Effectiveness of a Tai chi Qigong program in promoting health-related quality of life and perceived social support in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease clients.  Qual Life Res. 2010 Jun;19(5):653-64. by Chan AW, Lee A, Suen LK, Tam WW.  The Nethersole School of Nursing,  Chinese University of Hong Kong, Esther Lee Building, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. aileenchan@...

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a 3-month Tai chi Qigong (TCQ) program in promoting the psychosocial functional health of clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Hong Kong. METHODS: This study employed a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Two hundred and six COPD clients were randomly assigned into three groups, namely, TCQ group, exercise group, and control group. Subjects in the TCQ group received a TCQ program, consisting of two 60-min sessions each week for 3 months. Subjects in the exercise group were taught to practice breathing techniques combined with walking as an exercise. Subjects in the control group received their usual care. Data collections were performed at baseline, on the sixth week and on the third month. The primary outcomes were health-related quality of life using St. George Respiratory Questionnaire-Hong Kong Chinese version and perceived social support using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support-Chinese version. RESULTS: The TCQ group showed greater improvements in the symptom (F4, 404=3.351, P=0.010) and activity domains (F4, 404=2.611, P=0.035). No differences were detected in perceived social support among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tai chi Qigong promoted health outcomes with respect to clients' perception of their respiratory symptoms. Moreover, TCQ decreased disturbances to their physical activities.

Effects of yoga on the quality of life in cancer patients.  Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2010 May;16(2):60-3.

By Ulger O, Yađli NV.   Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, 06100 Samanpazari-Ankara, Turkey. ozlemulger@...

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate the effects of yoga on the quality of life in patients with breast cancer. DESIGN: Twenty patients between 30 and 50 years of age presently under treatment for breast cancer were included in the study. The physical characteristics of the patients were recorded and general physiotherapy assessments performed. Eight sessions of a yoga program including warming and breathing exercises, asanas, relaxation in supine position, and meditation were applied to participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The pre- and post-yoga quality of life assessments for the patients were conducted using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Patients' stress levels were assessed using the STAI-I and STAI-II anxiety inventory. Their satisfaction levels about the yoga program was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: It was found that patients' quality of life scores after the yoga program were better than scores obtained before the yoga program (p < 0.05). After sessions, there was a statistically significant decrease in their STAI-I (measuring the reactions of anxiety) scores and STAI-II (measuring the permanence of anxiety) scores (p < 0.05). It was found out that the satisfaction score concerning the yoga program was considerably increased after the yoga program (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that yoga is valuable in helping to achieve relaxation and diminish stress, helps cancer patients perform daily and routine activities, and increases the quality of life in cancer patients. This result was positively reflected in patients satisfaction with the yoga program. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intensive Meditation Training Improves Perceptual Discrimination and Sustained Attention.  Psychol Sci. 2010 May 11. by Maclean KA, Ferrer E, Aichele SR, et al.  Dept of Psychology, University of California, Davis.

Abstract:  The ability to focus one's attention underlies success in many everyday tasks, but voluntary attention cannot be sustained for extended periods of time. In the laboratory, sustained-attention failure is manifest as a decline in perceptual sensitivity with increasing time on task, known as the vigilance decrement. We investigated improvements in sustained attention with training (~5 hr/day for 3 months), which consisted of meditation practice that involved sustained selective attention on a chosen stimulus (e.g., the participant's breath). Participants were randomly assigned either to receive training first (n = 30) or to serve as waiting-list controls and receive training second (n = 30). Training produced improvements in visual discrimination that were linked to increases in perceptual sensitivity and improved vigilance during sustained visual attention. Consistent with the resource model of vigilance, these results suggest that perceptual improvements can reduce the resource demand imposed by target discrimination and thus make it easier to sustain voluntary attention.

Long term tai chi exercise improves physical performance among people with peripheral neuropathy.  Am J Chin Med. 2010;38(3):449-59.  by Li L, Manor B.  Department of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. lli3@...

Abstract: This study examined the effects of a 24-week Tai Chi intervention on physical function in individuals with peripheral neuropathy. Twenty-five women and men with peripheral neuropathy were recruited. Plantar pressure detection threshold was assessed with a 5.07 gauge monofilament. Functional gait was assessed by the 6-min walk and timed up-and-go tests. Isokinetic leg strength and standing balance was also assessed. Twenty-four consecutive weeks of modified, group-based Tai Chi practice was completed, with testing repeated every six weeks throughout. No adverse events were observed and attendance was 17 +/- 4 sessions per 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of Tai Chi, participants increased 6-min walk (P < 0.0001), timed up-and-go (P < 0.0001), and leg strength (P < 0.01) performance. Continued improvement was observed in the timed up-and-go. Plantar sensation improved (P = 0.003) following the Tai Chi intervention. Group-based Tai Chi is a safe, plausible, and effective intervention for those with PN.

Tai Chi on psychological well-being: systematic review and meta-analysis.  BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010 May 21;10(1):23. by  Wang C, Bannuru R, Ramel J, Kupelnick B, Scott T, Schmid CH.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Physical activity and exercise appear to improve psychological health. However, the quantitative effects of Tai Chi on psychological well-being have rarely been examined. We systematically reviewed the effects of Tai Chi on stress, anxiety, depression and mood disturbance in eastern and western populations. METHODS: Eight English and 3 Chinese databases were searched through March 2009. Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled studies and observational studies reporting at least 1 psychological health outcome were examined. Data were extracted and verified by 3 reviewers. The randomized trials in each subcategory of health outcomes were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model. The quality of each study was assessed. RESULTS: Forty studies totaling 3817 subjects were identified. Approximately 29 psychological measurements were assessed. Twenty-three of 33 randomized and nonrandomized trials reported that 1 hour to 1 year of regular Tai Chi significantly increased psychological well-being including reduction of stress (effect size [ES], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23 to 1.09), anxiety (ES, 0.66; CI, 0.29 to 1.03), and depression (ES, 0.56; CI, 0.31 to 0.80), and enhanced mood and emotion (ES, 0.45; CI, 0.20 to 0.69) in community-dwelling healthy participants and in patients with chronic conditions. Seven observational studies with relatively large sample sizes reinforced the beneficial association between Tai Chi practice and psychological health. CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi appears to be associated with improvements in psychological well-being including reduced stress, anxiety, depression and mood disturbance, and increased self-esteem. Definitive conclusions were limited due to variation in designs, comparisons, heterogeneous outcomes and inadequate controls. High-quality, well-controlled, longer randomized trials are needed to better inform clinical decisions.

A qualitative study of mindfulness-based meditation therapy in Japanese cancer patients. Support Care Cancer. 2010 May 16. by Ando M, Morita T, Akechi T, Ifuku Y.  Faculty of Nursing, St. Mary's College, Tsubukuhonmachi 422, Kurume City, Fukuoka, Japan, andou@....

Abstract:  PURPOSE: The primary objective of the study was to examine mindfulness-based meditation therapy qualitatively. A secondary goal was to examine the differences in themes selected by Japanese and Western patients receiving this therapy. METHODS: The subjects were 28 patients who were undergoing anti-cancer treatment. The subjects participated in two sessions of mindfulness-based meditation therapy, including breathing, yoga movement, and meditation. Each patient was taught the program in the first session, then exercised at home with a CD, and subsequently met the interviewer in a second session after 2 weeks. Primary physicians recruited the patients and interviews were conducted individually by nurses or psychologists with training in the program. Patients provided answers to pre- and post-intervention interviews about the meaning of their illness. RESULTS: Narrative data from the semi-structured interview were analyzed qualitatively. Pre-intervention, themes such as "Effort to cope," "Looking back," "Spirituality," "Personal growth," and "Suffering" were often chosen. Post-intervention, themes such as "Adapted coping," "Personal growth," "Positive meaning," "Spirituality," and "Negative recognition" were more commonly chosen. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based meditation therapy may be effective for producing adapted coping, including positive recognition and changes for an adapted lifestyle. There were some common aspects and some differences in the themes selected by patients in this study and Western patients received mindfulness therapy in other studies.

The contribution of mindfulness practice to a multicomponent behavioral sleep intervention following substance abuse treatment in adolescents: a treatment-development study.  Subst Abus. 2010 Apr;31(2):86-97. by Britton WB, Bootzin RR, Cousins JC, et al. Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island 02906, USA. Willoughby_Britton@...

Abstract: Poor sleep is common in substance use disorders (SUDs) and is a risk factor for relapse. Within the context of a multicomponent, mindfulness-based sleep intervention that included mindfulness meditation (MM) for adolescent outpatients with SUDs (n = 55), this analysis assessed the contributions of MM practice intensity to gains in sleep quality and self-efficacy related to SUDs. Eighteen adolescents completed a 6-session study intervention and questionnaires on psychological distress, sleep quality, mindfulness practice, and substance use at baseline, 8, 20, and 60 weeks postentry. Program participation was associated with improvements in sleep and emotional distress, and reduced substance use. MM practice frequency correlated with increased sleep duration and improvement in self-efficacy about substance use. Increased sleep duration was associated with improvements in psychological distress, relapse resistance, and substance use-related problems. These findings suggest that sleep is an important therapeutic target in substance abusing adolescents and that MM may be a useful component to promote improved sleep.

Treatment of fibromyalgia at the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre in Norway. A six-month follow-up study.  Rasmussen Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2009 Sep-Oct;27(5 Suppl 56):S46-50. by LB, Mikkelsen K, Haugen M, Pripp AH, Fřrre ŘT.  Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre, Mesnali, Lillehammer, Norway. lars.rasmussen@...

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Treatments offered at the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre in Norway are based on Maharishi Vedic medicine, which is also known as Maharishi Ayurveda. It is a consciousness based revival of the ancient Ayurvedic medicine tradition in India and is established by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a pilot study of the effect of the treatment program at the Health Centre on fibromyalgia patients. METHODS: Thirty-one women with diagnosed fibromyalgia received an individually designed Maharishi Vedic physiological purification therapy. All subjects received personal advice on diet based on Ayurvedic principles, including a novel approach to food into-lerance, and daily routines. In addition they were offered instruction in TM (for stress and pain management and personal development) (four subjects started), and recommended Ayurvedic herbal food products for home treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A modified Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire included a visual analogue scale for each of the seven outcomes: working ability, generalised pain, tiredness, stiffness, tiredness on arising, anxiety and depression. Pre-treatment scores were compared with scores at six-month follow-up for levels of statistical significance. RESULTS: Twenty-eight subjects (90%) completed the follow-up. The outcome measures were reduced by 25 to 46% by the study's endpoint: working ability (p<0.002), pain (p<0.001), tiredness (p<0.001), morning tiredness (p<0.001), stiffness (p<0.005), anxiety (p<0.136), and depression (p<0.001). A group of five excellent responders including all four participants who started to practise TM, had almost no symptoms by the endpoint. Compared to the non-meditating control group the TM-subgroup showed statistically significant improvements for all outcome measures except depression. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study fibromyalgia patients undergoing treatment at Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre in Norway showed significant improvements six months post treatment. Because fibromyalgia is considered a treatment-resistant condition, these encouraging results warrant further research.

Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: evidence of brief mental training. Conscious Cogn. 2010 Jun;19(2):597-605. by Zeidan F, Johnson SK, Diamond BJ, et al.   Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. fzeidan@... 

Abstract:  Although research has found that long-term mindfulness meditation practice promotes executive functioning and the ability to sustain attention, the effects of brief mindfulness meditation training have not been fully explored. We examined whether brief meditation training affects cognition and mood when compared to an active control group. After four sessions of either meditation training or listening to a recorded book, participants with no prior meditation experience were assessed with measures of mood, verbal fluency, visual coding, and working memory. Both interventions were effective at improving mood but only brief meditation training reduced fatigue, anxiety, and increased mindfulness. Moreover, brief mindfulness training significantly improved visuo-spatial processing, working memory, and executive functioning. Our findings suggest that 4days of meditation training can enhance the ability to sustain attention; benefits that have previously been reported with long-term meditators. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From alpha to gamma: Electrophysiological correlates of meditation-related states of consciousness. Med Hypotheses. 2010 Mar 11. by Fell J, Axmacher N, Haupt S. Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud Str. 25, D-53105 Bonn, Germany.

Abstract:  Meditation practice is difficult to access because of its countless forms of appearances originating from the complexity of cultures it has to serve. This makes a suitable categorization for scientific use almost impossible. However, empirical data suggest that different forms of meditation show similar steps of development in terms of their neurophysiological correlates. Some electrophysiological alterations can be observed on the beginner/student level, which are closely related to non-meditative processes. Others seem to correspond to an advanced/expert level, and seem to be unique for meditation-related states of consciousness. Meditation is one possibility to specialize brain/mind functions using the brain's immanent neural plasticity. This plasticity is probably recruited by certain EEG patterns observed during or as a result of meditation, for instance, synchronized gamma oscillations. While meditation formerly has been understood to comprise mainly passive relaxation states, recent EEG findings suggest that meditation is associated with active states which involve cognitive restructuring and learning. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Meditation in medical practice: a review of the evidence and practice. Prim Care. 2010 Mar;37(1):81-90. by

Fortney L, Taylor M. Department of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA. Luke.Fortney@...

Meditation practice in the medical setting is proving to be an excellent adjunctive therapy for many illnesses and an essential and primary means of maintaining holistic health and wellness. Rather than being a fringe or marginal concept, meditation is now widely known and accepted as a beneficial mind-body practice by the general public and in the scientific community. Extensive research shows and continues to show the benefits of meditation practice for a wide range of medical conditions. Further efforts are required to operationalize and apply meditation practice in clinical and medical educational settings in ways that are practical, effective, and meaningful. .

Meditation effects on cognitive function and cerebral blood flow in subjects with memory loss: a preliminary study. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010 Jan; 20(2):517-26. by  Newberg AB, Wintering N, Khalsa DS, Roggenkamp H, Waldman MR. Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Center for Spirituality and the Mind, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

This preliminary study determined if subjects with memory loss problems demonstrate changes in memory and cerebral blood flow (CBF) after a simple 8-week meditation program. Fourteen subjects with memory problems had an IV inserted and were injected with 250MBq of Tc-99m ECD while listening to a neutral stimulus CD. They then underwent a pre-program baseline SPECT scan. Then subjects were guided through their first meditation session with a CD, during which they received an injection of 925MBq ECD, and underwent a pre-program meditation scan. Subjects completed an 8-week meditation program and underwent the same scanning protocol resulting in a post-program baseline and meditation scan. A region of interest (ROI) template obtained counts in each ROI normalized to whole brain to provide a CBF ratio. Baseline and meditation scans and neuropsychological testing were compared before and after the program. The meditation program resulted in significant increases (p< 0.05) in baseline CBF ratios in the prefrontal, superior frontal, and superior parietal cortices. Scores on neuropsychological tests of verbal fluency, Trails B, and logical memory showed improvements after training. This preliminary study evaluated whether an 8-week meditation program resulted in improvements in neuropsychological function and differences in CBF in subjects with memory loss. While the findings are encouraging, there are a number of limitations that can be addressed in future studies with more participants and more detailed analyses.

Hi Kevin,

Just wanted to thank you again for posting a wonderful issue of Qi Dao.
It's a great combination of scholarly research, spiritual insight and folksy
wisdom.


Ken Gray,
Certified T'ai Chi Chih instructor

Seee the article  at

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/09/prweb4477844.htm

The video demonstrating external Qi healing does not diagnose the cause of the
pain.  If due to excess, closkwise circling of sword fingers would make it
worse.

Also scooping out Qi is dangerous is dangerous without a diagnosis.

The demonstrated healing method seem contrary to what is usually taught in
external Qi Healing.

A randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia.  New England Journal of  Medicine. 2010 Aug 19;363(8):743-54.

By Wang C, Schmid CH, Rones R, Kalish R, Yinh J, Goldenberg DL, Lee Y, McAlindon T. from Division of Rheumatology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA. cwang2@...

BACKGROUND: Previous research has suggested that tai chi offers a therapeutic benefit in patients with fibromyalgia.  METHODS: We conducted a single-blind, randomized trial of classic Yang-style tai chi as compared with a control intervention consisting of wellness education and stretching for the treatment of fibromyalgia (defined by American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria). Sessions lasted 60 minutes each and took place twice a week for 12 weeks for each of the study groups. The primary end point was a change in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score (ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms) at the end of 12 weeks. Secondary end points included summary scores on the physical and mental components of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). All assessments were repeated at 24 weeks to test the durability of the response.  RESULTS: Of the 66 randomly assigned patients, the 33 in the tai chi group had clinically important improvements in the FIQ total score and quality of life. Mean (+/-SD) baseline and 12-week FIQ scores for the tai chi group were 62.9+/-15.5 and 35.1+/-18.8, respectively, versus 68.0+/-11 and 58.6+/-17.6, respectively, for the control group (change from baseline in the tai chi group vs. change from baseline in the control group, -18.4 points; P<0.001). The corresponding SF-36 physical-component scores were 28.5+/-8.4 and 37.0+/-10.5 for the tai chi group versus 28.0+/-7.8 and 29.4+/-7.4 for the control group (between-group difference, 7.1 points; P=0.001), and the mental-component scores were 42.6+/-12.2 and 50.3+/-10.2 for the tai chi group versus 37.8+/-10.5 and 39.4+/-11.9 for the control group (between-group difference, 6.1 points; P=0.03). Improvements were maintained at 24 weeks (between-group difference in the FIQ score, -18.3 points; P<0.001). No adverse events were observed.  CONCLUSIONS: Tai chi may be a useful treatment for fibromyalgia and merits long-term study in larger study populations. (Funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00515008.)

Biofield therapies: helpful or full of hype? A best evidence synthesis. Int J Behav Med. 2010 Mar;17(1):1-16.  Jain S, Mills PJ. from UCLA Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, Los Angeles, CA, USA. sjain@...

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Biofield therapies (such as Reiki, therapeutic touch, and healing touch) are complementary medicine modalities that remain controversial and are utilized by a significant number of patients, with little information regarding their efficacy. PURPOSE: This systematic review examines 66 clinical studies with a variety of biofield therapies in different patient populations. METHOD: We conducted a quality assessment as well as a best evidence synthesis approach to examine evidence for biofield therapies in relevant outcomes for different clinical populations. RESULTS: Studies overall are of medium quality, and generally meet minimum standards for validity of inferences. Biofield therapies show strong evidence for reducing pain intensity in pain populations, and moderate evidence for reducing pain intensity hospitalized and cancer populations. There is moderate evidence for decreasing negative behavioral symptoms in dementia and moderate evidence for decreasing anxiety for hospitalized populations. There is equivocal evidence for biofield therapies' effects on fatigue and quality of life for cancer patients, as well as for comprehensive pain outcomes and affect in pain patients, and for decreasing anxiety in cardiovascular patients. CONCLUSION: There is a need for further high-quality studies in this area. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Effects of scheduled qigong exercise on pupils' well-being, self-image, distress, and stress.  J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Sep;16(9):939-44. by Terjestam Y, Jouper J, Johansson C. from  School of Education, Psychology and Sport Science, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden. yvonne.terjestam@...

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Psychologic problems is increasing among pupils and has become a major problem in Sweden as well as in other Western countries. The aim of this study was to explore whether scheduled qigong exercise could have an effect on well-being at school, psychologic distress, self-image, and general stress. SUBJECTS: Pupils, 13-14 years, were assigned to either a qigong group or a control group. INTERVENTION: The qigong group had scheduled qigong 2 times a week for 8 weeks. MEASURES: Self-reported well-being at school, psychologic distress, self-image, and stress were measured pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: The control group had reduced well-being at school during the semester and the qigong group was stable. The qigong group reduced psychologic distress and stress, and had a tendency to improved self-image, whereas no changes were found in the control group. Self-image explains 47% (R(2) = 0.47) of well-being at school, and stress explains 29% (R(2) = 0.29) of psychologic distress. Conclusions: Scheduled qigong, meditative movement, is a possible way to improve well-being at school.

Qigong for the treatment of tinnitus: a prospective randomized controlled study.  J Psychosom Res. 2010 Sep;69(3):299-304.  Biesinger E, Kipman U, Schätz S, Langguth B. From ENT-Clinic and Otolaryngology Department, Klinikum Traunstein, Traunstein, Germany.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Tinnitus is a frequent disorder which is very difficult to treat. Qigong is a mindful exercise and an important constituent of traditional Chinese medical practice. Here we performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a Qigong intervention on patients with tinnitus. We hypothesized that especially tinnitus patients with somatosensoric components may benefit from the mind-body technique of Qigong. METHODS: Eighty patients with tinnitus of at least 3 months duration were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=40) consisting of 10 Qigong training sessions in 5 weeks or a waiting-list control group (n=40). Tinnitus severity was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and with a tinnitus questionnaire (TBF-12) before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 1 and 3 months after treatment.  RESULTS: Qigong did not cause any side effects and was completed by 80% of the assigned patients. Compared with the control group, Qigong participants experienced improvement in tinnitus severity, as reflected by a significant reduction in both the VAS and the TBF-12. In the subgroup of patients with somatosensoric tinnitus, Qigong effects were more pronounced, resulting in a highly significant improvement in both scales compared to the waiting-list group.  CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Qigong interventions could be a useful complement to the therapeutic management of patients with tinnitus and especially for those with somatosensoric components. Satisfaction with the intervention, a high degree of completion, and stability of the effects for at least 3 months after the intervention further underscore the potential of Qigong in the treatment of tinnitus.

Human prefrontal cortical response to the meditative state: a spectroscopy study.  Int J Neurosci. 2010 Jul;120(7):483-8. by Cheng RW, Borrett DS, Cheng W, Kwan HC, Cheng RS. From Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract: The effect of Qigong meditation on the hemodynamics of the prefrontal cortex was investigated by spectroscopy with a single-wavelength probe (650 nm) and confirmed by standard near-infrared spectroscopy with a dual-wavelength probe. Deoxyhemoglobin changes were recorded with the single-wavelength probe over the left prefrontal cortex during meditation by Qigong practitioners, and non-practitioners instructed in the technique. Practitioners showed a significant decrease in deoxyhemoglobin levels suggesting an increase in prefrontal activation during meditation. The results were confirmed in a second set of experiments with the standard dual-wavelength probe, in which significant differences in the decrease in deoxyhemoglobin and increase in oxyhemoglobin concentrations were observed in practitioners as compared with non-practitioners. The study thus provides evidence that Qigong meditation has a significant effect on prefrontal activation.

Does different exercise have the same effect of health promotion for the elderly? Comparison of training-specific effect of Tai Chi and swimming on motor control.  Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2010 Sep 24. [Epub ahead of print] by Wong AM, Chou SW, Huang SC, Lan C, Chen HC, Hong WH, Chen CP, Pei YC.  From Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Taiwan; Institute of Gerontology and Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.

Abstract: It remains unclear whether Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) instead of swimming yields a training-specific effect on dynamic balance. The objective of the present study is to test if the practice of TCC provides a distinctive benefit of balance in the elderly. The participants in TCC (n=32) and swimming groups (n=20) practiced regular swimming and TCC respectively for at least 3 years before the recruitment. Thirty-four healthy and active elderly volunteers were also recruited as the control group. To evaluate balance, we used SMART Balance Master that yields balance parameters including maximal stability, center-of-pressure velocity, and percentage ankle strategy obtained under six different balance conditions. We evaluated eye-hand coordination by measuring the movement time required to accurately point from one target to the next. In the most challenging balance conditions, the TCC group performed significantly better than the swimming and control groups. In eye-hand coordination tasks, both the TCC and swimming groups yielded significantly shorter movement time compared with the control group; however, no significant difference was observed between them. We concluded that both TCC and swimming improve eye-hand coordination in the elderly. However, TCC yields a better training effect on dynamic balance.

Tai Chi exercise versus rehabilitation for the elderly with cerebral vascular disorder: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial.  Psychogeriatrics. 2010 Sep;10(3):160-6. by Wang W, Sawada M, Noriyama Y, Arita K, Ota T, Sadamatsu M, Kiyotou R, Hirai M, Kishimoto T. from Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara Akitsu-Kounoike Hospital, Akitsu-Kounoike, Japan.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral vascular disorder (CVD) might result in a quantifiable decrease in quality of life, which is determined not only by the neurological deficits but also by impairment of cognitive functions. There are few studies that report on the cognitive effect of Tai Chi exercise (Tai Chi) on the elderly with CVD. The purpose of the present study was to examine the cognitive effect of Tai Chi on the elderly with CVD using P300 measurement, in addition to the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

METHODS: A total of 34 patients with CVD were recruited from outpatient Akistu-Kounoike Hospital and randomly assigned to receive Tai Chi (n= 17) or rehabilitation (n= 17) in group sessions once a week for 12 weeks. To examine the time courses of each score (P300 amplitude, P300 latency, GHQ score and PSQI score), repeated-measures analysis of variance was carried out with groups and time as factors.  RESULTS: For the time courses of P300 amplitudes and latencies, there were no significant effects of interaction between group and time. However, significant time-by-group interactions were found for Sleep Quality (P= 0.006), GHQ total score (P= 0.005), anxiety/insomnia score (P= 0.034), and severe depression score (P= 0.020).  CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi might therefore be considered a useful non-pharmacological approach, along with rehabilitation, for the maintenance of cognitive function in the elderly with CVD and might be a more useful non-pharmacological approach for the improvement of sleep quality and depressive symptoms in the elderly with CVD than rehabilitation.

Effects of tai chi exercise on posturography, gait, physical function and quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteopaenia: a randomized clinical study.  Clin Rehabil. 2010  Aug 11. [Epub ahead of print]  by Chyu MC, James CR, Sawyer SF, BrismĂ©e JM, Xu KT, Poklikuha G, Dunn DM, Shen CL. From Graduate Healthcare Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Science, Texas Tech University, Texas, USA.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of tai chi exercise on risk factors for falls in postmenopausal women with osteopaenia through measurements of balance, gait, physical function and quality of life. Design: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded, 24-week trial with stratification by age and bone mass. Setting: General community. Participants: Sixty-one independently living elderly females aged 65 years and older with low bone mass. Interventions: Subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to 24 weeks of tai chi (60 minutes/session, three sessions/week, n = 30) or a control group (n = 31). OUTCOME MEASURES: Computerized dynamic posturography, gait, 'timed up and go', five-chair sit-to-stand and quality of life assessed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Results: After 24 weeks, subjects in the tai chi group demonstrated an increase in stride width (P = 0.05) and improvement in general health (P = 0.008), vitality (P = 0.02) and bodily pain (P = 0.03) compared with those in the control group. There was no significant difference in balance parameters, 'timed up and go', five-chair sit-to-stand and other domains of quality of life. Conclusion: Tai chi exercise may reduce risk factors for falls by increasing the stride width, and may improve quality of life in terms of general health, vitality and bodily pain in postmenopausal women with osteopaenia.

Tai Chi Chuan Increases Circulating Myeloid Dendritic Cells.  Immunol Invest. 2010 Aug 18.

By Chiang J, Chen YY, Akiko T, Huang YC, Hsu ML, Jang TR, Chen YJ. From Chinese Culture University, Graduate Institute of Sport Coaching Science, Taipei, Taiwan.

Abstract: Dendritic cells, the most potent antigen-presenting cells linking innate and adoptive immunity, are thought to be important targets of immune modulators such as exercise. We examined the effect of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) on dendritic cells. TCC practitioners were further divided to high-level practitioners (TCC-H) and low-level practitioners (TCC-L). The quantities of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were estimated by flow cytometry. We examined parameters including age, body weight, body length, body fat, and serum albumin level, in the controls, TCC-H and TCC-L, which did not differ significantly. The mean peak [Formula: see text] (volume of O(2) utilization) of the TCC-H group was greater than that of the sedentary control group. White blood cell (WBC) count in the entire TCC group was greater than that of the controls. The quantity of myeloid dendritic cells was significantly greater in the TCC group, whereas the quantity of plasmacytoid dendritic cells was similar for both groups. Among the TCC subgroups, the quantity of myeloid dendritic cells, but not plasmacytoid dendritic cells, in the TCC-H group was greater than that of TCC-L practitioners. TCC could increase the number of circulating myeloid dendritic cells, but not plasmacytoid dendritic cells, in a performance level-dependent manner.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for solid organ transplant recipients: a randomized controlled trial.  Altern Ther Health Med. 2010 Sep-Oct;16(5):30-8. by Gross CR, Kreitzer MJ, Thomas W, Reilly-Spong M, Cramer-Bornemann M, Nyman JA, Frazier P, Ibrahim HN. From College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. gross002@...

CONTEXT: Patients who have received solid organ transplants continue to experience a myriad of complex symptoms related to their underlying disease and to chronic immunosuppression that reduce the quality of life. Beneficial nonpharmacologic therapies to address these symptoms have not been established in the transplant population.  OBJECTIVE: Assess the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep in transplant patients.  DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Controlled trial with a two-staged randomization. Recipients of kidney, kidney/pancreas, liver, heart, or lung transplants were randomized to MBSR (n=72) or health education (n=66) initially or after serving in a waitlist. Mean age was 54 years (range 21-75); 55% were men, and 91% were white.  INTERVENTIONS: MBSR, a mindfulness meditation training program consisting of eight weekly 2.5-hour classes; health education, a peer-led active control.  PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) scales assessed by self-report at baseline, 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year.  RESULTS: Benefits of MBSR were above and beyond those afforded by the active control. MBSR reduced anxiety and sleep symptoms (P < .02), with medium treatment effects (.51 and .56) at 1 year compared to health education in intention-to-treat analyses. Within the MBSR group, anxiety, depression, and sleep symptoms decreased and quality-of-life measures improved by 8 weeks (P < .01, all), and benefits were retained at 1 year (P < .05, all). Initial symptom reductions in the health education group were smaller and not sustained. Comparisons to the waitlist confirmed the impact of MBSR on both symptoms and quality of life, whereas health education improvements were limited to quality-of-life ratings.  CONCLUSIONS: MBSR reduced distressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep and improved quality of life. Benefits were sustained over 1 year. A health education program provided fewer benefits, and effects were not as durable. MBSR is a relatively inexpensive, safe, and effective community-based intervention.

Mindfulness based cognitive therapy for psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Psychiatry Res. 2010 Sep 14. [Epub ahead of print] by Chiesa A, Serretti A.

Abstract: Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a meditation program based on an integration of Cognitive behavioural therapy and Mindfulness based stress reduction. The aim of the present work is to review and meta-analyze current findings about the efficacy of MBCT for psychiatric patients. A literature search was undertaken using 5 electronic databases and references of retrieved articles. Main findings included: 1) MBCT in adjunct to usual care was significantly better than usual care alone for reducing major depression (MD) relapses in patients with 3 or more prior depressive episodes (4 studies), 2) MBCT plus gradual discontinuation of maintenance ADs was associated to similar relapse rates at 1year as compared with continuation of maintenance antidepressants (1 study), 3) the augmentation of MBCT could be useful for reducing residual depressive symptoms in patients with MD (2 studies) and for reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder in remission (1 study) and in patients with some anxiety disorders (2 studies). However, several methodological shortcomings including small sample sizes, non randomized design of some studies and the absence of studies comparing MBCT to control groups designed to distinguish specific from non specific effects of such practice underscore the necessity for further research.

Qi Dao  ˇV Sept/Oct 2010

Qi = vital energy, life force; Dao = law behind everything. 

Qi Dao, the E-newsletter designed for all qigong/Taiji practitioners and other mind-body or spiritual cultivators, promotes philosophy and methods of human self-healing and mind power, and shares knowledge and experiences with those who are interested in self-healing and mind power and their applications in health and everyday life.  All contributions are welcome.

Read entire Qi Dao at: http://www.wishus.org/newsletter/QiDao_1010.pdf

Theme of this issueˇG Three Treasures  ˇV Jing, Qi, Shen  

Research Update

ˇP         Randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia

ˇP         Biofield therapies: helpful or full of hype? A best evidence synthesis

ˇP         Effects of scheduled qigong exercise on pupils' well-being, self-image, distress, and stress

ˇP         Qigong for the treatment of tinnitus: a prospective randomized controlled study. 

ˇP         Human prefrontal cortical response to the meditative state: a spectroscopy study. 

ˇP         Does different exercise have the same effect of health promotion for the elderly? Comparison of training-specific effect of Tai Chi and swimming on motor control.

ˇP         Tai Chi exercise versus rehabilitation for the elderly with cerebral vascular disorder: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

ˇP         Effects of tai chi exercise on posturography, gait, physical function and quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteopaenia: a randomized clinical study

ˇP         Tai Chi Chuan Increases Circulating Myeloid Dendritic Cells

ˇP         Mindfulness-based stress reduction for solid organ transplant recipients: a randomized controlled trial

ˇP         Mindfulness based cognitive therapy for psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

From the Master

     Master Chun Man Sit talks about The Level of Shen in Taijiquan. He describes it as the spiritual level of Taiji, gives some ideas on achieving it and what it feels like to do so.

     A Taiji Hedgehog or a Taiji Fox? That is the question Master Yang Yang asks in his writing. He discusses the micro and macro approaches to practicing Taiji.

Research Update

     Kevin Chen updates us on the current scientific research of Qigong in the US. He summarizes the studies and, in particular, reviews those sponsored by the NIH.

East-West Perspective ˇVThe Three Treasures: Unity, Harmony, Diversity

     Dr. Roger Jahnke does a detailed writing on The Three Treasures: Unity, Harmony and Diversity. This is the first of a two part series. He defines and describes the meanings of  Jing, Qi and Shen.

Scientific Qi Exploration ˇV Qigong and the Immune System

     Marty Eisen continues his discussion on a study of Qigong and its effects on the body, mind and spirit. This time he writes about the effects of Qigong on the immune system.

A Comedy Moment

     Remember to laugh!

Illuminating the Dao ˇV Inner Harmony

     Michelle Wood describes how inner harmony can create both emotional happiness and physical health within us. She also discusses how one can start to achieve these goals.

Qi-Cultivation and Dao ˇV Jing, Qi Shen in The Journey to the West

     Jill Gonet and Guan-Cheng Sun reflect on the works of Wu Cheng-En, in particular The Journey to the West. In the very first paragraph, the authors define the book as ˇ§an unusual book to findˇ¨ because it ˇ§simultaneously instructs the mind and spirit, delights the aesthetic sensibilities, and causes one quite frequently to laugh out loudˇ¨.

The Taichi Examiner ˇV Dr. Rustum Ray; A Friend of Qigong and TCM`

     Violet Li gives us the obituary which talks about the life of Rustum Ray and his influence on Qigong and TCM around the world.

Food as Medicine ˇV Seasonal Harmony

     Once again Ellasara Kling writes about the effect of food on our bodies and spirits as we approach the winter season.

Read entire Qi Dao at: http://www.wishus.org/newsletter/QiDao_1010.pdf  

Or go online at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Qi_Dao

• You are welcome to share Qi Dao with your friends in its entirety.
• Please recommend Qi Dao to your friends and students
• To subscribe to Qi Dao, send an email to Qi_Dao-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
• To unsubscribe Qi Dao, send an email to Qi_Dao-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
• To contribute to Qi Dao or contact us, please email to WISH_Qidao@....

A Note from the Editor:

To better serve the community of all mind-body exercises and self-healing practitioners, Qi Dao is in the process to transform into a web-based bilingual (English and Chinese) E-Journal, with the possibility of a color-printed magazine for the paid subscribers in the  future.  We are actively seeking for more volunteers and bilingual columnists to make Qi Dao a better virtual community for everyone.  If you are interested in learning more life-nurturing techniques while serving the community by helping us with more columns, better contents, or translation works so that we will have more subscribers, please send an email to Kevin Chen at qigong4us@... for more information.  We also need web page designer(s) to help designing and maintaining the future web site.  Thank you for your support!

Shaolin dan tian breathing fosters relaxed and attentive mind: a randomized controlled neuro-electro-physiological study.  Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; Epub 2010 Sep 22. By Chan AS, Cheung MC, Sze SL, Leung WW, Shi D. at Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong.

Abstract:  Neuro-electrophysiological studies on meditative breathing revealed its association with either a relaxed or an attentive state. The present study aimed to investigate whether the Shaolin Dan Tian Breathing (DTB) technique, which consists of the Passive and Active subtypes and can be considered as a relaxation exercise and Qigong, would induce both relaxed and attentive states. Twenty-two adults and 22 age-, gender- and education-matched controls received training on the Shaolin DTB (experimental group) and the progressive muscle relaxation respectively for one month. Eyes-closed resting EEG data before and immediately after each type of breathing were obtained individually at baseline and after one-month training. At baseline, the EEG changes after the Shaolin DTB between both groups were comparable. After one-month training, participants in the experimental, but not the control, group showed enhanced temporal alpha asymmetry (an index of relaxation and positive mood) after performing the Passive DTB for five minutes, and enhanced intra- and inter-hemispheric theta coherence (an index of attention and alertness) after performing the Active DTB. The present findings suggested a positive effect of the Shaolin DTB technique on enhancing human neural activity and connectivity, which may possibly enhance mood state and cognitive functions.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2957109

Effect of yoga on quality of life of CLBP patients: A randomized control study.  International Journal of Yoga. 2010 Jan;3(1):10-7. by Tekur P, Chametcha S, Hongasandra RN, Raghuram N. at Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation (SVYASA), Bangalore, India.

CONTEXT: In two of the earlier Randomized Control Trials on yoga for chronic lower back pain (CLBP), 12 to 16 weeks of intervention were found effective in reducing pain and disability. AIM: To study the efficacy of a residential short term intensive yoga program on quality of life in CLBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 80 patients with CLBP (females 37) registered for a week long treatment at SVYASA Holistic Health Centre in Bengaluru, India. They were randomized into two groups (40 each). The yoga group practiced a specific module for CLBP comprising of asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing practices), meditation and lectures on yoga philosophy. The control group practiced physical therapy exercises for back pain. Perceived stress scale (PSS) was used to measure baseline stress levels. Outcome measures were WHOQOL Bref for quality of life and straight leg raising test (SLR) using a Goniometer. RESULTS: There were significant negative correlations (Pearson's, P<0.005, r>0.30) between baseline PSS with all four domains and the total score of WHOQOLBref. All the four domains' WHOQOLBref improved in the yoga group (repeated measures ANOVA P=0.001) with significant group*time interaction (P<0.05) and differences between groups (P<0.01). SLR increased in both groups (P=0.001) with higher increase in yoga (31.1 % right, 28.4 % left) than control (18.7% right, 21.5 % left) group with significant group*time interaction (SLR right leg P=0.044).  CONCLUSION: In CLBP, a negative correlation exists between stress and quality of life. Yoga increases quality of life and spinal flexibility better than physical therapy exercises.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2952119   

Effects of scheduled qigong exercise on pupils' well-being, self-image, distress, and stress. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Sep;16(9):939-44. by Terjestam Y, Jouper J, Johansson C. at School of Education, Psychology and Sport Science, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden. yvonne.terjestam@...

OBJECTIVES: Psychologic problems is increasing among pupils and has become a major problem in Sweden as well as in other Western countries. The aim of this study was to explore whether scheduled qigong exercise could have an effect on well-being at school, psychologic distress, self-image, and general stress.

SUBJECTS: Pupils, 13-14 years, were assigned to either a qigong group or a control group.

INTERVENTION: The qigong group had scheduled qigong 2 times a week for 8 weeks. MEASURES: Self-reported well-being at school, psychologic distress, self-image, and stress were measured pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: The control group had reduced well-being at school during the semester and the qigong group was stable. The qigong group reduced psychologic distress and stress, and had a tendency to improved self-image, where no

changes were found in the control group. Self-image explains 47% (R(2) = 0.47) of well-being at school, and stress explains 29% (R(2) = 0.29) of psychologic distress. Conclusions: Scheduled qigong, meditative movement, is a possible way to improve well-being at school.

Heart rate autonomic responses during deep breathing and walking in hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure.   Disabil Rehabil. 2010 Aug 23 [Epub ahead of print]. By Rossi Caruso FC, Arena R, Mendes RG, Reis MS, Papa V, Borghi-Silva A. at Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy Laboratory, Nucleus of Research in Physical Exercise, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Objective. To evaluate the acute effect of physiotherapy (deep breathing exercises and walking) on heart rate variability in patients hospitalised with chronic heart failure (CHF). Design. Ten males with CHF (57 +/- 7 years) and 10 healthy controls (59 +/- 9 years) were included. Heart rate and RR intervals were recorded in the following conditions: supine, seated, during deep breathing exercises and during and after walking. Heart rate variability was analysed by linear and non-linear methods (alpha2, Mean HR, rMSSD, SDNN and ApEn). Results. Patients presented significantly lower SDNN (12.4 +/- 4 versus 26 +/- 8 ms), rMSSD (18.2 +/- 16.2 versus 25 +/- 19.5 ms) and ApEn (9.9 +/- 10 versus 16.68 +/- 22.6) during the walking compared to controls (p < 0.05). In addition, mean HR was significantly higher during and after walking for patients with CHF compared to controls (103 +/- 8 versus 80 +/- 2 bpm and 90 +/- 9 versus 68 +/- 2 bpm, respectively). Patients with CHF demonstrated a significant reduction of alpha2 during deep breathing (0.78 +/- 0.1) when compared to the seated position (1.08 +/- 0.1) and walking (1.15 +/- 0.2, p < 0.05). Additionally, rMSSD index increased during deep breathing when compared to walking in both groups. Conclusion. Deep breathing exercises and walking are safe and promote beneficial effects on heart rate variability in patients hospitalized for CHF.

Qigong for the treatment of tinnitus: a prospective randomized controlled study.  J Psychosom Res. 2010 Sep; 69(3):299-304.  By Biesinger E, Kipman U, Schätz S, Langguth B. at  ENT-Clinic and Otolaryngology Department, Klinikum Traunstein, Traunstein, Germany.

OBJECTIVE: Tinnitus is a frequent disorder which is very difficult to treat. Qigong is a mindful exercise and an important constituent of traditional Chinese medical practice. Here we performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a Qigong intervention on patients with tinnitus. We hypothesized that especially tinnitus patients with somatosensoric components may benefit from the mind-body technique of Qigong.  METHODS: Eighty patients with tinnitus of at least 3 months duration were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=40) consisting of 10 Qigong training sessions in 5 weeks or a waiting-list control group (n=40). Tinnitus severity was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and with a tinnitus questionnaire (TBF-12) before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 1 and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: Qigong did not cause any side effects and was completed by 80% of the assigned patients. Compared with the control group, Qigong participants experienced improvement in tinnitus severity, as reflected by a significant reduction in both the VAS and the TBF-12. In the subgroup of patients with somatosensoric tinnitus, Qigong effects were more pronounced, resulting in a highly significant improvement in both scales compared to the waiting-list group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Qigong interventions could be a useful complement to the therapeutic management of patients with tinnitus and especially for those with somatosensoric components. Satisfaction with the intervention, a high degree of completion, and stability of the effects for at least 3 months after the intervention further underscore the potential of Qigong in the treatment of tinnitus.

Tai Chi as an adjunct physical activity for adults aged 45years and older enrolled in phase III cardiac rehabilitation. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2010 Nov 20. [Epub ahead of print] By Taylor-Piliae RE, Silva E, Sheremeta SP. At Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar, College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation improves physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning, yet services are greatly underutilized with increasing patterns of attrition over time. Tai Chi has been suggested as a possible adjunct to cardiac rehabilitation exercise training. AIM: To describe differences in physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning among adults ≥45years old attending phase III cardiac rehabilitation, who have or have not self-selected Tai Chi exercise as an adjunct physical activity. METHODS: A cross-sectional design compared subjects attending group-based Wu style Tai Chi classes plus cardiac rehabilitation, with cardiac rehabilitation only. Subjects had a battery of physical and cognitive functioning tests administered to examine aerobic endurance, balance, strength, and flexibility, verbal retrieval/recall, attention, concentration and tracking. Subjects completed a health survey to ascertain cardiac event information, medical history, and psychosocial functioning (i.e. health-related quality of life, stress, depressive symptoms, social support, and Tai Chi self-efficacy). RESULTS: A total of 51 subjects (75% married, 84% college-educated, 96% White/European-American) participated. Subjects were on average 70 (±8)years old and had attended cardiac rehabilitation for 45 (±37) months. Approximately 45% (n=23) attended Tai Chi classes plus cardiac rehabilitation, while 55% (n=28) attended cardiac rehabilitation only. Subjects attending Tai Chi plus cardiac rehabilitation had better balance, perceived physical health, and Tai Chi self-efficacy compared to those attending cardiac rehabilitation only (p≤0.03).  CONCLUSION: Tai Chi can be easily implemented in any community/cardiac rehabilitation facility, and may offer adults additional options after a cardiac event.

Tai chi exercise for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study.    Respir Care. 2010 Nov;55(11):1475-82.  By Yeh GY, Roberts DH, Wayne PM, Davis RB, Quilty MT, Phillips RS. at

Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Osher Research Center, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Suite 22A, Boston, MA 02215, USA. gyeh@...

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of the effect of a tai chi program on quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with COPD.  METHODS: We randomized 10 patients with moderate to severe COPD to 12 weeks of tai chi plus usual care (n = 5) or usual care alone (n = 5). The tai chi training consisted of a 1-hour class, twice weekly, that emphasized gentle movement, relaxation, meditation, and breathing techniques. Exploratory outcomes included disease-specific symptoms and quality-of-life, exercise capacity, pulmonary function tests, mood, and self-efficacy. We also conducted qualitative interviews to capture patient narratives regarding their experience with tai chi. RESULTS: The patients were willing to be randomized. Among 4 of the 5 patients in the intervention group, adherence to the study protocol was excellent. The cohort's baseline mean ± SD age, percent-of-predicted FEVâ‚�, and ratio of FEVâ‚� to forced vital capacity were 66 ± 6 y, 50 ± 12%, and 0.63 ± 0.14, respectively. At 12 weeks there was significant improvement in Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire score among the tai chi participants (1.4 ± 1.1), compared to the usual-care group (-0.1 ± 0.4) (P = .03). There were nonsignificant trends toward improvement in 6-min walk distance (55 ± 47 vs -13 ± 64 m, P = .09), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (-9.0 ± 9.1 vs -2.8 ± 4.3, P = .20), and University of California, San Diego Shortness of Breath score (-7.8 ± 3.5 vs -1.2 ± 11, P = .40). There were no significant changes in either group's peak oxygen uptake. CONCLUSIONS: A randomized controlled trial of tai chi is feasible in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Tai chi exercise as an adjunct to standard care warrants further investigation.

http://www.rcjournal.com/contents/11.10/11.10.1475.pdf    

Tai Chi exercise versus rehabilitation for the elderly with cerebral vascular disorder: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Psychogeriatrics. 2010 Sep;10(3):160-6.  By Wang W, Sawada M, Noriyama Y, Arita K, Ota T, Sadamatsu M, Kiyotou R, Hirai M, Kishimoto T. at Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara Akitsu-Kounoike Hospital, Akitsu-Kounoike, Japan.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral vascular disorder (CVD) might result in a quantifiable decrease in quality of life, which is determined not only by the neurological deficits but also by impairment of cognitive functions. There are few studies that report on the cognitive effect of Tai Chi exercise (Tai Chi) on the elderly with CVD. The purpose of the present study was to examine the cognitive effect of Tai Chi on the elderly with CVD using P300 measurement, in addition to the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).  METHODS: A total of 34 patients with CVD were recruited from outpatient Akistu-Kounoike Hospital and randomly assigned to receive Tai Chi (n= 17) or rehabilitation (n= 17) in group sessions once a week for 12 weeks. To examine the time courses of each score (P300 amplitude, P300 latency, GHQ score and PSQI score), repeated-measures analysis of variance was carried out with groups and time as factors.  RESULTS: For the time courses of P300 amplitudes and latencies, there were no significant effects of interaction between group and time. However, significant time-by-group interactions were found for Sleep Quality (P= 0.006), GHQ total score (P= 0.005), anxiety/insomnia score (P= 0.034), and severe depression score (P= 0.020).  CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi might therefore be considered a useful non-pharmacological approach, along with rehabilitation, for the maintenance of cognitive function in the elderly with CVD and might be a more useful non-pharmacological approach for the improvement of sleep quality and depressive symptoms in the elderly with CVD than rehabilitation.

Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density.   Psychiatry Res. 2010 Nov 9. [Epub ahead of print] by Hölzel BK, Carmody J, Vangel M, Congleton C, Yerramsetti SM, Gard T, Lazar SW. at  Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; and Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig Universität Giessen, Germany.

Therapeutic interventions that incorporate training in mindfulness meditation have become increasingly popular, but to date little is known about neural mechanisms associated with these interventions. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), one of the most widely used mindfulness training programs, has been reported to produce positive effects on psychological well-being and to ameliorate symptoms of a number of disorders. Here, we report a controlled longitudinal study to investigate pre-post changes in brain gray matter concentration attributable to participation in an MBSR program. Anatomical magnetic resonance (MR) images from 16 healthy, meditation-naĂŻve participants were obtained before and after they underwent the 8-week program. Changes in gray matter concentration were investigated using voxel-based morphometry, and compared with a waiting list control group of 17 individuals. Analyses in a priori regions of interest confirmed increases in gray matter concentration within the left hippocampus. Whole brain analyses identified increases in the posterior cingulate cortex, the temporo-parietal junction, and the cerebellum in the MBSR group compared with the controls. The results suggest that participation in MBSR is associated with changes in gray matter concentration in brain regions involved in learning and memory processes, emotion regulation, self-referential processing, and perspective taking.

Meditation-specific prefrontal cortical activation during acem meditation: an fMRI study.  Percept Mot Skills. 2010 Aug;111(1):291-306. by Davanger S, Ellingsen O, Holen A, Hugdahl K. at Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, University of Oslo, Norway. svend.davanger@...

Some of the most popular meditation practices emphasize a relaxed focus of attention in which thoughts, images, sensations, and emotions may emerge and pass freely without actively controlling or pursuing them. Several recent studies show that meditation activates frontal brain areas associated with attention focusing and physical relaxation. The objective of the present study was to assess whether brain activation during relaxed focusing on a meditation sound could be distinguished from similar, concentrative control tasks. Brain activation was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in experienced practitioners of Acem meditation. Bilateral areas of the inferior frontal gyrus (BA47) were significantly more activated during repetition of a meditation sound than during concentrative meditation-like cognitive tasks. Meditation-specific brain activation did not habituate over time, but increased in strength with continuous meditation bouts. These observations suggest that meditation with a relaxed focus of attention may activate distinct areas of the prefrontal cortex, with implications for the understanding of neurobiological correlates of meditation.

Qi Dao  ˇV Nov/Dec 2010

Qi = vital energy, life force;  Dao = law behind everything. 

Qi Dao, the E-newsletter of World Institute for Self Healing (WISH), designed for all mind-body practitioners or spiritual cultivators, promotes philosophy and methods of self-healing and positive mind power, and shares knowledge and experiences with the like-minded practitioners.  Next month Qi Dao will be renamed as Yang Sheng, published online as an E-magazine. It is FREE to those who are interested in the subjects. All contributions are welcome.

Read entire Qi Dao at: http://www.wishus.org/newsletter/QiDao_1210.pdf

Theme of this issueˇG Yang Sheng ˇV Nurturing Life, or Cultivating health

Featured Article  

Yang Sheng -- the Root of Chinese medicine and the Foundation of Human Health -- is the editorial and a featured article to introduce the concept of Yang Sheng and its importance in our lives.  This also serves as an introduction to the transition of Qi Dao into an E-magazine and a network for health, happiness and harmony in January 2011.

Research Update

ˇP         Shaolin dan tian breathing fosters relaxed and attentive mind: a randomized controlled neuro-electrophysiological study

ˇP         Effect of yoga on quality of life of CLBP patients: A randomized control study.

ˇP         Effects of scheduled qigong exercise on pupils' well-being, self-image, distress, and stress

ˇP         Heart rate autonomic responses during deep breathing and walking in hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure

ˇP         Qigong for the treatment of tinnitus: a prospective randomized controlled study

ˇP         Tai Chi as an adjunct physical activity for adults aged 45years and older enrolled in phase III cardiac rehabilitation

ˇP         Tai chi exercise for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study

ˇP         Tai Chi exercise versus rehabilitation for the elderly with cerebral vascular disorder: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

ˇP         Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density

ˇP         Meditation-specific prefrontal cortical activation during acem meditation: an fMRI study

From the Master

Master Zhongxian Wu writes about Memory ˇV The Spirit of the Kidneys.  He talks about the need to keep the spiritual body and the physical body in line with each other.

Spirituality of the Dao

Christina Barea helps us discover who we are by using Yang Sheng to understand our body and its energies. She talks about the Daoist scriptures and the beam of light emanating from a Divine source and how that beam changes our lives.

Scientific Qi Exploration ˇV Qigong and the Immune System

Marty Eisen continues his discussion on a study of Qigong its effects on the body, mind and spirit. He writes about the effects of Qigong on the immune system.

A Comedy Moment

Allow yourself to laugh. Remember, Laughter can change your life!

Illuminating the Dao

Michelle Wood describes the need to put together your own wellness by combining the power of material nature and the power of original nature. She talks about our living without seeing the big picture and what happens when we fully combine these two aspects of nature.

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen

Our new column discusses how we need to look at the season in which we are currently living and adjust our  diet to be a part of that change. A Meal for Winter also contains a recipe that is good for those suffering from fatigue, arthritic pain, etc,

Chinese Proverbs of Yang Sheng

Another new writer for Qi Dao is Tina Zhang. She writes about the importance of being aware of Yang Sheng to help nurture the mind and body and keep it in balance.

The Taichi Examiner

Violet Li writes about Master Zhang Xue Xin, his history and love for Tai Chi and how the spirit of his practice flows to others.

Qigong for Seniors

Writing about her teaching of Qigong for Seniors, Cindy Areglado shares her experiences and suggestions for all Seniors. This is Cindyˇ¦s first article for QiDao.

The Sense of Touch

Rebekah Owens, another new columnist for Qi Dao, share with us some easy self-applied massage to solve stress related headaches.

Food as Medicine

Ellasara Kling discusses the interrelationships in the Five Element Theory and how it is different for each season. This time she looks at the winter season and also gives us recipes to help us through the cold.

Read entire Qi Dao at: http://www.wishus.org/newsletter/QiDao_1210.pdf  

Or go online at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Qi_Dao

• You are welcome to share Qi Dao with your friends in its entirety.
• Please recommend Qi Dao to your friends and students
• To subscribe to Qi Dao, send an email to Qi_Dao-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
• To unsubscribe Qi Dao, send an email to Qi_Dao-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
• To contribute to Qi Dao or contact us, please email to WISH_Qidao@....

A Note from the Editor:

To better serve the community of all mind-body exercises and self-healing practitioners, Qi Dao will be renamed as Yang Sheng -- a web-based E-magazine and a network for health, happiness and harmony with the possibility to publish a color-printed magazine for the paid subscribers in the near future.  We are actively seeking for more volunteers and columnists to make Qi Dao a better virtual community for everyone.  If you are interested in learning more life-nurturing techniques while serving the community by helping us with more columns, better contents, or translation works so that we will have more subscribers, please send an email to Kevin Chen at qigong4us@... for more information.  We also need web page designer(s) to help designing and maintaining the future web site.  Thank you for your continuous help and support!

[Mind-body Research Update]

Qigong versus Exercise versus no Therapy for Patients with Chronic Neck Pain - a Randomized Controlled Trial.  Spine. 2010 Dec 20; by Rendant D, Pach D, LĂĽdtke R, Reisshauer A, Willich S, Witt CM. from Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, CharitĂ© University Medical Center, Berlin, Germany 2Karl und Veronica Carstens Foundation, Essen, Germany 3Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, CharitĂ© University Medical Center, Berlin, Germany.

ABSTRACT: Study Design: Randomized controlled trialObjective: To evaluate whether qigong is more effective than no treatment and not inferior to exercise therapy.Summary of Background Data: Life time prevalence of chronic neck pain is close to 50%. Qigong is often used by patients, although the evidence is still unclear.Methods: Patients (age 20-60 years) with chronic neck pain (VAS ≥ 40 mm) were randomized to 1) qigong or 2) exercise therapy (18 sessions over six months) or 3) waiting list (no treatment). At baseline and after three and six months, patients completed standardized questionnaires assessing neck pain (VAS), neck pain and disability (NPAD), and quality of life (SF-36). The primary endpoint was average pain in the last seven days on VAS at six month follow-up. Statistical analysis included GEE models adjusted for baseline values and patient expectation.Results: A total of 123 patients (age 46 ± 11 years, 88% women) suffering from chronic neck pain for 3.2 (SD ± 1.6) years were included. After six months a significant difference was seen between the qigong and waiting list control groups (VAS mean difference: -14 mm [95% CI, -23.1;-5.4], P= 0.002). Mean improvements in the exercise group were comparable to those in the qigong group (difference between groups -0.7 mm [CI: -9.1; 7.7]) but failed to show tatistical significance (p=0.092). NPAD and SF-36 results also yielded superiority of qigong over no treatment and similar results in the qigong and exercise therapy groups. Conclusion: Qigong was more effective than no treatment in patients with chronic neck pain. Further studies could be designed without waiting list control and should use a larger sample to clarify the value of qigong compared to exercise therapy.

Effects of yoga on balance and gait properties in women with musculoskeletal problems: A pilot study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):13-5. by  Ulger O, YaÄźlı NV. Hacettepe University Health Sciences Faculty, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, Samanpazarı, 06100 Ankara, Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of yoga on balance and gait properties in women with musculoskeletal problems. DESIGN: Twenty-seven women (30-45 years old) with musculoskeletal problems, such as osteoarthritis and low-back pain, were included in the present study. The patients participated in 8 sessions (twice weekly for 4 weeks) of a yoga program which included asanas, stretching exercises, and breathing techniques.  MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' static balance measurements and gait parameters were determined before and after the study using a stabilometer and a gait trainer, respectively.  RESULTS: Post-study values of patients' gait parameters were found to be statistically higher than their pre-study values (p < 0.05) The values of patients' balance addressed anterior and right positions with patients' eyes open and subsequently closed pre-treatment. However, it was notable that balance post-treatment was minimal when subjects eyes were open or closed. Anterior-posterior values and right-left values were almost equal after treatment.  DISCUSSION: The results showed that yoga has a positive effect on balance and gait parameters of women with gait and balance disturbances that are caused by musculoskeletal problems. It is feasible to conclude that asanas and stretching exercises included in the yoga program brought about such a positive effect, and therefore it is possible to use yoga programs to solve problems caused by musculoskeletal disorders.

The role of breathing training in asthma management.  Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Feb; 11(1): 53-7. by Bruton A, Thomas M. Faculty of Health Sciences, Highfield Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK bCentre of Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Centre, Aberdeen, UK.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is considerable public interest in the use of breathing modification techniques in the treatment of asthma. Surveys suggest many people with asthma use them, often without the knowledge of their medical attendants. Extravagant claims have been made about the effectiveness of some techniques, resulting in scepticism from orthodox clinicians. The evidence supporting breathing training for asthma was previously weak, and limited by the small size and methodological limitations of published research.

RECENT FINDINGS: The evidence base for the effectiveness of breathing training has recently improved, with reports from several larger and more methodologically robust controlled trials. These trials are reviewed in this study, and the findings placed in context. Trials have investigated a variety of breathing training programmes delivered by different therapists in different ways. All incorporate some instruction in breathing pattern, usually focusing on slow, regular, nasal, abdominal breathing and reduced ventilation, with patients instructed to practise exercises at home and when symptomatic.  SUMMARY: Current evidence suggests that breathing training programmes can be effective in improving patient-reported outcomes such as symptoms, quality of life and psychological impact; and may reduce the use of rescue bronchodilator medication. There is little evidence that airways physiology, hyper-responsiveness or inflammation is affected by such training. The optimal way of providing breathing training within the context of routine asthma care is still uncertain.

Does mindfulness training improve cognitive abilities? A systematic review of neuropsychological findings.

Clin Psychol Rev. 2010 Dec 1. by Chiesa A, Calati R, Serretti A.

Mindfulness meditation practices (MMPs) are a subgroup of meditation practices which are receiving growing attention. The present paper reviews current evidence about the effects of MMPs on objective measures of cognitive functions. Five databases were searched. Twenty three studies providing measures of attention, memory, executive functions and further miscellaneous measures of cognition were included. Fifteen were controlled or randomized controlled studies and 8 were case-control studies. Overall, reviewed studies suggested that early phases of mindfulness training, which are more concerned with the development of focused attention, could be associated with significant improvements in selective and executive attention whereas the following phases, which are characterized by an open monitoring of internal and external stimuli, could be mainly associated with improved unfocused sustained attention abilities. Additionally, MMPs could enhance working memory capacity and some executive functions. However, many of the included studies show methodological limitations and negative results have been reported as well, plausibly reflecting differences in study design, study duration and patients' populations. Accordingly, even though findings here reviewed provided preliminary evidence suggesting that MMPs could enhance cognitive functions, available evidence should be considered with caution and further high quality studies investigating more standardized mindfulness meditation programs are needed.

Treating fibromyalgia with mindfulness-based stress reduction: Results from a 3-armed randomized controlled trial.  Pain. 2010 Dec 10.  by Schmidt S, Grossman P, Schwarzer B, Jena S, Naumann J, Walach H.  From Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany; Institute for Transcultural Health Studies, European University Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany; Samueli Institute, European Office, Brain, Mind and Healing Programme, Germany; Heymans Chair of Exceptional Human Experiences, University for the Humanistics, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured 8-week group program teaching mindfulness meditation and mindful yoga exercises. MBSR aims to help participants develop nonjudgmental awareness of moment-to-moment experience. Fibromyalgia is a clinical syndrome with chronic pain, fatigue, and insomnia as major symptoms. Efficacy of MBSR for enhanced well-being of fibromyalgia patients was investigated in a 3-armed trial, which was a follow-up to an earlier quasi-randomized investigation. A total of 177 female patients were randomized to one of the following: (1) MBSR, (2) an active control procedure controlling for nonspecific effects of MBSR, or (3) a wait list. The major outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 2months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes were disorder-specific quality of life, depression, pain, anxiety, somatic complaints, and a proposed index of mindfulness. Of the patients, 82% completed the study. There were no significant differences between groups on primary outcome, but patients overall improved in HRQoL at short-term follow-up (P=0.004). Post hoc analyses showed that only MBSR manifested a significant pre-to-post-intervention improvement in HRQoL (P=0.02). Furthermore, multivariate analysis of secondary measures indicated modest benefits for MBSR patients. MBSR yielded significant pre-to-post-intervention improvements in 6 of 8 secondary outcome variables, the active control in 3, and the wait list in 2. In conclusion, primary outcome analyses did not support the efficacy of MBSR in fibromyalgia, although patients in the MBSR arm appeared to benefit most. Effect sizes were small compared to the earlier, quasi-randomized investigation. Several methodological aspects are discussed, e.g., patient burden, treatment preference and motivation, that may provide explanations for differences. In a 3-armed randomized controlled trial in female patients suffering from fibromyalgia, patients benefited modestly from a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention.

Green tea polyphenols supplementation and Tai Chi exercise for postmenopausal osteopenic women: safety and quality of life report.   BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010 Dec 9;10(1):76. [Epub ahead of print]

By Shen CL, Chyu MC, Pence BC, Yeh JK, Zhang Y, Felton CK, Doctolero S, Wang JS.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that both green tea polyphenols (GTP) and Tai Chi (TC) exercise may benefit bone health in osteopenic women. However, their safety in this population has never been systematically investigated. In particular, there have been hepatotoxicity concerns related to green tea extract. This study was to evaluate the safety of 24 weeks of GTP supplementation combined with TC exercise in postmenopausal osteopenic women, along with effects on quality of life in this population. METHODS: 171 postmenopausal women with osteopenia were randomly assigned to 4 treatment arms for 24 weeks: (1) Placebo (500 mg starch/day), (2) GTP (500 mg GTP/day), (3) Placebo + TC (placebo plus TC training at 60 min/session, 3 sessions/week), and (4) GTP + TC (GTP plus TC training). Safety was examined by assessing liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin at baseline and every 4 weeks. Kidney function (urea nitrogen and creatinine), calcium, and inorganic phosphorus were also assessed at the same times. Qualify of life using SF-36 questionnaire was evaluated at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. A mixed model of repeated measures ANOVA was applied for analysis. RESULTS: 150 subjects completed the study (12% attrition rate). The compliance rates for study agents and TC exercise were 89% and 83%, respectively. Neither GTP supplementation nor TC exercise affected liver or kidney function parameters throughout the study. No adverse event due to study treatment was reported by the participants. TC exercise significantly improved the scores for role-emotional and mental health of subjects, while no effect on quality of life was observed due to GTP supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: GTP at a dose of 500 mg/day and/or TC exercise at 3 hr/week for 24 weeks appear to be safe in postmenopausal osteopenic women, particularly in terms of liver and kidney functions. TC exercise for 24 weeks (3 hr/wk) significantly improved quality of life in terms of role-emotional and mental health in these subjects. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00625391.

Role of naturopathy and yoga treatment in the management of hypertension.  Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb; 17(1):9-12. by Murthy SN, Rao NS, Nandkumar B, Kadam A. from NYS Medical Research Society, Jindal Naturecure Institute, Jindal Nagar, Bangalore 560073, India.

AIM: The primary aim was to study the effect of naturopathy and yoga interventions in treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.  DESIGN: The variables of interest were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention using a pre-post design.  SETTING: The study was conducted by INYS medical research society in Jindal Nature Cure Institute, Bangalore.  SUBJECTS: A total of 104 subjects, already diagnosed with mild to moderate hypertension and on treatment with antihypertensive medicines were included in study. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention consisted of various inpatient administration of different naturopathy treatments, yoga therapies, low calorie and low sodium diet for 21 days. Antihypertensive medicines were withdrawn for some patients in one week based upon response to the treatment.  OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures were values of diastolic and systolic blood pressure and body weight. Subjects were followed for a period of one year after every 3 months.  RESULTS: After starting nonpharmacological approach of naturopathy and yoga, Systolic blood pressure came down from mean of 139.6 to 129.6 where as it came down from 91.2 to 86.1 for diastolic blood pressure. At the same time favorable effect was also seen in other variables like lipid profile and body weight. At the end of one year out of 57 patients who came for follow-up, 14 cases were found to have blood pressure within normal ranges without any medication over the previous 12 months. CONCLUSION: Naturopathy and yoga therapy can be considered as a valuable nonpharmacoloical approach in treatment of hypertension.

Tai chi exercise for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study.  Respir Care. 2010 Nov;55(11):1475-82.  by Yeh GY, Roberts DH, Wayne PM, Davis RB, Quilty MT, Phillips RS. From Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Osher Research Center, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Suite 22A, Boston, MA 02215, USA. gyeh@...

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of the effect of a tai chi program on quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with COPD.  METHODS: We randomized 10 patients with moderate to severe COPD to 12 weeks of tai chi plus usual care (n = 5) or usual care alone (n = 5). The tai chi training consisted of a 1-hour class, twice weekly, that emphasized gentle movement, relaxation, meditation, and breathing techniques. Exploratory outcomes included disease-specific symptoms and quality-of-life, exercise capacity, pulmonary function tests, mood, and self-efficacy. We also conducted qualitative interviews to capture patient narratives regarding their experience with tai chi. RESULTS: The patients were willing to be randomized. Among 4 of the 5 patients in the intervention group, adherence to the study protocol was excellent. The cohort's baseline mean ± SD age, percent-of-predicted FEVâ‚�, and ratio of FEVâ‚� to forced vital capacity were 66 ± 6 y, 50 ± 12%, and 0.63 ± 0.14, respectively. At 12 weeks there was significant improvement in Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire score among the tai chi participants (1.4 ± 1.1), compared to the usual-care group (-0.1 ± 0.4) (P = .03). There were nonsignificant trends toward improvement in 6-min walk distance (55 ± 47 vs -13 ± 64 m, P = .09), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (-9.0 ± 9.1 vs -2.8 ± 4.3, P = .20), and University of California, San Diego Shortness of Breath score (-7.8 ± 3.5 vs -1.2 ± 11, P = .40). There were no significant changes in either group's peak oxygen uptake.  CONCLUSIONS: A randomized controlled trial of tai chi is feasible in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Tai chi exercise as an adjunct to standard care warrants further investigation.

Would appreciate any info on how to deal with inflammation
caused by cell apoptosis, through various toxicities, and mechanisms.
What type of Medical Gi Gong/Chi should be applied and other
modalities.

Thank you.

•  You are welcome to share Yang Sheng with your friends in its original form.
•  To subscribe to Yang Sheng, send an email to Yang_Sheng-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

•  To contribute to Yang Sheng or contact us, please email to editor@...

The effect of breathing exercises on the fatigue levels of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Acta Med Indones. 2011; 43(1):29-33. By Zakerimoghadam M, Tavasoli K, Nejad AK, Khoshkesht S.  from  Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, PO Box. 14155-6447 Tehran, Iran.

Abstract  Aim: to assess the effect of breathing exercises on fatigue level of the patients with COPD. Methods: this quasi-experimental research was conducted on 60 COPD patients hospitalized at hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The subjects were randomized into "experience" and "control" groups. Data were gathered by interview and data registration from the files. The data gathering tools were questionnaires, fatigue severity scale (FSS) and respiratory exercise usage checklist. The data were analyzed using SPSS software with the descriptive and deductive statistical methods (Paired-T, Chi-Square and Pearson correlation tests). Results: the average fatigue severity before (55.766) and after (40.166) using the respiratory exercises in the experience group (p=0%) was significantly different. While in the control group (p=0.002) before (54.166) and after (52.200) the study has a slight difference. There was a significant inverse correlation between using respiratory exercises and fatigue severity (r=-0.593, p=0.001). Mean fatigue intensity for the experience and control groups decreased to 40.916±14.4 and 52.20±8.539 after the study, respectively (p=0.001). There was a significant difference in fatigue severity between experience and control groups after the study. Conclusion: respiratory exercise is effective in reducing the fatigue in the patients with COPD.

http://www.inaactamedica.org/archives/2011/21339543.pdf     

Tai chi Qigong improves lung functions and activity tolerance in COPD clients: A single blind, randomized controlled trial.  Complement Ther Med. 2011 Feb;19(1):3-11.  By Chan AW, Lee A, Suen LK, Tam WW.  From  The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Esther Lee Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Tai chi Qigong (TCQ) program in enhancing respiratory functions and activity tolerance in clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial.  SETTING: Five general outpatient clinics in Hong Kong.  INTERVENTION: In total, 206 COPD clients were randomly assigned into one of the three groups, namely, TCQ, exercise, and control group. Subjects in the TCQ group received a TCQ program consisting of two 60-min sessions each week for three months. Subjects in the exercise group were taught to practice breathing techniques combined with walking as an exercise. Subjects in the control group were instructed to maintain their usual activities. Data collection was performed at baseline and at the 6-week and 3-month marks.  OUTCOMES: Lung functions, 6-min walk test, and COPD exacerbation rate.  RESULTS: Results of repeated measures of analysis of covariance demonstrated that there were significant interaction effects between time and group in forced vital capacity (p=.002, η(2)=.06), forced expiratory volume in 1s (p<.001, η(2)=.02), walking distance (p<.001), and exacerbation rate (p=.006, η(2)=.06) at 3 months. Improvements were noted in the TCQ group. No changes were observed in the exercise group, while a decline in lung functions was noticed in the control group.  CONCLUSION: Tai chi Qigong was able to improve respiratory functions and activity tolerance level in COPD clients. The breathing and walking exercise helped maintain lung functions and slow down disease progression.

Community vs. institutional elders' evaluations of and preferences for yoga exercises.   J Clin Nurs. 2011 Feb 9.  By Chen KM, Wang HH, Li CH, Chen MH. From College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Abstract: Aims.  To evaluate and compare the appropriateness of the Silver Yoga  exercise programme for community and institutional elders and to  Yoga determine their preferences towards yoga exercises. Background. has been used to promote the health of elders. The Silver Yoga was developed to accommodate the physical tolerance and body flexibility of elders and applied to community and institutional elders with positive  Descriptive design with quantitative health promotion benefits. Design.  A programme evaluation and semi-structured interviews. Method. convenience sample of 97 participants (64 community elders; 33 months ofâ€�institutional elders) was interviewed individually after six Silver Yoga exercises. Participants rated the level of difficulty, acceptability, feasibility and helpfulness of the Silver Yoga programme (four phases: warm-up, hatha yoga, relaxation and guided-imagery meditation) and the abdominal breathing technique, based on a 10-point Cantril ladder scale. Further, participants expressed their preferences  The of yoga exercises based on four open-ended questions. Results. programme was fairly acceptable, feasible and helpful for community and institutional elders (means ranged from 8·33-9·70). The warm-up, relaxation, guided-imagery meditation and abdominal breathing are fairly easy to follow and perform (means ranged from 0·20-0·94). However, the postures in hatha yoga phase were relatively challenging but still 1·97, SD 2·33). Further,â€�=â€�manageable for the institutional elders (mean minutes everyday in aâ€�community elders preferred to practise yoga 61-90 group of 11-20, while the institutional elders preferred to practise minutes three times per week, in a group ofâ€�yoga 31-60 <10.  The Silver Yoga exercise programme is acceptable, Conclusions. feasible, helpful and manageable for community and institutional elders. However, different exercise protocols, such as practice intensity and group size, could be applied to different older populations. Relevance  The Silver Yoga exercise programme could be to clinical practice. applied to both community and institutional elders to promote their health.

Qigong training and effects on stress, neck-shoulder pain and life quality in a computerised office environment.  Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):54-7. By Skoglund L, Josephson M, Wahlstedt K, Lampa E, Norbäck D. from Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. leni.skoglund@...

BACKGROUND: Qigong is a Chinese health promoting exercise with a rhythmic pattern of slow movements and breathing affecting the autonomous nervous system.  OBJECTIVES: To examine the implementation of Qigong for half an hour daily in a computerized office, and to study effects on health state, general health, neck-shoulder and lumbar spine symptoms and stress after six weeks training.  DESIGN: A crossover intervention study with 37 employees randomised in two groups. A questionnaire was completed one week before starting study and every second week during the training period. After 6 weeks the first group stopped and the second group started the training.  RESULTS: There was a small significant improvement of neck pain and disability following therapy. CONCLUSION: Qigong training may reduce neck disability in office workers. A longer training period might be needed in further Qigong studies in healthy, normal populations.

Effects of yoga on balance and gait properties in women with musculoskeletal problems: a pilot study.  Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):13-5. By Ulger O, YaÄźlı NV. From Hacettepe University Health Sciences Faculty, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, Samanpazarı, Ankara, Turkey. ozlemulger@...

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of yoga on balance and gait properties in women with musculoskeletal problems.  DESIGN: Twenty-seven women (30-45 years old) with musculoskeletal problems, such as osteoarthritis and low-back pain, were included in the present study. The patients participated in 8 sessions (twice weekly for 4 weeks) of a yoga program which included asanas, stretching exercises, and breathing techniques.  MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' static balance measurements and gait parameters were determined before and after the study using a stabilometer and a gait trainer, respectively. RESULTS: Post-study values of patients' gait parameters were found to be statistically higher than their pre-study values (p < 0.05) The values of patients' balance addressed anterior and right positions with patients' eyes open and subsequently closed pre-treatment. However, it was notable that balance post-treatment was minimal when subjects eyes were open or closed. Anterior-posterior values and right-left values were almost equal after treatment.  DISCUSSION: The results showed that yoga has a positive effect on balance and gait parameters of women with gait and balance disturbances that are caused by musculoskeletal problems. It is feasible to conclude that asanas and stretching exercises included in the yoga program brought about such a positive effect, and therefore it is possible to use yoga programs to solve problems caused by musculoskeletal disorders.

Impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training on Intrinsic Brain Connectivity.

Neuroimage. 2011 Feb 17. By  Kilpatrick LA, Suyenobu BY, Smith SR, Bueller JA, Goodman T, Creswell JD, Tillisch K, Mayer EA, Naliboff BD. From Center for Neurobiology of Stress; Department of Medicine.

Abstract:  The beneficial effects of mindful awareness and mindfulness meditation training on physical and psychological health are thought to be mediated in part through changes in underlying brain processes. Functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) allows identification of functional networks in the brain. It has been used to examine state-dependent activity and is well-suited for studying states such as meditation. We applied fcMRI to determine if Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training is effective in altering intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs). Healthy women were randomly assigned to participate in an 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training course or an 8 week waiting period. After 8 weeks, fMRI data (1.5 T) was acquired while subjects rested with eyes closed, with the instruction to pay attention to the sounds of the scanner environment. Group independent component analysis was performed to investigate training-related changes in functional connectivity. Significant MBSR-related differences in functional connectivity were found mainly in auditory/salience and medial visual networks. Relative to findings in the control group, MBSR subjects showed (1) increased functional connectivity within auditory and visual networks, (2) increased functional connectivity between auditory cortex and areas associated with attentional and self-referential processes, (3) greater anticorrelation between auditory and visual cortex, and (4) greater anticorrelation between visual cortex and areas associated with attentional and self-referential processes. These findings suggest that 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation training alters intrinsic functional connectivity in ways that may reflect a more consistent attentional focus, enhanced sensory processing, and reflective awareness of sensory experience.

Intracerebral source generators characterizing concentrative meditation.  Cogn Process. 2011 Feb 25.  By Lavallee CF, Hunter MD, Persinger MA. From Psychology Department, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada, cx_lavallee@....

Abstract:  Previous researchers have studied meditation practices as a means to understand consciousness as well as altered states of consciousness. Various meditation techniques, such as Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Qigong, have been explored with source localization tools; however, the concentrative meditation technique has yet to be fully studied in this manner. The current study demonstrates findings, which outline differential activation in a self-referential default network during meditation in participants who espouse themselves as regular concentrative meditation practitioners, as well as comparisons with a control group practicing a modified version of the relaxation response. The results are compared with other putative experimental findings employing  other meditation techniques, and the findings outlined in the current study are discussed with respect to changes in perceptual awareness often reported by meditators.

Activation of the anterior prefrontal cortex and serotonergic system is associated with improvements in mood and EEG changes induced by Zen meditation practice in novices.  Int J Psychophysiol. 2011 Feb 16.   By  Yu X, Fumoto M, Nakatani Y, Sekiyama T, Kikuchi H, Seki Y, Sato-Suzuki I, Arita H.

Abstract: To gain insight to the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in Zen meditation, we evaluated the effects of focused attention (FA) on breathing movements in the lower abdomen (Tanden) in novices. We investigated hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), an attention-related brain region, using 24-channel near-infrared spectroscopy during a 20-minute session of FA on Tanden breathing in 15 healthy volunteers. We found that the level of oxygenated hemoglobin in the anterior PFC was significantly increased during FA on Tanden breathing, accompanied by a reduction in feelings of negative mood compared to before the meditation session. Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed increased alpha band activity and decreased theta band activity during and after FA on Tanden breathing. EEG changes were correlated with a significant increase in whole blood serotonin (5-HT) levels. These results suggest that activation of the anterior PFC and 5-HT system may be responsible for the improvement of negative mood and EEG signal changes observed during FA on Tanden breathing.

Impact of integrated amrita meditation technique on adrenaline and cortisol levels in healthy volunteers.  Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 379645.  By Vandana B, Vaidyanathan K, Saraswathy LA, Sundaram KR, Kumar H. from Department of Physiology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Lane, Ponekkara P.O., Cochin 682 041, Kerala, India.

THE OBJECTIVE was to find out the effect of integrated amrita meditation technique (iam) on the stress hormones: adrenaline and cortisol. One hundred and fifty healthy subjects were randomized into three groups. Blood was collected at 0 hour, 48 hours, 2 months, and 8 months after the first visit. Adrenaline was analyzed by ELISA and cortisol by Chemiluminescent method. In the IAM, PMR and control groups 44, 44, and 36 came, respectively, for the baseline visit. Within group, cortisol and adrenaline levels reduced in the IAM 48 hours onwards and the fall sustained until 8 months (P < .05). ANCOVA (Repeated measures) on adrenaline taking the four levels of observation showed a highly significant (P = .001) drop in the IAM group. The mean cortisol values between groups were not statistically significant (P = .138). IAM Technique was effective in reducing adrenaline and cortisol levels within group comparisons.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3034982/

Tai chi as a balance improvement exercise for older adults: a systematic review.  J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2010 Jul-Sep;33(3):103-9. by Liu H, Frank A. from  Physical Therapy Program, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA. hao.liu@...

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to identify exercise parameters and the most common outcome measures used in tai chi (TC) research.

METHODS: Ovid Medline and PubMed were used to identify longitudinal studies published from January 2000 to July 2007 written in English with the key words tai chi, tai ji, tai chi quan, tai ji quan, balance, falls, and falling. Qualifying studies had subjects aged 60 years or older.

RESULTS: In all 19 qualified prospective studies, older vigorous and likely transitional frail individuals seemed to benefit more from TC than did older frail individuals. The most commonly used TC parameters were Yang's style, with 12 or fewer forms, durations of 12 weeks or longer, frequencies of twice a week or more, and session lengths of at least 45 minutes. The most common outcome measures observed were a combination of 2 to 5 of the following 10 measures (from most to least common): fear of falling, single-leg stance, posturography, rate of falling, flexibility, walking velocity, Berg Balance Scale, Timed up and Go, Functional Reach, and ankle and knee joint strength and range of motion. Improvements were reported in almost all of these measures. CONCLUSIONS: This review indicates that TC may be an economic and effective exercise program for improving balance and balance confidence in older adults.

Qigong for healthcare: an overview of systematic reviews. JRSM Short Rep. 2011 Feb 7;2(2):7. by  Lee MS, Oh B, Ernst E. from Brain Disease Research Centre, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon, South Korea.

OBJECTIVES: Qigong has been recommended to improve health and prevent disease but the evidence is inconclusive. The aim of this overview was to critically evaluate all systematic reviews (SRs) of qigong for the treatment of any condition or symptom. DESIGN: Literature searches were carried out in 11 electronic databases for all systematic reviews of the effectiveness of qigong in any indication. Reviews were defined as systematic if they included an explicit and repeatable methods section describing the search strategy and explicit inclusion/exclusion criteria.  SETTING: Retrospective review of medical database. PARTICIPANTS: Participants with any type of medical conditions of any severity were included.  MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evidence from each systematic review.  RESULTS: Ten systematic reviews were included. They related to a wide range of conditions. The primary studies and several of the reviews were associated with a high risk of bias. Five reviews concluded that qigong is effective and five reviews were inconclusive. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of qigong is based mostly on poor quality research. Therefore, it would be unwise to draw firm conclusions at this stage.

Measuring external qi (EQ or wai qi) during qigong healing, has shown Qi had these physical effects:
1) far-infrared,
2) heat,
3) micro-pressure detectors
4) microwave radiation,
5) significant increases in wavelength to above 10 mm,  6) significant magnetic signals,
7) sound frequency lower than 16 Hz from qigong healers at different acupuncture points.
(Alternative Therapies, July/Aug 2004, VOL. 10, No.4; Analytic Review of External Qi Studies, page 38-41; An Analytic Review of Studies on Measuring Effects of External Qi in China by Kevin W Chen,  Ph.D., M.P.H.,University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; World Institute for Self Healing, Inc.  http://www.wishus.org ). 

Kirlian  photography has shown surrounding Qi as a bright radiating light. 
Auras will show colors and states of Qi.  Many Qigong practitioners report sensations of warmth, and tingling in their hand while exercising. 

Most talk of Qi could be compared to five blind men describe an elephant.
The first blind man leaned up against the side of the elephant and exclaimed,
  "An elephant is like a wall."
The second blind man felt of the legs of the elephant and said,
  "No, the elephant is very much like a tree trunk."
The third blind man was examining the ears of the elephant and said,
  "The elephant is like a fan."
The fourth blind man was holding the elephant's trunk in his hands and
  thought the elephant was much like a fire hose.
The fifth blind man holding on to the elephants tail said,
"The elephant feels very much like a rope."  

All had a brief look at the elephant, and described it based on their own experiences yet none had the entire picture of an elephant.
Features described were the subjective view of each or the real physical features of the elephant. 

There are many manifestations and signs of Qi, but these are not Qi. 
When one is full of Qi they are powerful and energetic, when low in Qi,
one is tired and/or sick, when out of Qi – your dead. 

People can lift cars in an emergency by using Qi. 
Naysayers say this is because of the adrenalin. 
It might be argued that the muscles have moiré power with Qi,
but only Qi will strengthen the bones to allow the lift,
without the bones breaking. 

Although there are many methods for flowing Qi as in Qigong, the best description is a life force we all have, that has all the properties of water except that of wetness, so this is the Shaolin Buddhist meditation that is usually concentrated on. Perhaps description is not the best word, since this entails aspects rather than a whole or essence; as a concept or non-visual image. 

Some concepts of water:
  our bodies are over 80% water;
  Holy Water which has symbolism    of the human/divine living force, 
     is no more than blessed salt water,
     all animals need salt to survive, and
     the origin of most of Earth's life comes from the salt-water ocean;
  most areas of spirit or psychic phenomena are  near misty areas; 
many shamanic practices use a spray  to connect,  initiate, catalyze or charge a spirit, force or entity; 
when wave theory was being developed and tested by physicists, most of the wave models were water or fluid based; 
  the Tao Te Ching entry on water by Lao Tzu chapter 8,
    The highest good is like water.
    Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive.
    It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao. 

Even though water is not hard or sharp, it cuts through rocks as the rivers make valleys and the rains; and  ice can support tanks and stop bullets.

Measuring external qi (EQ or wai qi) during qigong healing, has shown shown

Qi had these physical effects:

1) far-infrared,

2) heat,

3) micro-pressure detectors

4) microwave radiation,

5) significant increases in wavelength to above 10 mm, 

6) significant magnetic signals,

7) sound frequency lower than 16 Hz from qigong healers at different acupuncture points.

(Alternative Therapies, July/Aug 2004, VOL. 10, No.4; Analytic Review of External Qi Studies, page 38-41; An Analytic Review of Studies on Measuring Effects of External Qi in China by Kevin W Chen,  Ph.D., M.P.H.,University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; World Institute for Self Healing, Inc.  http://www.wishus.org ). 

Kirlian  photography has shown surrounding Qi as a bright radiating light. 

Auras will show colors and states of Qi.  Many Qigong practitioners report sensations of warmth, and tingling in their hand while exercising. 

Most talk of Qi could be compared to five blind men describe an elephant.

The first blind man leaned up against the side of the elephant and exclaimed,

  "An elephant is like a wall."

The second blind man felt of the legs of the elephant and said,

  "No, the elephant is very much like a tree trunk."

The third blind man was examining the ears of the elephant and said,

  "The elephant is like a fan."

The fourth blind man was holding the elephant's trunk in his hands and thought the elephant was much like a fire hose.

The fifth blind man holding on to the elephants tail said,

  "The elephant feels very much like a rope."  

All had a brief look at the elephant, and described it based on their own experiences yet none had the entire picture of an elephant. Features described were the subjective view of each or the real physical features of the elephant. 

There are many manifestations and signs of Qi, but these are not Qi. 

When one is full of Qi they are powerful and energetic, when low in Qi, one is tired and/or sick, when out of Qi – your dead. 

People can lift cars in an emergency by using Qi. 

Naysayers say this is because of the adrenalin. 

It might be argued that the muscles have moiré power with Qi, but only Qi will strengthen the bones to allow the lift, without the bones breaking. 

Although there are many methods for flowing Qi as in Qigong, the best description is a life force we all have, that has all the properties of water except that of wetness, so this is the Shaolin Buddhist meditation that is usually concentrated on. Perhaps description is not the best word, since this entails aspects rather than a whole or essence; as a concept or non-visual image. 

Some concepts of water:

  our bodies are over 80% water;

  Holy Water which has symbolism of the 

  human/divine living force, 

     is no more than blessed salt water,

     all animals need salt to survive, and

     the origin of most of Earth's life comes from the

     salt-water ocean;

  most areas of spirit or psychic phenomena are near 

  misty areas;

  many shamanic practices use a spray to connect,

  intitate, catalyze or charge a spirit, force or entity;

  when wave theory was being developed and tested by

 physicts, most of the wave models were water or fluid  based;  

the Tao Te Ching entry on waterby Lao Tzu chapter 8,

   The highest good is like water.

   Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does

    not strive.

    It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao.

Even though water is not hard or sharp, it cuts through rocks as the rivers make valleys and the rains; and ice can support tanks and stop bullets.

The book Axe Hand; Hsing-i & Internal Strength Workout, is Traditional Chinese Internal Martial Arts with many methods for developing internal energy which have never been published before.   Water meditation based Qigong, and Qi drills with and on water are employed.   Watching and feeling is part of the dynamic exercises; it helps with one's own level of development, giving training insight  into the internals, never articulated before.  

The internal energy focus of the book has many paths: hard and soft style Qigong, static and moving postures.  Calming emphasis in Qi methods for energy pooling and meridian circulation. Quick projection of explosive Fa Jing  in health or attack; as is used in Dim Mak and healing hands. 

Wrist and fore-arm stretches to help energy flow:

  these can help with tendonitis, typing hands, carp-

  tunnel, and muscle knots;

  that will help the energy flow through your wrists,

  preventing injury and learning wrist locks as well as

  teaching grappling seizures and locks,

  and will help you transfer it more effectively;

Progress, consciousness, and power are all tested objectively in meditation,

Qigong, martial drills, as well as in-animate objects. 

Five move Tai Chi form, Hsing I Five Elements.

Standing Pole (Embrace the Moon or Hold the Ball) shifting the water and rising-expanding/sinking-contracting;

Fore-arm Throw double set, dynamic drill, adjusting moving root,

  responsive blocking enabling the same move   for offence and defense,

  center of Qi as it moves through oneself and

  the center between two people;

Hsing-i San Ti: standing and moving for Qi and Fa Jing;

Workout book contains many everyday methods for internals, meditations, rooting, exercises, tests and self adjustments.

Good for all backgrounds since the essence is emphasized, rather than a particular language; although words are used, it is more what is between the words.  Instruction goes from the individual's known, to his related unknown.   Taught with the common ground of the 'shared lived experience'.

Internal means independent thought rather than compliance to a doctrine, having it make sense to you, in your own way: this is truly internal since its intrinsic nature is your soul.

Common theme with other energy work: of removing blocks through meditation, stretching, and exercise.  Traditional development of the energy and awareness before the technique as is the case in many ancient traditions. 

Developing and practicing the 'universal' of the Qigong, rather than the particular application.  Plato talks about universal concepts such as what is in common with all chairs to make them a chair. 

Some Qigong very Yang, and will heat palms, the Yang Qigong methods will not only heat the practitioner, but the entire room.

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/axe-hand-hsing-i-internal-strength-workout/15063347

Studies exploring the use of abdominal breathing techniques to aid with weight
loss (1) and to lessen the use of asthma rescue medication (2) used the Senobi
Method..

The Senobi Breathing Method can be done sitting or standing.  The hands are
extended above the head with the palms upward. (the fingers are intertwined or
not).  Lean back and arch the neck backwards.  Using abdominal breathing, inhale
for 5 seconds and then exhale for 5 seconds.  Repeat this breathing cycle 6
times.  This is done before every meal.

The study (1) found significant losses in body fat after 1 month of regular
practice.  Using various measures researchers found substantial up-regulation of
sympathetic nerve activity and increased urinary hormone secretion after 1 min
of the Senobi breathing method.  They did not find these results in the
non-obese control group.

Psychological factors can also be involved in obesity such as: stress,
depression, poor food choices, not realizing the discrepancy between calorie
intake and calories burned by activity, etc.  Practicing additional abdominal
breathing for relaxation and stress relief and reflecting on the food you eat
may lead to additional weight loss.


The researchers in (2) used heart rate variability measurements to determine
levels of parasympathetic (rest and digest) nerve dominance.  Higher levels of
parasympathetic control are thought to lead to asthma symptoms as the
sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) is in control of opening the airway
passages.
Asthmatic patients were asked to engage in the Senobi breathing exercise
regularly for 1 month.  At the conclusion of this month the majority of patients
showed a decrease in use of their inhalers and showed an increase in expiratory
volume.  Senobi breathing is thought to activate the sympathetic nervous system
thus opening airway passages.
1.  Sato, K. et al.  The "Senobi" breathing exercise is recommended as first
line treatment for obesity.  Biomed. Res., (4):259-62, 2010..
Abstract
Neuroadrenergic abnormalities, including a predominant activity of
parasympathetic nerve and blunted hormone secretion, are recognized in the
overweight patients. This study aimed to examine whether the "Senobi" breathing
method, a stretch-breathing exercise that we have developed, could activate or
recover sympathetic nervous system activity that leads to the loss of body
weight. Forty pre-menopausal women, aged 40 to 50 years, participated in this
study. Twenty were healthy and the other 20 were overweight (body mass index>25
and body fat>30%). Sympathetic nerve activity was assessed using equipment that
analyzes cardiac-beat variation, and several urinary hormone levels were
examined before and 30 min after performing the "Senobi" breathing exercise. The
average proportion of sympathetic nerve among healthy women during daytime hours
(10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) was 62.6%±2.6%. On the other hand, that of overweight
women was 33.5%±0.4%. After 1 min of the "Senobi" breathing, substantial
up-regulation of sympathetic nerve activity and increased urinary hormone
secretion were observed in the overweight women but not in the healthy controls.
Moreover, after repeating the exercise for a month, the obese patients showed
significant loss of body fat. The "Senobi" breathing exercise was found to be
effective

2.   Sato, K., et al.   "Senobi" stretch ameliorates asthma symptoms by
restoring autonomic nervous system balance. J. Investig. Med.   58(8):968-70,
2010.

Abstract
The number of asthmatic patients is increasing in Japan. It is conceivable that
changes in lifestyle (eg, lack of exercise and high-energy diet) may be
associated with this phenomenon. The resulting factor seems to be altered
activity of autonomic nervous system of these patients. When this activity was
estimated by the measurement of heart rate variability, asthmatic patients (n =
11) showed a tendency for parasympathetic nerve dominance in comparison with
healthy controls (n = 10). We recommend the patients engage in the "Senobi"
stretch exercise, which involves stretching the arms and body upward while
standing. After 1 month of regularly performing this exercise, most patients
showed a decrease in the frequency of asthma rescue medication use. They also
showed a recovery of forced expiratory volume in 1 second. These results suggest
that the Senobi stretch is a useful exercise for asthmatic patients to perform
to achieve a desirable improvement in symptoms.

Yang-Sheng (Nurturing Life)

A network for health, happiness, & harmony

May 2011   http://Yang-Sheng.com

Yang-Sheng (Nurturing Life) ˇX an E-magazine and a network for all Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga, Reiki, mindfulness and meditation practitioners, health seekers, and spiritual cultivators. It promotes philosophy and methods of self-healing, positive mind and health preservation, and shares knowledge and experiences with those who are interested in the subjects and their applications in everyday life. 

Highlight of May Issue (Vol 1, No. 4)

[Featured Article] What is American Daoism? -An insightful article discusses the migration of Daoism to the United States. The article introduces readers to some of the first teachers of Daoism to Americans and the subsequent evolution of Daoist practices outside of China.

A Short History of Dragon Gate Lineage ˇV DaoShi Li Chang Dao discusses the roots of the American Dragon Gate Lineage in the United States. A great documentary of what will surely be a strong influence in the future of American Daoist initiates.

[Mind-Body Medicine Research Update] ˇX Tai Chi Exercise in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial  * Using Computerized Posturography To Explore The Connection Between Bmi And Postural Sta-bility In Long-Term Tai Chi Practitioners * Interventions for Addressing Low Balance Confidence in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.  * Interim Follow-Up Of A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Chinese Style Mind Body (Tai Chi) And Stretching Exercises On Cognitive Function In Subjects At Risk Of Progressive Cognitive Decline * Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mind-fulness-Based Cognitive Therapy ˇV A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials * Becoming Connected: The Lived Experience of Yoga Participation After Stroke * Investigation of Standard Care Versus Sham Reiki Placebo Versus Actual Reiki Therapy To Enhance Comfort and Well-Being in a Chemotherapy Infusion Center * Body Awareness: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Common Ground of Mind-Body Therapies * Heart Rate Variability Changes During High Frequency Yoga Breathing And Breath Awareness * Effect Of One Week Of Yoga On Function And Severity In Rheumatoid Arthritis * Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Training on Anticipatory Alpha Modulation in Primary Somatosensory Cortex

[Taiji & Science] Gravity and the Yin Force by master SitˇV a thought provocative comparison between the gravity and the Daoist views on yin energy and wu wei.

[Scientific Qi Exploration] Qigong and the Immune System ˇV part 13c of a series by Dr. Eisen, discussing the effects of qigong on the immune system specifically on white and red blood cell counts on patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

[Breathing in this Life] A Yogic Breath Practice for Wo(Men) ˇV a clear presentation on several methods of breathing which promote tranquility. Focusing on the needs of the ever busy modern woman, this article provides practical breath techniques for de-stressing.

[Comedy Moment] Lighten up with a fresh outlook on meditation and spirituality!

[Healing with Pleasure] Behavior as Symptoms of Energetic Imbalance by Dr. Dunas ˇV the relationship between yin and yang as applied to intimate relationships. A good resource for couples seeking insight to understanding their mate.

[Food as Medicine] Seasonal Harmony by Ellasara Kling ˇX Delicious recommendations on the right foods to eat during the Fire Season- summer along with a few recipes to get you started.

[Illuminating the Dao]  The Dao, the Dao-De-Jing, and Yang Sheng ˇV ever wonder what Dao is really about, or if it has anything to do with your daily life?  Ever feel confused by so many different translations of Dao-de-jing?  Dr. Chen shares his perspective on this subject, and shares a web site with 29 English translations of Dao-de-jing, which may make your Dao illuminating a little easier (or harder?)ˇK

[Spirituality of Dao] Recitation of Scripture: Preserving the Tradition of Daojiao ˇV a discussion of the challenges Daoism faces as it migrates outside of the Chinese borders.

[Qi Cultivation & Dao] Cultivating the Shen & Nourishing the Spirit ˇV an indepth discussion on the relationship between shen and spirit. A must read for those on the spiritual path.

[Well Connected] Connection to the Natural World via Therapeutic Landscapes ˇV the latest on the trend for ˇ§going greenˇ¨ by creating awareness between health and nature. Tips for staying healthy by gardening and staying natural.

[Energy Healing through Science & Spirit] What is Chi Energy? Itˇ¦s ˇ§Bio-Electricityˇ¨ ˇV a short definition of what qi is from a biological perspective.

[The Taiji Examiner] KungFu Body Conditioning ˇV an insightful summary of the DVD produced by YMAA documenting the progress of their disciples during their 10 year training internship.

[Tales from the Dao] The Horse Breeder ˇV An excerpt from Solalaˇ¦s translation of the LiehTzu.

The Illuminating Light of Science on Qi ˇV an article about the spectrum of equivalents for Qi in the Western view.

[Echoes of Emptiness]- Original Paradise ˇV a Daoist priest shares his insights during meditation and self-mastery through narration and poetry.

[Soul Salon] Your Energetic DNA ˇV individuality is explored from an energetic perspective suggesting that our energetic makeup is as important as the physical DNA.

[Sexuality and Health] Sexual Reflexology by master Mantak Chia ˇV Part 1 in a 3-part series. Need spice in the bedroom? Master Chia offers several suggestions and solutions for a better health through pleasureˇK. Sexuality is one of the three top secrets in Chinese longevity practice.

[Book Reviews] True Brain Fitness by Dr. Aihan Kuhn ˇX reviewed by  Dr. S. Casano

 CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD entire May ISSUE of Yang-Sheng in PDF    

Click HERE to subscribe to monthly Yang-Sheng updates for FREE

• You are welcome to share Yang Sheng with your friends in its original form.
• To subscribe to Yang Sheng, send an email to Yang_Sheng-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
• To contribute to Yang Sheng or contact us, please email to editor@...
• Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YangSheng.net
• Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/YangSheng_net  

Dear Friends.

I am excited to announce that I am working with a Texas-based R&D firm, Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems, Inc. (OWLS) on a project that will eventually develop an Internet-based program for giving instruction, guidance, and social support for the self-care practice of Qigong.  The project is supported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

OWLS is looking for people would be willing to participate in a research project.

The project is still in the early phases of development, but they are looking for people who would be willing to spend a couple of hours of their time reviewing, using, and assessing a prototype of the experimental program. OWLS will be compensating volunteers for their time.

If this is of interest to you or you would like additional information about the project, please click on the link below to sign up to be contacted by OWLS. . You will receive an email that will provide more detail on the project, time, commitments, and what to expect. (NOTE: OWLS will not be using your contact information for any other reasons, not sharing your information with third-parties).

This project is completely voluntary.

I am excited about this project, and I am excited to share this opportunity.

Click HERE to sign up for more information.

Sincerely,

Kevin W Chen

An Analytic Review of Studies on Measuring Effects of External Qi in China by Kevin W Chen, Ph.D., M.P.H., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

World Institute for Self Healing, Inc. http://www.wishus.org

The first report of this type utilized a

1) Far-infrared Detector (8-14 mµ) and was published by Gu & Lin in 1978 13.
A modified far-infrared radiation was detected at a distance of 50 cm from the palm of a qigong practitioner, with variations in intensity as high as 80% at a frequency of 0.3 Hz. ...

Lin et al.17 of

2) AGA Thermogram Shanghai Academy of Chinese Medicine reported that when the qigong healer emitted qi to a patient, and could display the entire procedure of qi emission by reading the thermal flow moving from his arm to his palm and finally to his finger tips.

Then, the surface temperature of the patient's afflicted area, although one meter away from the healer, was raised by 3°C 17.

Furthermore, using the same equipment, the Joint Research Group of Somatic Science at Shanghai University 3 has found that infrared radiation can be delivered additively through multiple practitioners – the total infrared radiation is approximately equal to the sum of multiple qi emitters.

Chen 18 of Beijing Society of Qigong Research also observed the temperature change on the body surface with infrared detectors during the qigong practice of a qigong healer, and found that the consciousness of a qigong healer could act like a "switch" in this body temperature change. ...

Gu and Zhao 10 of Shanghai Academy of Chinese Medicine conducted more than 900 experiments in order to verify the element of particle flow in EQ. In their experiments,

3) Ge (germanium) Micro-Pressure Detectors were placed at the distances of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 meters from the qigong practitioner. The practitioner (Zhao) emitted qi toward the target (Ge detector) through two of his fingers. … could pinpoint the target and repeatedly produced signals on the micro-pressure detectors.

They recorded many micro-pressure signals from the Ge detector at all four distances with a little time lag. They explained the signal as the reflection of the unspecified particle flow from EQ. ...

Wu of the Beijing Institute of Technology conducted many tests using a mm-wave radiation meter to detect the effect of EQ19. With an

4) 8 mm microwave radiation meter, they used the near field (20-40 cm to antenna) to test the EQ effect and the far field (4 to 5 meters to antenna) as the points of reference.  ...

A total of 26 subjects, 20 qigong practitioner (mean age of 45.3 with practice experience ranging from 1 to 30 years), and 6 non-practitioners (control group, mean age of 46.7) participated in the test. ...

5) significant magnetic signals (65.7%) ...

The curves of magnetic signals detected during simulated qi emission by non- practitioners had no change during the entire process. ... Eighty percent of the tests detected residual magnetic signals after the qigong practitioners believed that they stopped emitting qi.

Kokubo et al. 21 of Japan conducted similar studies on measurements of anomalous bio-magnetic fields from the qigong healers, and confirmed the Chinese scientists' findings of increased magnetic fields during the EQ process.

Hou of the Chinese Institute of Space Medical Engineering conducted a series of studies to detect infrasonic sound (the sound frequency lower than 16 Hz) from qigong healers at different acupuncture points ...

6) Denmark B-K Corp's Infrasonic Sound Detector, which has a special wave filter to detect infrasonic sound at frequencies of 2 – 20 Hz.  ...

"Where the intent goes, the qi goes." Infrasonic sound may exist at the acupuncture points of ordinary people. The difference between qigong practitioners and the control group was the strength and the wave-shape of the infrasonic sound 14.

Alternative Therapies, July/Aug 2004, VOL. 10, No.4; Analytic Review of External Qi Studies, page 38- 41.

More at:

 http://jadedragonalaska.yolasite.com/scientific-qi-measurements.php

Anyone knows of the best book and reserach material on how
to generate own Qi to self heal?

Thanks

K

Kooky,

  The term 'best' as it applies to developing your own Qi, is a term that is
decidedly unique to your being. A suggestion is to assimilate the basic's, and
practice, practice, practice, then stay true to what you discover... No book you
can read, nor will any research ever pin down and quantify Qi in such a way that
armed with its finding's alone, one will accomplish much.

  The key to cultivation is commited practice, you can't get that from a book.
Cultivating Qi is an everyday, every minute, every second aspiration/endeavor,
that requires committed application of effort, energy and spirit. Dedication to
and evolving YOUR practice is 'best'.


That being said, these are a few of the books in the common western Qi Library,
by NO means is this list complete, nor would I say any of these authors have
within their text, the 'best' Qi healing for you:


Just the basics: (not in any order)


Healing with whole foods
http://books.google.com/books/about/Healing_with_whole_foods.html?id=YD-H5tBVNbM\
C

The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing
http://books.google.com/books?id=4rs02yrmHiMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Way+of+\
Qigong:+The+Art+and+Science+of+Chinese+Energy+Healing+by+Ken+Cohen+(&hl=en&ei=Kf\
gaTrXCDKLL0QGM3eiWBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=on\
epage&q&f=false

The healer within: the four essential self-care methods for creating optimal
http://books.google.com/books?id=Xv67r6kBEEsC&pg=PA265&dq=The+Healer+Within:+Usi\
ng+Traditional+Chinese+Techniques+To+Release+Your+Body's+Own+Medicine+*Movement+\
*Massage+*Meditation+*Breathing&hl=en&ei=fPgaTvr1BOfV0QHhorXnAQ&sa=X&oi=book_res\
ult&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

Qigong meditation: embryonic breathing
http://books.google.com/books?id=sJsTAQAAMAAJ&q=Embryonic+Breathing&dq=Embryonic\
+Breathing&hl=en&ei=D_oaTum-BKHg0QHU_4HTCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=\
1&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAA

The foundations of Chinese medicine: a comprehensive text for acupuncturists
http://books.google.com/books?id=FyJrAAAAMAAJ&dq=The%20Web%20That%20Has%20No%20W\
eaver%20%3A%20Understanding%20Chinese...%20by%20Ted%20Kaptchuk&source=gbs_simila\
rbooks




A little bit more esoteric:


The web that has no weaver: understanding Chinese medicine By Ted J. Kaptchuk
http://books.google.com/books?id=6BiGl562OgEC&dq=The+Web+That+Has+No+Weaver+:+Un\
derstanding+Chinese...+by+Ted+Kaptchuk&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of medicine: a new translation of the Neijing
http://books.google.com/books?id=C9w5AQAAIAAJ&dq=The%20Web%20That%20Has%20No%20W\
eaver%20%3A%20Understanding%20Chinese...%20by%20Ted%20Kaptchuk&source=gbs_simila\
rbooks




A few authors/teachers of note: (not in any order)


Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
Mantak Chia
Masaru Emoto
Kenneth S Cohen
Dr. Jerry Allen Johnson
Daniel Reid


Find an authentic teacher (even if you have to travel and only for a weekend),
study what this master teaches you, then practice and commit to yourself. May
you find what you are looking for.


Daniel


--- In qiresearch@yahoogroups.com, "furstc0404" <furstc0404@...> wrote:
>
>
> Anyone knows of the best book and reserach material on how
> to generate own Qi to self heal?
>
> Thanks
>
> K
>