Saturday, April 19, 2014

Did you know that April is "Qi Gong Awareness" month? by Celeste Cooper



The deep meditative breathing practice, Qigong, is shown in the research as a valuable tool for helping us cope with chronic pain. That is because there is a biological effect of this ancient practice. From a scientific approach, we know oxygen is needed in the Krebs cycle for cellular metabolism and without oxygen, cellular damage will occur. We know from the research that oxidative stress is prevalent in both FM and ME/CFS, and has been identified in other chronic pain conditions.  This is why such a gentle approach to movement also has a beneficial physical effect on both the body and the mind.


Read more about Qigong and Tai Chi in an Interview with Bill Douglas by Dr. Andrew Weil, What benefits can Tai chi and Qigong bring to others?here.



We are privileged that Bill Douglas, author of "TheComplete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and Qigong and inductee to the Internal Arts Hall of Fame in New York, and Founder of World Tai Chi and Qigong Day has written an endorsement of "Spring Devotions"  in the Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain Series.


Here is what Bill Douglas had to say:


"Broken Body, Wounded Spirit Balancing the See Saw of Chronic Pain" one of four seasonal daybooks' holistic approach to chronic pain challenges is a powerful tool to everyone dealing with these issues. It is a self-empowerment tool, making you the cartographer in the adventure of your evolving future.

My 20 years of working with people challenged by chronic pain issues have revealed to me just how deeply the mind, heart (emotions), and body are intertwined and how a holistic approach is a powerful one. Often our mind drives us to push, push, push because of old programming in our lives. This habit overrides the body's requirements, and needs to be untangled. This book will support and help you get back in touch with your body', so you can become an 'ally' rather than a brutal taskmaster. You can re-learn how to 'play' with your body, rather than dictating to it. This book's advocacy of Tai Chi is just one of the many insightful and valuable gems it has to offer everyone dealing with chronic pain."



More information on Qigong can be found in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection, and the Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain Series by Celeste Cooper, RN and Jeff Miller, PhD available at all major online retailers in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.



For "How To" instructions, pick up a copy of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and Qigong by Bill Douglas and Angela Wong Douglas, here, and learn more about Bill Douglas and the benefits of Qigong, here.



Available here




Breathe
Relax
Grow
Let Go and Let it Flow


~ Celeste


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