Qigong master Ken Cohen.

April 2006 | SV Health

Energy: Let It Flow

Qigong promotes health and longevity

By Kenneth S. Cohen

If you like yoga, you may want to check out qigong (pronounced chee-gung) as it also has the benefits of exercise, stress reduction, and meditative and spiritual aspects. Qigong master Ken Cohen teaches this ancient Chinese practice.

I was a weak, sickly child and a victim of poor medical practices. Antibiotics were prescribed for every cold

and scratchy throat, which led to a downward spiral of my health. I credit qigong with cur-ing my chronic bronchitis, weak immune system, poor sleep, and low energy. For nearly 40 years, I’ve practised qigong because of these dramatic effects on my own health and I look for ways to bring these same benefits to my students.

The documented history of qigong goes back approximately 2,500 years. However, Chinese archaeologists and historians have found references to qigong-like techniques at least 5,000 years old.

Because qigong includes both dynamic and gentle techniques, it can be practised from standing, seated, or supine postures, so it’s suitable for all ages. Practices can be tailored to individual needs, making it an ideal aid to recovery from illness or injury. As qigong is a form of complementary medicine, it works well with other forms of therapy and should never be used as a substitute for necessary treatment by a physician.

There’s a great deal of research on qigong; both China and the U.S. have hosted conferences for academic ex-change of qigong research. It’s been shown to improve posture and respiration, induce the relaxation response, cause favourable changes in blood chemistry, and improve self-awareness and concentration. Research suggests that qigong may be beneficial for asthma, arthritis, cancer, cardio-vascular disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, head-aches, pain, and a wide variety of common ailments.

Science has al-ready demonstrated qigong’s powerful healing effects; however, people who practise qigong with an open mind do not need proof to know that it works. They experience it. Yes, trust science; but trust yourself even more.

Qigong master Ken Cohen (qigonghealing.com) presents a workshop May 26-31 at Hollyhock. For more info: hollyhock.ca.

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