If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress, consider tai chi and qigong. Originally developed for self-defense and self-healing, tai chi and qigong have evolved into a graceful form of exercise and meditation that is used for stress reduction as well as other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi and qigong both promote serenity through gentle, flowing movements.
Tai Chi
Like Qigong, Tai Chi is a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM )practice that has been practiced for over centuries. Practicing Tai Chi is related to improvements in mental health, emotional well-being, and stress reduction. As a martial art, Tai Chi is a mind/body technique that increases concentration and reduces stress by producing a feeling of calm.
In a controlled trial at La Trobe University in Australia, Tai Chi practice and meditation resulted in significant biochemical and psychological improvements in the response to a stressful experience. A German study of Tai Chi practice over 18 weeks with young adults measured blood pressure, heart rate, saliva cortisol, and perceived stress. The researchers reported a significant decrease in perceived mental stress as well as marked improvements in general health, social functioning, vitality, and psychological well-being.
A study at Stanford University examined Tai Chi as an intervention among patients with cardiovascular disease. Participants attended a 60-minute Tai Chi class three times per week for 12 weeks. Researchers concluded that the Tai Chi regimen improved psychosocial measures and induced a relaxation response.
Qigong
Qigong is a type of TCM that is over 5,000 years old. One of the most attractive aspects of Qigong is that it can be done by almost anyone in a wide variety of settings, including at home.
There are two main types of Qigong: internal and external. Internal Qigong is a self-directed practice that engages people in their own health and well-being with the use of meditation, movement, and sounds. External Qigong is performed by a practitioner who uses their hands on a patient with the aim of healing.
A number of studies have shown that Qigong helps to reduce psychological stress. In one study, Qigong improved the symptoms of psychological distress in chemotherapy patients.
A Swedish study of computer workers demonstrated that Qigong reduced noradrenaline excretion (a measure of stress), and influenced the heart rate and temperature, indicating reduced activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The researchers concluded that Qigong exercise had significant stress reducing capabilities.
Most people find it helpful to practice tai chi and qigong in the same place and at the same time every day in order to develop discipline. If your schedule is hectic, do tai chi or qigong whenever you have a little time to spare. You can even practice the soothing meditative concepts of tai chi and qigong without performing the actual movements when you find yourself in a stressful situation.
Randi Fredricks, Ph.D.
References
Esch T, Duckstein J, Welke J, Braun V. Mind/body techniques for physiological and psychological stress reduction: Stress management via Tai Chi training – a pilot study. Med Sci Monit 2007 Nov;13(11): CR488–97.
Jin P. Efficacy of Tai Chi, brisk walking, meditation, and reading in reducing mental and emotional stress. J Psychosom Res 1992;36: 361–70.
Lee TI, Chen HH, Yeh ML. Effects of chan-chuang qigong on improving symptom and psychological distress in chemotherapy patients. Am J Chin Med 2006;34(1): 37–46.
Linder K, Svärdsudd K. Qigong has a relieving effect on stress. Lakartidningen 2006 Jun 14-27;103(24-25): 1942–5
Skoglund L, Jansson E. Qigong reduces stress in computer operators. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2007 May;13(2): 78–84.
Taylor-Piliae RE, Haskell WL, Waters CM, Froelicher ES. Change in perceived psychosocial status following a 12-week Tai Chi exercise programme. J Adv Nurs 2006 May;54(3): 313–29.
