai Chi prescription only offers healthful side effects, than the Hippocratic oath would be violated if only the negative side effects option is offered by the physician. For, today we have even a much better understanding of Tai Chi’s potential than we did a few years ago, so ignorance or inconclusive data is not an acceptable explanation from our medical universities that train our future doctors, without teaching them about Tai Chi research, and what it portends for their future patients.

Today, we are clearer on exactly why Tai Chi is such a powerful therapy for high blood pressure sufferers. In a March 17, 2005, article by the Mayo Clinic staff posted at mayoclinic.com they lay out what a “stress response” is, and the effects it has on the body. This is at the core of high blood pressure problems and the physical changes chronic stress responses illicit that creates or aggravates hypertensive conditions.

In their article, they explain that a stress response, or “fight or flight” reaction involves our pituitary gland releasing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which sets a domino effect signaling other glands to produce additional hormones, such as adrenal glands which flood the blood stream with stress hormones, such as “cortisol” and “adrenaline.”

When ordinary life’s daily frustrations trigger this effect over and over again, the results can be damaging to the mind and body. Many of us experience this domino effect of triggers and hormones daily, which is why about 1/3 of Americans, or over 90 million Americans, suffer from high blood pressure.

Cutting edge scientists like Dr. Herbert Benson, President of the Mind/Body Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, are discovering a stunning reality through their research. In a wonderful article by Jeanie Lerche Davis at WebMD Medical News entitled The Mysterious ‘Medication’ of Meditation (http://my.webmd.com/content/article/25/1728_57992.htm), she writes of how such researchers are discovering that “meditation can indeed be medication – creating long lasting physiciolgical effects that reduce high blood pressure and even help unclog arteries to reverse heart disease.”

Dr. Benson, who is also associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, sought to prove how this effect could be shown objectively, and had five long-time meditation practitioners take MRI brain scans while meditating. Dr. Benson informed WebMD in the aforementioned article by Davis, “There was a striking quietude across the entire brain which was documented through MRI . . . The areas of the brain that became active from that quietude were those that control metabolism, heart rate, etc., . . . We knew meditation caused a relaxation response, but we couldn’t prove it. We knew that if you thought in a certain way, with repetition, that physiologic changes would occur in the body. Here now is proof that mind, in the form of repetition, is affecting the brain, which affects the body . . . ”

Stroke Magazine reported on a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, conducted by Dr. Amparo Castillo-Richmond, from the Maharishi University, more specifically on high blood pressure afflicting black people. The meditating group saw a reduction in the thickness of one of the arteries that supplied blood to the brain. Which indicates that blood flow is increasing. The group only using diet and exercise saw their artery walls getting thicker, which indicated that less blood was flowing through to the brain. This finding led Dr. Castillo-Richmond to make the profoundly exciting assertion, “It’s possible to reverse heart disease through meditation.”

In fact, not only hypertension, but up to 90% of other illnesses sending us to the doctor are being caused by stress, according to Dr. Herbert Benson. Which makes Dr. Benson’s and Dr. Castillo-Richmond’s findings that meditative techniques can so dramatically alter our stress producing “fight or flight” response in healthy ways even more wonderful and important.

Dr. Benson explains, that the relaxation response triggered by repetitive actions [like tai chi, yoga, etc.] can result in decreased metabolism, heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and also slower brain waves.” Benson asserts that it is the repetitive nature of acts like praying the rosary, yoga, or tai chi’s physical repetitive muscular actions that provides the profound hope for reducing anxiety, mild and moderate depression, anger and hostility, hypertension, cardiac irregularities, and all forms of pain, which are made worse by stress.

This concept of Tai Chi being an effective tool for reducing or even avoiding incidence of high blood pressure or other illnesses all together, is echoed elsewhere. Mayoclinic.com also recommends Tai Chi for relaxation training in an article entitled, “Relax: Techniques to help you achieve tranquility” which also explains why relaxation is important and what you might experience by practicing tools that will help you relax.

They detail how you can improve body responses to stress, such as: Slowing your heart rate; Reducing blood pressure; Slowing your breathing rate; Reducing the need for oxygen; Increasing blood flow to the major muscles; Lessening muscle tension.

They go on to explain that practicing relaxation techniques may help you experience: Fewer symptoms of illness, such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea and pain; Few emotional responses such as anger, crying, anxiety, apprehension and frustration; More energy; Improved concentration; Greater ability to handle problems; More efficiency in daily activities.

So, time and time again as we begin to examine one particular benefit of Tai Chi, such as lowering high blood pressure, we see a whole universe of potential opening up before us. An article from Archives of Internal Medicine, as reported on NBC’s local WCAU Health explained a Tai Chi research program at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston revealed a great deal. The article authors wrote, “Overall, these studies reported that long-term Tai Chi practice had favorable effects on the promotion of balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness and reduced the risk of falls in elders . . . Cardiovascular and respiratory function improvements were noted in healthy people and those who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery as well as people with heart failure, hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, arthritis and multiple sclerosis . . . Benefit was also found for balance, strength, and flexibility in older subjects; falls in frail elderly subjects; and pain, stress and anxiety in healthy subjects.”

They add the actual ways that Tai Chi provides these benefits are not well known.

The fact is that less than .5% of the National Institute of Health’s budget goes to research alternative therapies, leaving yoga, meditation, tai chi, massage, herbal therapy, aroma therapy, and the entire massive field of alternative health systems to struggle over .5%, or a little over $100 million of the $28 billion (approx.) annual budget. Given the above studies, it boggles the mind that such a small portion of the health research dollars are going to Tai Chi.

To recap, about 1/3 of the American population suffers high blood pressure. Tai Chi is proven to be a beneficial therapy that not only has no bad side effects, but dramatically improves immune function, respiratory function, lowers the incidence of anxiety and depression, and profoundly improves the balance of practitioners. Tai Chi does more, but for our purposes here these profound realities are enough to show exactly why it is truly unbelievable that Tai Chi is getting so little scrutiny in medical research dollars, when it can save so many from chronic suffering and perhaps some from a lifetime of chronic costly medications.

It is time we all began to ask the question that all good consumers should ask, “What is the best way/product for my health?” If Tai Chi is that product, the next question is, “Why isn’t every physician offering it as an option to their patients with hypertension, as a prescription?” “Why aren’t all insurance policies covering such prescriptions for Tai Chi?” Ask and ye shall receive. We must become informed and demanding health consumers, in order to get the best health options available.

This article does not advocate self-treatment, and encourages all to make health choices in conjunction with their physician. However, if your physician is close-minded to anything but a certain group of health options, even when research indicates your choices may be wider, than it is time to have a good talk with your physician about possibly widening your options.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bill Douglas is the Tai Chi Expert at DrWeil.com, Founder of World T’ai Chi & Qigong Day (held in 60 nations each year), and has authored and co-authored several books including a #1 best selling Tai Chi book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi & Qigong. Bill is the author of the ebook, How to be a Successful Tai Chi Teacher (Namasta University Publishing). You can learn more about Tai Chi & Qigong, search a worldwide teachers directory, and also contact Bill Douglas at http://www.worldtaichiday.org

Experience the profound benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong at the upcoming Summer Qi Gong and Tai Chi Workshop, June 28, 2008 in Minneapolis, MN.  Learn Qi Gong and Tai Chi exercises that relieve stress and strengthen your cardiovascular system. Register today at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html .

* Tai Chi for Liver, Kidneys & Spleen

* Qi Gong for High Blood Pressure

* Principles of Tai Chi and Qi Gong

You will learn to improve your balance, reduce joint pain…feel refreshed…and build a stronger cardiovascular system. This workshop will give you the tools to relax tight muscles, cultivate your vital life energy, reduce tension in your wrists and hands, and build greater leg strength. Learn to empower yourself and take control of your own health.

No experience is necessary because each form will be divided into separate exercises that are easy to learn. Discover how to effectively work with your life energy.

Location: Days Inn, 2407 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, MN

Cost: Early Bird Special only $130 (before May 30th) PLUS free HPA T-Shirt (with beautiful Chinese calligraphy, a $24 value) and FREE lunch ($15 value).

$150 (after May 30th)

Seniors (65 and older) Half Price

To Register: Purchase on line now at  http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html.
Presented by the Health Preservation Associaton

About the instructor: For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a certified Health Preservation Association Instructor, licensed acupuncturist, Qi Gong instructor, herbalist and Oriental bodywork therapist. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

This lowering of high blood pressure and creating more favorable lipid levels bodes well for all of us. A study in the Journal of American Geriatrics reported data substantiating that practicing T’ai Chi regularly may delay the decline of cardioresperatory function in older individuals. In addition, Tai Chi may be prescribed as a suitable aerobics exercise for older adults.

Tai Chi is shown to lower high blood pressure in several studies. An article in WebMD explains that the anger-associated hormones coming from the adrenal gland, located on or near the kidneys when over stimulated result in higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They reported that William H. Mueller, PhD (Behavioural epidemiologist and professor of behavioural sciences at the School of Public Health at the University of Texas in Houston), explained that Tai Chi is documented to calm those “fight or flight” chemicals and promote healing.

Once we realize that heart disease, like most illness, is caused by stress it is easy to see why Tai Chi is such an effective preventative or rehabilitative therapy for heart disease and health (Kaiser Permente 20 year study found 70 to 85% of illness sending patients to their doctors were caused by stress). At the Institute of Psychology, Academia Sinica, a research study found that Tai Chi and QiGong practice can positively affect the states of mind of subjects to lessen the incidence of Type-A behavior patterns, believed to increase the risk of heart disease. As early as 1989, the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, reported on a study finding that “Relative to measurement beforehand, practice of T’ai Chi raised heart rate, increased nonadrenaline excretion in urine, and decreased salivary cortisol concentration. Relative to baseline levels, [Test Subjects] reported less tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and state-anxiety; they felt more vigorous, and in general they had less total mood disturbance.”

Tai Chi is perhaps the lowest impact exercise one can do, and is gentle and easy enough to do in business clothes at the office. Yet, recent studies show that Tai Chi can provide much the same cardiovascular benefit as moderate impact aerobics. In fact, a study from the Journal of American Geriatrics reported by Reuters found that Tai Chi lowered high blood pressure in older adults even more than regular aerobics. The fact that Tai Chi can do this without speeding up their heart rates, changes the way medicine looks at cardio vascular physical therapies. Dr. Deborah Rohm Young, of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland (a researcher in this study) said that these finding “suggest that (exercise) intensity may be less important than other factors” when it comes to lowering high blood pressure.

Yet, there may be another aspect of Tai Chi that helps prevent heart disease. An odd study result appeared a few years ago showing a correlation between regular dental flossing and reduced heart disease. Some speculate that the reduction of chronic gum infections that flossing fosters, makes life easier for the heart which is strained by the body fighting infections. This is where Tai Chi comes in, because research is now revealing that Tai Chi profoundly boosts the body’s ability to fight viral infections. A study conducted in China indicates that T’ai Chi may increase the number of T lymphocytes in the body. Also know as T-Cells, these lymphocytes help the immune system destroy bacteria and possibly even tumor cells. A more recent study at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), in what is believed to be the first study of its kind conducted in the United States, researchers have shown that behavioral interventions and integrative exercise programs such as tai chi can have a direct, positive effect on the immune system in older adults. The September/October issue of Psychosomatic Medicine reported that the scientists found “a nearly 50 percent increase” of varicella virus responder cells in Tai Chi Chih (TCC) patients from the start of the study to the one-week post-TCC period. On a patient-by-patient basis, levels of memory T-cells increased in nine TCC patients, remained unchanged in seven patients and decreased in one patient. In the control group, memory T-cell levels increased in three patients, were unchanged in eight patients and decreased in five patients.

Fact is that all the same benefits Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) provide those in heart health therapy, or cardiac rehabilitation, are the benefits that bode well for everyone. Tai Chi’s uniquely multidimensional benefits put it in a class by itself as far as comprehensive benefits provided by one easy to use, gentle on the body, fitness regimen. The exercise entwines the mind, body, and emotional systems and the chemicals that link these aspects of ourselves to create a powerful life enhancing tool, as well as a health & fitness tool. As modern medicine continues to discover the links between the heart, mind, and physical health, Tai Chi will increasingly emerge as a giant in the future of modern health care.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bill Douglas is the Tai Chi Expert at DrWeil.com, Founder of World T’ai Chi & Qigong Day (held in 60 nations each year), and has authored and co-authored several books including a #1 best selling Tai Chi book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi & Qigong. Bill’s been a Tai Chi source for The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, etc. Bill is the author of the ebook, How to be a Successful Tai Chi Teacher (Namasta University Publishing). You can learn more about Tai Chi & Qigong, search a worldwide teachers directory, and also contact Bill Douglas at http://www.worldtaichiday.org

P.S. Enroll in our upcoming Qigong and Tai Chi Summer Workshop June 28, 2008. Learn to contol your blood pressure naturally and rejuvenate your cardiovascular system.  Register at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html

Here’s your chance to learn Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises to relieve stress and strengthen your immune system. No experience is necessary because each form will be divided into separate exercises that are easy to learn. Using smooth flowing postures and deep breathing, Tai Chi (combination of Yang and Sun style) and Qi Gong improves flexibility and strengthens joints to alleviate pain.

Learn how these dynamic exercises will enhance your life energy according to Chinese medicine principles. Register today. We are going to limit the number of students to assure a fantstic class.

Saturdays, May 10-June 7
5 Sessions, 11am-12pm
Cost: $75 pre-paid or $20 drop in rate
Location: Yoga Lift Studio
4801 Nicollet Ave South (southeast corner of 48th/Nicollet)  
Minneapolis, MN
Register online at : http://www.orientalmedcare.com/tai_chi_qigong.html
Parking is available in the lot behind the center (just off 48th street) and there is plenty of on-street parking around the center.

For more information call 612-866-4000.

P.S. DVD’s will be available for purchase to make daily practice a snap.

About the Instructor: Steven Sonmore is a certified Health Preservation Instructor, a Qi Gong instructor, and a licensed acupuncturist . He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day’s stated goals are to:
1. Educate the world about the emerging medical research revealing the health benefits that Tai Chi and Qigong offer.
2. Educate about the increasing use of these ancient traditional Chinese medicine modalities in business, education and community.
3. Provide a global vision of cooperation for health & healing purposes across geopolitical boundaries, and also an appeal to people worldwide to embrace wisdom from all the cultures of the world.

This global event began in 1999. However the first event that inspired the global event, was held in Kansas City, Missouri in 1998 on the lawn of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in midtown Kansas City, where the Kansas City Tai Chi Club held a mass Tai Chi exhibition and teach-in involving nearly two-hundred people. CNN Headline News covered the event, which generated interest beyond Kansas City to quickly grow into a national and international event in the following years.

This world event provides a unique opportunity for people of all ages to learn, practice and celebrate the unifying power of Tai Chi and Qigong for achieving better health and a better world.

A growing body of medical evidence and scientific research has established the healing benefits available through the powerful energy techniques of Tai Chi and Qigong.

What is Tai Chi? Tai Chi Chuan is a gentle, refined exercise that offers many healing benefits to people of all ages and physical abilities. Tai Chi is a slow and rhythmical form of exercise that stems from the martial arts and the ancient practice of Qigong (chi kung).

What is Qigong? Qigong is part of traditional Chinese medicine along with acupuncture and herbal medicine and has been practiced for many thousands of years. This Chinese health regime integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. Qi (pronounce chee) means vital life force that flows through all things in the universe. Gong (prounced gung) means accomplishment or skill through steady practice. Together Qigong means cultivating energy. It is a system for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality. Many people, doctors, psychologists, scientists and other professionals are attracted to Qigong because they see its amazing healing powers and recognize a growing need for it.  Qigong can heal you physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and is one of the most powerful self-healing practices.

Qigong means using this vital life energy to create a healthy mind and body. This ancient discipline combines meditation, focused concentration, breathing techniques and body movements to activate and cultivate our “vital energy” as it flows through the acupuncture channels, the meridians of the body.
 
Learn more about these healing arts by joining our newest upcoming Tai Chi and Qigong Class in Minneapolis, MN starting May 10-June 7, 2008. For more information go to http://www.orientalmedcare.com/tai_chi_qigong.html

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On a more personal level, it is disturbing to realize that aging is accelerated by stress, and stress is a growing issue with all of us. Studies show that change is stressful, even “good” change. So as we computer jockeys settle into the saddle of a new age of rapidly changing information, we need an edge that can help us stay healthy, sane, “younger” and more vibrant, even as we are often at the very center of the hurricane of modern change, such as keeping up with new hardware and software.

Ironically an ancient mind/body tool provides the perfect balm for our generation’s modern problems — it is called “Tai Chi” (pronounced tie-chee). T’ai Chi is a gentle series of relaxing motions that cleanse the body’s tissue of accumulated stress and, by doing so, boosts all aspects of our health systems. According to emerging research boosting the immune system’s strength dramatically, while reducing the incidence of depression, anxiety, and even reducing chronic pain conditions, are just a few of T’ai Chi’s myriad benefits.

What makes ancient T’ai Chi the perfect modern balm is that it doesn’t require special facilities or clothing, and doesn’t even make you break a sweat, meaning you can do it in office attire in an empty boardroom just by kicking off your heels. Yet, it provides the same euphoria of a long run, the cardiovascular benefit of moderate impact aerobics, and burns nearly as many calories as downhill skiing.

Our time is filled with paradox. A problem in this modern age stems from the great promise of the information age — a tidal wave of data being created by and offered to our “left brain”; that part of our minds that is analytical, calculating, and categorizing the world. Of course, this is a powerful and important part of who we are. This is the part of the mind that gets things done, pays the rent, builds the houses, and makes the cars. Our “right brain,” however, is getting left behind in our rapidly changing techno-world, and this imbalance of thought processes is at the heart of modern stress.

Our right brain is the feeling, smelling, sensing . . . enjoying part of the mind. This is the part of the mind that smells the flowers, not to analyze the smell, but to be filled with its beauty — and this is the part that has been left behind in the digital world. When we go to the cyber mall, for example, our right brain doesn’t get to play. The cyber mall is a wonderful thing that saves us time, money, and gas for our cars (and thereby saves the environment), but there are no Auntie Anne’s Pretzels to smell in cyberspace, or warm sunlight streaming in through the big skylights.

So what do we do? We get the best of both worlds. T’ai Chi is a series of exercises to balance the mind. T’ai Chi teaches us to experience life for sheer pleasure, thereby creating balance in our busy “get things done yesterday” world. If you learn T’ai Chi and practice in the morning before you sit down at your computer, your right brain (the sensing and enjoying brain) will be turned on more. You will feel the texture of your computer keys. You will remember to take the time to get a nice cup of green tea or herbal cinnamon spice tea, and you’ll interrupt your staccato keyboard occasionally to smell the tea’s rich aroma, feel the warmth in your hands, and breathe the breath of life deeply into your lungs.

Although you are at the cutting edge of the information age revolution, you are also in the garden of life. This will give you an edge in the long run. Why? Because chronic stress diminishes our cognitive skills and therefore, our creativity.

Einstein said, “Creativity is more important than knowledge.” Even if we have the world’s knowledge at our fingertips, if we are too stressed out to use the knowledge “creatively,” we are much less effective. Plus, we’re not as much fun!

The bottom line is T’ai Chi is a set of exercises to practice enjoying life. It’s not enough just to say, “I’m going to enjoy life more.” We actually have to practice mind/body tools that can positively affect our brain wave activity, in an integrative way, as T’ai Chi is proven to do.

T’ai Chi is an extremely sophisticated mind/body science that evolved over millennia, and is now being made available to all of us after centuries of being closely guarded secrets in China. Even though the practices are ancient, they are in many ways just as cutting edge as the multi-gigabyte computer.

Don’t just be “cutting edge” with your left-brain. Go all the way and stretch the envelope with your right brain, too, by weaving T’ai Chi into your life. You will be forever glad you did, as you discover balance and calm in the eye of the modern world’s ever accelerating storm of changes rushing at us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bill Douglas is a Tai Chi Expert,  founder of World T’ai Chi & Qigong Day (held in 50 nations each year), and has authored and co-authored several books including a #1 best selling Tai Chi book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi & Qigong. Bill’s been a Tai Chi source for The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, etc. You can learn more about Tai Chi & Qigong, search a worldwide teachers directory, and also contact Bill Douglas at http://www.worldtaichiday.org

For Tai Chi classes in Minneapolis, MN go to http://www.orientalmedcare.com/tai_chi_qigong.html .

This superficial insertion on the face will increase the local circulation of both blood and energy (called Qi - pronounced; CHEE) to the face and stimulate collagen production, which will fill out the lines and tightens the skin. It also tones all the targeted facial muscles which will also gives firmness to the skin for a healthy, glowing complexion.
 
Cosmetic Acupuncture has attracted great attention in the last few years, especially in the big cities like New York City and Los Angeles. It used to be a treatment only for the rich and famous in Hollywood, but now everyone wants the royal treatment. A 1996 report in the international journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture, 90% had marked effects with a course of treatments. The effects: the skin became delicate, improvement in the elasticity of facial muscles, better complexion, and overall facial rejuvenation.

How does it work?

Siamak has been studying and researching to specialize in Cosmetic Acupuncture for over 10 years. He is licensed by the Oregon Board of Medical Practitioners since 1995 and also holds two certifications in the field of Cosmetic Acupuncture. He is able to utilize the meridians that either end or begin at the face to stimulate and balance the energy and at the same time, treat the underlying factors that contribute to the aging process. This involves the insertion of hair-thin disposable needles into specific areas on the face, ears, and hands. The needles are inserted into the energy pathways or meridians to improve the flow of Qi. As the movement of energy improves, a greater amount of energy and blood is circulated to the face, nourishing, hydrating, toning and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles.

At the same time he is attending to the outside (what you see), he can use some additional acupuncture points (usually on the arms and around ankles) to work on the inside. In this way he is working holistically, both on the physical appearance and on the underlying factors which influence that.

What are the benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture?
 
Cosmetic Acupuncture can take years off your face. It helps to eliminate fine lines and makes the deeper lines look softer. It can also help to minimize dark circles, puffy eyes, double chin, sagging skin, and dropping eyelids. Other benefits include:

•  Increases circulation, therefore oxygenates the skin
•  Tightens the pores, and brightens the eyes
•  Nourishes the skin, giving you a healthy complexion with a natural glow and radiant, younger looking skin
•  Moisturizes the skin from inside, and gives rosy cheeks to people with dull, tired looking skin
•  Helps minimize or eliminate fine lines
•  Helps lift sagging skin, puffy or droopy eyelids
•  Increases collagen production
•  Brightens the eyes
•  Improves muscle tone and dermal contraction
•  Improves hormonal balance to reduce acne
•  Improves facial color and tone
•  Softens scars
•  Increases blood, energy and lymph circulation
•  Leaves you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.

Q: Can I do Cosmetic Acupuncture if I already had botox?
 
A: Yes, Cosmetic Acupuncture will maintain the effectiveness of botox, so it will save you a couple injections per year.

Why choose Cosmetic Acupuncture over a Face Lift?

While not a replacement for surgery, acupuncture is an excellent alternative. It is far less expensive than cosmetic surgery and is much safer, virtually painless and has no side effects or risk of disfigurement. This is unlike surgery, which may have an extended recovery period with swelling and discoloration. There is no trauma from Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and you can stop with no ill effects. Treatment protocols can be modified to suit individual patients schedule and time frame to prepare for special events.  

What is the course of treatment?

Treatments will be done 2 to 3 times a week to achieve best results, however can be modified to the individuals schedule. Each patient will respond differently to the treatment depending on their age and lifestyle. Visible results will be noticeable between 5 -7 sessions. Maintenance maybe needed depending on the individual patient, anywhere from once every month to 4 times a year follow-up sessions.

Each cosmetic acupuncture treatment lasts about 45-60 minutes with about 10 minutes of insertion time. Patients will be relaxing on a state of the art massage table while listening to soothing music. Cosmetic Acupuncture is traditionally done in 10 consecutive sessions within 4 to 6 weeks. You can also receive single treatments for follow-up or for a special event.

Does it really make a difference?

Cosmetic Acupuncture has been performed for thousands of years in China. As early as the Sung Dynasty (960AD-1270AD) Cosmetic Acupuncture was performed on the Empress and Emperor’s concubines. For centuries, the Chinese have known that beauty radiates from the inside out. The results are obviously not as dramatic as a surgical procedure but for the amount of time and money you invest, and its low risk, it’s a great alternative. It will make you look at your best and years younger. The other benefit is if you continue with follow-up treatments (the frequency of follow-up treatments varies from person to person) you can hold on to the results and slow down the aging process dramatically.

About the author: Siamak F. Shirazi, L.Ac, Ph. D is a licensed acupuncturist in private practice in Portland, Oregon since 1995. Visit his site at www.2bwell.net .

For information on Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments in Minneapolis, MN go to http://www.orientalmedcare.com/facial_rejuvenation_acupuncture_facelift.html .

This document was created, gathered, reviewed and/or modified by a group of practitioners at 2bwell, Inc. Although it might be referenced material, it is authentic in its present form and not permitted to be used with out a written consent of 2bwell, Inc.

While modern technology has enabled us to use surgery and Botox (injecting botulinum toxin into facial muscles) to look younger, my only question is what are these people going to do 5 years down the road? Before you schedule an appointment for Botox, you might want to know a little more about it.

Botox uses the substance that causes botulism, a sometimes fatal form of food poisoning. Botox interrupts nerve impulses to muscles in the face. The crow’s feet that appear when you squint, the lines that furrow your brow when you raise your eyebrows and the creases between the eyebrows when you frown can be caused by tension in underlying muscles, which contract the skin. Botox keeps this from happening temporarily.

If your doctor makes a mistake you can lose the ability to raise your eyelids all the way. If you’re getting shots around the mouth, a mistake could leave you drooling. Or you may not be able to raise your eyebrows, squint or frown.

Although muscles can cause some wrinkles, many result simply from the loss of elasticity that comes naturally with the aging process, causing the skin to sag and droop. Botox will NOT help wrinkles caused by aging and may make these kinds of winkles look even worse.

So what is the natural cure to looking younger? Many are now using the Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture also known as cosmetic acupuncture. I prefer the former name because this treatment works on not just the cosmetic level. Procedures like Botox or surgery are only band-aid solutions. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture addresses reasons that we look old. While adjusting internal organ functioning, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture will increase collagen production, tone facial muscles, make your skin look tighter, reduce fine lines AND you’ll feel more energy and vitality. That’s right – there is no recovery time like you experience with plastic surgery.

Research by the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture revealed that 90% of participants got better (i.e. better complexion, leveling of wrinkles, general rejuvenation not just confined to the face) using Cosmetic Acupuncture. But don’t take our word for it. Listen to this video of one patient’s testimony. The focus of Chinese medicine has always been for thousands of years to help people live longer and healthier naturally.

For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, Qi Gong instructor, herbalist and Oriental bodywork therapist. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Visit his clinic web site at http://www.orientalmedcare.com.

As part of the study, the researchers conducted a 15-week Tai Chi program and found that participating patients improved on a quality-of-life based measurement called SF-36 and also on a test called HIT-6TM designed to capture the effect of headaches. A 15 week intervention of Tai Chi practice was effective in reducing headaches. The patients also reported improvement in energy levels, emotional well being, social functioning and mental health.

According to researchers, Tai Chi’s emphasis on relaxation, breathing and coordination may address stress, the underlying cause of the pain associated with tension headaches.

Researchers noted that Tai Chi offers important benefits over conventional pharmaceutical-based treatments:

1. Virtually all pain-killer treatment for tension headache includes risk of side effects if used over a long period of time. For instance, the researchers say:
* Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol and other pain medications) can cause liver toxicity
* NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding
As a result, exercise-based therapies such as Tai Chi offer significant benefit to patients.
2. Not all patients respond favorably to pain medications. Patients may find only partial relief for their symptoms, or may be completely unable to tolerate pharmaceutical intervention. To the extent that Tai Chi represents a viable alternative to medication, it provides a major addition to the arsenal of potential treatments.
3. Tai Chi may also help to control the cost of treatment because it requires only an initial period during which the patient receives training.
4. Tai Chi does more than alleviate pain or provide symptomatic relief. It benefits the quality of life scores. This may be because Tai Chi addresses an underlying cause of the pain associated with tension headaches, namely stress.

The pain associated with tension headaches may be caused by, or exacerbated by, muscle contractions caused by stress. Analgesics will only target the symptoms of stress. When medication stops, the pain may return because the underlying problem has not been adequately managed.

However, with its emphasis on relaxation, breathing, focus and coordination, Tai Chi seems to directly affect stress and tension that contribute to the pain associated with tension headaches. In addition to affecting this pain, Tai Chi may affect other symptoms that arise from stress such as tachycardia, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, etc., thus affecting the overall quality of life scores.

Tai Chi is a form of traditional Chinese exercise that purports to improve health by changes in mental focus, breathing, coordination and relaxation. The goal of Tai Chi is to ‘rebalance’ the body’s own healing capacity. Tai Chi has been practiced in China for hundreds of years and is now widely practiced throughout the world. It has been estimated that over 100 million people regularly practice Tai Chi in China alone.

The findings of the research were published in March issue of the journal, Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM). (ANI)

P.S. If you want to rejuvenate and recharge after the long winter of hibernation, join us for the Spring Qi Gong & Tai Chi Workshop at the Days Inn in Minneapolis, MN on March 15-16, 2008. Receive a free lunch both days PLUS a free T-Shirt with beautiful Chinese calligraphy.
We will use Qi Gong and Tai Chi exercises and breathing movements to help relieve stress and strengthen your immune system. No experience is necessary because each form will be divided into separate exercises that are easy to learn. Using smooth flowing postures and deep breathing, Qi Gong and Tai Chi improves flexibility and strengthens joints to alleviate pain, improve posture, balance, and coordination. Presented by the Health Preservation Association.
Register on line now at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/classes.html .