Qigongas a Traditional Vegetative Biofeedback Therapy: Long-Term Conditioning of Physiological Mind-Body Effects

Abstract

A contemporary understanding of Chinese Medicine (CM) regards CM diagnosis as a functional vegetative state that may be treated by vegetative reflex therapies such as acupuncture. Within this context, traditional mind-body exercises such as Qigong can be understood as an attempt to enhance physiological proprioception, by combining a special state of “awareness” with posture, movement, and breath control. We have formerly trained young auditing flutists in “White Ball” Qigong to minimize anxiety-induced cold hands and lower anxiety-induced heart rate. Functional changes occurred 2–5 min after training and were observed over the whole training program, allowing the children to control their symptoms. In our current work, we report that warm fingers and calm hearts could be induced by the children even without Qigong exercises. Thus, these positive changes once induced and “conditioned” vegetatively were stable after weeks of training. This may show the mechanism by which Qigong acts as a therapeutic measure in disease: positive vegetative pathways may be activated instead of dysfunctional functional patterns. The positive vegetative patterns then may be available in critical stressful situations. Qigong exercise programs may therefore be understood as an ancient vegetative biofeedback exercise inducing positive vegetative functions which are added to the individual reactive repertoire.

Qi Gong and Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review

“…It's understood as a traditional biofeedback therapy and the Qi activation can be reached by breathing control and the achievement of a special mental state [1]. Wang et al, (2014) divided Qì Gōng in some categories: static, dynamic, internal (nei qi) and external (wei qi) and states that it can be practiced in several ways, for example, standing or seated [2].…”

Does Qigong Practice Have Benefits on the Management of Parkinson’s Disease?

“…In the second case the practitioner uses the so called "qi emission" to restore balance in the patient, requiring the practitioner to manipulate the patient's qi at a distance by focusing on the energetic properties of the patients' channels, collaterals and points, as well as internal organs [16]. It can be considered a traditional vegetative biofeedback therapy that uses concentrative motion and postures combined with breathing exercises [17] to activate natural physiological and psychological mechanisms of repair and recovery. These effects are measurable while in a focused and relaxed state [18].…”

The effect of Three-Circle Post Standing (Zhanzhuang) Qigong on the physical and psychological well-being of college students

“…Which is a combination of postures relaxation, breathing regulation, meditation, concentration, and gentle movements designed to improve holistic health and to facilitate mind-body integration. [ 41 – 45 ] Specifically, the word “Qigong” involves 2 theories: “Qi,” the vital energy of the body, and “Gong,” the training or cultivation of Qi. [ 46 , 47 ] Qigong challenges the foundations of modern Western biomedical thought, sharing as it does the Eastern philosophy, allows the exerciser to strengthen and gain control over Qi, the life energy that flows in channels (meridians) in the body.…”

“…[ 48 – 51 ] Qigong exercise can be practiced as a “static” (sitting, lying, or standing) or “dynamic” (moving) style, [ 52 ] its aims to achieve a harmonious flow of vital energy (Qi), blood, and fluid throughout the body by long-term practicing to relieve pathological stagnation and regulate the functional activities of meridians and visceral organs through regulated breathing, mindful concentration, and gentle movements. [ 41 , 44 , 47 , 50 , 51 , 53 – 61 ] With regular practice and rehearsal of the structured postures or movements, as well as concentration on mind and breath, practitioners can achieve an efficiency of “body relaxation and mind calm” and Tian Ren He Yi (the theory that mankind is an integral part of nature) so as to experience mood stabilization and improved strength and fitness. [ 53 – 62 ] Due to its significant promotion of human health and ease of learning, Qigong is appropriate for nearly anyone of any age or physical condition, especially among young people.…”