Qigong for a healthy heart

http://202.186.86.35/news/story.asp?
file=/2003/6/8/health/qigong0806&newspage=Search


By Dr Amir Farid Isahak
CHINESE Medical Theory (CMT) has different considerations from
conventional medicine when looking at the health of the heart. Whilst
Western medicine stresses exclusively on the physical integrity and
functions of the heart muscles, conductive tissues, nerves, valves and
blood vessels, CMT looks more at the influence of qi on this vital organ. =


Furthermore, the stomach and spleen are regarded as important organs
affecting the heart because these two organs extract qi and distribute it
to the heart and lungs through their meridians which are connected to
the heart.

In CMT, the "heart" does not refer to the physical heart alone, but also
to the complex body systems that affect it. The heart is controlled by
the "heart constrictor" (or "pericardium") and "triple warmer" systems
which are unknown to Western medicine. The heart is identified with
the "element" of fire, and "accumulation of excess heat" results from
unhealthy emotions and attitudes. Stress, anger, and aggression
weaken the heart. Modern medicine agrees – these can precipitate
heart attacks!


While Western medicine stresses exclusively on the physical integrity
and functions of the heart muscles, conductive tissues, nerves, valves
and blood vessels, Chinese Medical Theory looks more at the influence
of qi on this vital organ.
The heart meridian extends from the heart, across the lungs, and down
the inner side of both arms to the lateral tips of the little fingers. In
comparison, medical doctors are familiar with the "referred" pain from
the heart that runs down the inner side of the left arm only.

Where the heart meridian passes the wrist-crease level is the important
heart acupuncture point H7, or Shenmen. Stimulation here will calm
both the heart and emotions. At the centre of the palm is another
important point (P8, Laogong) along the pericardium meridian which
then splits, with one branch ending at the tip of the ring finger to
connect with the triple warmer meridian which continues on the back of
the arm.

A branch of the heart meridian extends along the oesophagus into the
head – to the tongue, eyes and brain. Thus the heart and mind are
connected. Emotions and mental stress affect the heart. Conversely,
ailments of the heart affect the emotions and mental stability. The mind-
heart connection is so strong that in CMT, the term "heart" is also
synonymous with the mind. Their understanding of mind-body (or
psychosomatic) medicine was well ahead of western medicine!

Stimulation of the energy points along the heart meridian is therefore
beneficial for the heart as well as for emotional and mental health.

Another branch of the heart meridian branches down to the small
intestines. So the heart is connected to the stomach meridian and to the
intestines as well. In Western medicine, the stomach and intestines
absorb food for energy and nutrients. In CMT, they also absorb qi for
direct supply to the heart via the meridians. This connection probably
also explains why any intense emotion will not only excite our heart, but
also gives that "butterflies in the tummy" feeling!

Qigong exercises Even in western medicine, it is now accepted that both
physical and emotional stress are important in the causation of heart
disease. For this reason, qigong exercises for the heart must be done
as slowly as possible, especially for those who have heart problems.
Both the heart and mind must be calm. Negative emotions and worries
must be forgotten and restlessness avoided when doing the exercises.

The movements must be smooth, calm and relaxed. This will cause a
smooth flow of healing qi internally. Physical exertion must be avoided,
especially in the beginning. Upward slopes must be avoided to prevent
such exertion when doing the qigong walk. As the heart condition
improves, the movements and walk can be faster, but always in a calm,
relaxed manner.

Qigong exercises for the heart are not aimed at stressing the heart at
all. Instead, the exercises cause the blood flow rate to increase only
slightly.

But the increased qi makes the blood circulation more efficient, opening
up small blood vessels, and nourishing more tissues, including the heart
muscles themselves. There is no strain or risk to the heart. Often the
effect can be obvious with flushing and warming of previously cold
extremities.

For specific improvement to the flow of qi to the heart, the stimulation
of Shenmen and Laogong points is most effective, as these activate the
heart and pericardium meridians respectively. Shenmen can be
stimulated by wrist exercises, acupressure massage, or acupuncture.

Laogong is easily stimulated during many qigong exercises. For
example, this is done in the One-Step-Point variation of the qigong walk
(see previous articles), when you clench your hands each time your foot
touches the ground during the second step, and keeping them clenched
while you pause.

For better effect, the middle fingers should deliberately press at the
centres of the palms.

The stimulation of Laogong is perhaps most effectively done with
exercises using the rolling stick, which is a foot-long wooden stick
(about 3 cm in diameter, with smooth rounded ends) that is continually
rotated in between the palms as the body and arms execute various
exercises.

Complementary therapies for the heart

If you seek alternative/complementary therapies for heart disease, it is
best to make sure that the diagnosis and evaluation are accurate and
confirmed by a good cardiologist. Any misdiagnosis can be fatal.

However, some terms and evaluation criteria used in complementary
medicine may be different and even not relevant to conventional
medicine. But the heart that is getting healthier by complementary
evaluation should also be healthier by conventional standards. Aerobics
exercises to improve heart and lung function should also be part of the
overall health plan.

With all the cutting-edge technology and advances in cardiology and
cardiac surgery, is there still a place for complementary therapy for
heart disease? There are many testimonies about the effectiveness of
qigong and various other complementary therapies, in some cases,
even enabling patients to avoid heart surgery. I would like to share one
such story.

Several years ago, a good friend of mine was diagnosed as having
terminal heart disease. He was given six months to live, even with the
best medical drugs available.

He had no hope and so prepared for his death. He made a farewell trip
to his birthplace in India, to bid farewell to his elders. There, he had a =

fateful meeting with a Professor of Unani Medicine, who advised him to
try Unani medications. He agreed, and his condition improved steadily.
Now he is in good health, although he still has to take his medications.

Dr Amir will be giving a talk on `THE SUFIS & SUFI HEALING' on
Thursday 12/6 at 745pm at UAC HOLISTIC CENTRE, 9143A, 1st Floor,
Jalan Bandar 4, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For
more information, call Kayce at Tel : (6)012-3778368 Fax: (6)03-
41056369 E-mail: kckara@... . All are welcome. Donation of
RM10 per person to cover costs.



n Dr Amir Farid Isahak is a medical specialist who practises holistic
medicine and has been teaching qi gong for more than 10 years. He is
the president of the Guolin Qi Gong Association, Malaysia. You can e-
mail him at starhealth@....