Qigong can reduce chances of mortality and stroke
The figure on the left illustrates a 30 year study on the incidences of mortality and stroke. There were 122 patients who were in the 'qigong' group, and they practised Qigong daily. The 120 patients in the 'control' group did not.
The graphs show that Qigong greatly reduces the chances of stroke, and the chances of death due to stroke.
At the end of the study, 86 patients in the 'qigong' group survived, while only 68 patients in the 'control' group survived.
Therefore, this shows that Qigong can reduce the chances of mortality and stroke.
The graphs show that Qigong greatly reduces the chances of stroke, and the chances of death due to stroke.
At the end of the study, 86 patients in the 'qigong' group survived, while only 68 patients in the 'control' group survived.
Therefore, this shows that Qigong can reduce the chances of mortality and stroke.
Stroke Recovery
Not only does Qigong help to prevent stroke, it helps with stroke recovery as well. A stroke patient, Chris DeWald, went to the Virginia Harmony Acupuncture center and met with Christie Savage, an instructor of different methods and styles of Qigong.
Many stroke patients are restricted to their wheelchairs due to a lack of balance and muscle control. However, patients can still practice Qigong, as it is easily adaptable.
According to the patient, he practiced Qigong for a month and felt a difference. "There is a remarkable change." Here is a video of him practicing Qigong under the guidance of an instructor.
WARNING FOR STROKE PATIENTS:
Please consult your doctor whether Qigong is suitable for you before attempting steps in this video.
Many stroke patients are restricted to their wheelchairs due to a lack of balance and muscle control. However, patients can still practice Qigong, as it is easily adaptable.
According to the patient, he practiced Qigong for a month and felt a difference. "There is a remarkable change." Here is a video of him practicing Qigong under the guidance of an instructor.
WARNING FOR STROKE PATIENTS:
Please consult your doctor whether Qigong is suitable for you before attempting steps in this video.
Case Study
The following is a testimonial from Anna York- who conducts Qigong classes- about the effectiveness of Qigong in stroke recovery.
Ralph and Maria, two of her students, both had strokes and before signing up for the class, they had not had therapy for some decades. However, after some time with Qigong practice, both made significant progress in their range of motion and their ability to use their hands and arms for activities of daily living.
Brain plasticity: Paul Bach-y-Rita, a famous neuroscientist who began his work in the 1960’s, became interested in late rehabilitation of strokes. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the human brain to forge new neural connections and reorganise its physical structure, for example, through mental training like Qigong. It provides a new opportunity for increased progress and recovery of function for stroke patients.
When they attended Tai Chi-Qigong class, they did exercises that helped them go to a new level. Ralph began to coordinate the motion of both hands for all kinds of activities of daily living that he previously did one-handed. Maria’s also progressed and was suggested new, more suitable therapy sessions. "Ralph and Maria are examples of the power of our brains to renew themselves and reorganize to overcome old stroke symptoms", she said.
Ralph and Maria, two of her students, both had strokes and before signing up for the class, they had not had therapy for some decades. However, after some time with Qigong practice, both made significant progress in their range of motion and their ability to use their hands and arms for activities of daily living.
Brain plasticity: Paul Bach-y-Rita, a famous neuroscientist who began his work in the 1960’s, became interested in late rehabilitation of strokes. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the human brain to forge new neural connections and reorganise its physical structure, for example, through mental training like Qigong. It provides a new opportunity for increased progress and recovery of function for stroke patients.
When they attended Tai Chi-Qigong class, they did exercises that helped them go to a new level. Ralph began to coordinate the motion of both hands for all kinds of activities of daily living that he previously did one-handed. Maria’s also progressed and was suggested new, more suitable therapy sessions. "Ralph and Maria are examples of the power of our brains to renew themselves and reorganize to overcome old stroke symptoms", she said.
Summary
In conclusion, not only does Qigong help to prevent stroke, it helps in recovery too. This is because Qigong works the entire body. The more body parts that are worked, the greater the brain stimulation and the more robust the supporting neurological connections will be in the brain. Qigong also moves body parts that are not usually moved, thus creating new and fresh connections with the brain. Qigong is also easily accessible, convenient, and cheap, unlike long term stroke rehab, which can be expensive. On overall, Qigong is a very effective option for stroke patients. However, prevention is better than cure. Start practicing Qigong today, and reap its benefits.