Chinese kung fu fans

Can Qigong cure an aching back? I came across the ancient chinese practice of Chi-qonq or Qigong while looking for alternative back pain treatments. Wikipedia defines Qigong as follows:Qigong (or ch’i kung) is an internal Chinese meditative practice which often uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of qi within the human body, and enhance a practitioner’s overall health. There are also many forms of Qigong that are done with little or no movement at all, in standing, sitting and supine positions; likewise, not all forms of Qigong use breath control techniques.

In its simplest form, the Chinese character for qi, in qigong, can mean air, breath, or “life force”. Gong means work, so qigong is therefore the practice of “working” with ones “life force”. There are more than 10,000 styles of qigong and 200 million people practicing these methods. There are three main reasons why people do qigong: 1) To gain strength, improve health or reverse a disease 2) To gain skill working with qi, so as to become a healer 3) To become more connected with the “Tao, God, True Source, Great Spirit”, for a more meaningful connection with nature and the universe.

All this sounds great. But does it relieve the pain of an aching back? Well with any treatment from surgery to Qigong there is no guarantee. However the exercises are gentle, slow movements that seem to have many benefits beyong relieving back pain. No greater an authority than Dr. Oz (You may have seen him on Oprah.) Devotes a whole chapter to Chi-gong in his book “Staying Young”.

So I thought why not give it a try? I have been doing these for about two weeks and feel they have help me increase flexibility and reduce pain and tightness. Of course with any exercise program it’s important to tell your doctor. When I did he looked at me as if I had a third eye! He hadn’t heard of Qigong and dismissed with the comment; “Give it a try if you want.” I do find that some of the bending and twisting exercises could cause harm, so I avoid them. However most of the exercises are gentle and seem to help relieve stress.

Of course I still do my regular back exercises as endorsed by the Healthy Back Institute. These exercises have been clinically proven to cure back pain. The great thing about the 

The Lose The Back Pain System is that it’s customized for each person. So while there are many benefits to Qigong including possibly relieving my back pain. I will use it as a complement to the Lose The Back Pain Program.