Qigong Benefits

Balance and strength. 

The Oregon Research Institute found that, after six months, Tai Chi participants were twice as likely to have no trouble performing moderate to rigorous activities as non-participants. The benefit was greatest among those who started with the poorest health or worst function. Other studies have shown a reduction in falls among Tai Chi participants. In the 1990s, two studies sponsored by the National Institute on Aging found that Tai Chi exercises cut the fear of falling and risk of falls among older people. Two small sports medicine studies suggest that Tai Chi may improve sensitivity to nerve signals in ankles and knees, which might prevent falls.

Sleep. 

Exploring Tai Chi’s impact on sleep, the Oregon researchers found that Tai Chi participants had improved sleep quality and length. They also had fewer sleep disturbances than people in a low-impact exercise group. A UCLA study of Tai Chi Chih, a Westernized version of Tai chi, also supports claims of sleep benefits. The benefits are similar to those gained through drugs or cognitive behavioral therapy. Two-thirds of the people practicing Tai Chi Chih had major improvements in sleep quality, compared with one-third who of those involved in health education sessions.

High blood pressure. 

In a study lasting 20 years, patients with hypertension -- whether in the control or Qigong group -- were given drugs to control blood pressure. At first, participants in both groups had a drop in blood pressure. But blood pressure in the Qigong group stabilized over time. They even were able to lower their use of blood pressure drugs. By contrast, the control group had an increase in blood pressure, requiring greater use of drugs. 

Immune system. 

Just 30 minutes of daily Qigong training for one month might produce a tangible impact on the body’s immune system. In one study, blood samples taken the day before training started and after it was completed showed a statistically significant difference in white blood cell counts. 

Stroke. 

In one study looking at mortality, among patients who’d suffered a stroke, 86 in the Qigong group survived compared with 68 in the control group. That was after a period of 30 years. Compared to the control group, patients practicing Qigong had a 50% reduction in death from any cause, death from stroke, and sickness related to stroke. However, it’s not clear if the Qigong participants were already healthier, making them more likely to live longer.