How Qigong Strengthens the Brain

Do you have concerns about your memory? The stress and complication of life, including our dependence on ever more intricate and convoluted technologies, can clutter and tax our brains. Even calling someone to say “hi” has become a multiple-choice problem: home phone? Cell phone? Text? IM? This is a great reason to keep doing Qigong, which has been proven to strengthen the brain, including its memory skills.  Read what author and Qigong authority Ken Cohen has to say:

“Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein related to brain plasticity, memory, and prevention of dementia. Levels increase in response to activities that combine sensory awareness, body awareness, spatial awareness, and executive brain functions (what Chinese call yi, intent and focus.) Sounds like a description of Tai Chi (Taijiquan) or Qigong, doesn’t it?” I would add that it also sounds like spending mindful, unhurried time in nature.

There is much fascinating research being done on this topic, but let’s keep it simple: feel your feet on the ground. Take a deep breath. Look around: it’s glorious spring!  Nature is bursting with vitality here in the Northeast. Enjoy the sense of your body moving through space with the ease and vitality of a young animal. Use your imagination. Spending relaxed time in nature gives your brain a vacation. So will joining me this Tuesday for our Qigong class. The benefits are multiplied when we practice together.