Take the Breathing Test
A new term is being used more and more in medicine: “whole person health”. Harvard Medical School’s Osher Center is at the heart of research on the subject, which investigates how mind-body and other integrative practices clinically impact aging and chronic health conditions. I heard the director, Dr. Peter Wayne, speak recently. He said things like “The body is a garden, or ecosystem. Make sure the crops are growing well, and there’ll be no room for the weeds.” That’s Qigong! That’s the Tao Te Ching! (“Whoever is planted in the Tao will not be rooted up”)
We Qi-sters live in exciting times. Science is catching up with and confirming Qigong’s ancient practices, chief among them, strengthening the lungs and their capacity to process deep, nourishing breaths. More recently, oxygen capacity has been shown to be a chief predictor of disease resistance and longevity. The ancient Taoists figured this out the old-fashioned way: those who did Qigong remained healthy and strong. Their longevity and strength became so legendary that soldiers studied their methods, leading to the creation of Tai Chi Chuan. (Chuan means “fist”.) Now, coming full circle, Tai Chi is being practiced by millions but for health promotion, rather than martial skill, and more and more people are discovering Qigong, the “Great great great grandmother of Tai Chi”.
Below is an article our Qi pal Jill S. alerted me to, from yesterday’s New York Times. It includes a quick and simple test for you to determine your breath capacity. According to Jill, she got a great score thanks to her Qigong practice. I scored a 6. My Lovely Assistant Larry got a 5!!!! That boy really knows how to go with the flow!