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Qigong Improves Concentration in School Children
By Steven Sonmore L. Ac. | November 15, 2007
A study published in the June 2007 issue of the Journal of Chinese Medicine has found that including a Qigong exercise program helped calm and energize students, as well as improve health and reduce aggression. Teachers, school administrators and parents all desire to create an optimal learning environment for young students. In seeking a solution to this goal a unique approach was to conduct a study of using Qigong in three elementary schools and one high school. Claudia Witt, MD, and associates from the Institute for Social Epidemiology, Epidemiology and Health Economics at the University of Berlin, did a study on 140 students to determine the result of a six-month program of Xianggong (”fragrant qigong”), movement instruction for the students’ health and behavior.
The teachers were first instructed for eight weeks in the Qigong movements. Then they spent 15 to 25 minutes twice per week instructing students before or after regular lessons. At the end of the six months, researchers conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the teachers. The teachers were first asked, “Have you noticed any changes in your students during the qigong project?”
The teachers reported various positive effects, including that the students seemed much calmer, less agitated or aggressive, and more able to concentrate in class. Additionally, several teachers reported that students who had previously been absent due to frequent illnesses were in class more often. Researchers were confident that the pilot program served as a good test model for future projects.
Topics: Qigong |
November 15th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
What a great study.
I wonder how they got the permission of the school!
I find fragrant qi gong (or at least the class I did) tended to hype me up, so I don’t really like it. I prefer stuff that slows me down.
November 15th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Yes, it is very promising to see Qi Gong used in the schools to enhance learning. There are many different styles of Qi Gong. I also prefer the styles that result in balancing & centering. That is why I designed the Qi Gong Meditation CD. http://theqigongmeditation.com
November 16th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
We can let our kids learn Qi Gong meditaion at home if their school doesn’t. This is a practical solution.
November 17th, 2007 at 7:50 am
I would like to see something similar in every school! We can prevent so many chronic dis-eases by starting programs that help children manage stress, and center themselves. Nice find Steven!
February 17th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
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