One of the most common messages I receive is “Qigong has really helped my anxiety!”
I am so happy when people find relief from anxiety and anxiety symptoms through Qigong!
Anxiety is quite common these days. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics):
- 18% of adults are affected by some form of anxiety
- it is the most common mental health issue
- it is highly treatable
- most people do not seek help
There are certainly times that we need to seek medical and pharmaceutical help, and it is always important to mention that. But, we can also help ourselves through practices such as exercise, therapy, counselling, meditation, mindfulness based stress reduction, and of course Qigong 🙂
But why does Qigong practice help anxiety?
Traditionally, it would be explained by the flow of qi. When we are sick, ill, in pain, or unwell our qi is blocked or stagnant.
When we move our qi smoothly we feel healthy, happy, energetic, and clear minded.
If we are experiencing anxiety we could have qi stagnation in the liver, the heart, the lungs, or the Ren meridian (to name a few areas).
Qigong is wonderful for moving the qi without causing any harm to the body. The gentle movements and deep breathing can easily move stagnant qi.
Another modern explanation is discussed in the video above. It is the concept of upregulation and downregulation. This is not part of Traditional Chinese medicine or Qigong theory, but it certainly offers a good explanation as to why Qigong helps not only for anxiety, but many other health imbalances 🙂
We discuss anxiety in great detail in our program “From A to Z – Anxiety to Zen” that is in the Communi Qi. Along with it are several Qigong routines that are very focused on alleviating the feeling of anxiety.
If you are looking for more tools to help you feel light, healthy, and relaxed, come join us in the Communi Qi 🙂
~ Jeff,
