Eugene Thorner, M.D., William L Preston, M.D., an, Patrick B. Massey, M.D., Ph.D.
(Editor/Translator: Michael A. DeMarco, M.A.)

Journal of Asian Martial Arts
Volume 2, Issue 2, pp. 70-79 (1993)

Recommended

While there are numerous subjective claims about the healing qualities of martial arts training, true evidence is sometimes hard to come by. In this article, Dr. Massey, Thorner, Preston, and Lee argue the beneficial aspects of Qigong breathing techniques.

Qigong is the practice of building one's qi, which is the body's energy. Many students practicing the techniques claim greater endurance, energy, and resistance to illness. Some even claim a decreased need for asthma medication.

By comparing Qigong students with control groups of similar age and height, the doctors confirmed a very noticeable increase in the lung capacity of the Qigong practitioners. The lung capacities were measured using an Assess Peak Flow Spirometer. By comparing the measurements of the students' lung capacities with the national averages of corresponding age groups, it is easy to see how effective these exercises are.

There was no decline in airflow between the ages of twenty and seventy-one for students practicing these techniques for twenty minutes a day, four days a week. While the national average shows a major drop with age. Also, by comparing the national average lung capacity, with that of the students, the doctors reported an increase anywhere from 20%-45%.

While the weakening of our lungs is thought of as an inevitable side effect of aging, these techniques may offer another option. Along with this increased lung capacity, one may feel more energetic. Many questions have yet to be answered about this interesting technique, but it's results speak for themselves.

Annotated by: Adam Swiercz (February 2004)

Martial Arts: other martial art: Qigong

Topics: medical issues |