How Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung training effected patients with symptomatic heart failure: a controlled pilot study.

Article by:
Barrow DE, Bedford A, Ives G, O'Toole L, Channer KS.

Department of Cardiology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Tai Chi on exercise tolerance in patients with moderate heart failure. DESIGN: Randomised parallel group study balanced for baseline variables.
SETTING: Cardiology Department, Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

PATIENTS : 52 patients (42 men - range 46-90 years, and 10 women -range 58-82) with chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association symptom class II-III) were studied.
METHODS: Patients were randomised to Tai Chi Chuan twice a week for 16 weeks or to standard medical care without exercise rehabilitation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the change in the distance walked in the walk test. Secondary outcome measures were changes in symptom scores and quality of life indices.

RESULTS: Objective measures of exercise tolerance did not improve significantly with Tai Chi, but patients having Tai Chi (Chi Kung) exercise had an improvement in symptom scores of heart failure measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire , and depression scores measured by the SCL-90-R questionnaire  compared with those people in the control group.

CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic heart failure, 16 weeks of Tai Chi (Chi Kung) training was safe, with no adverse exercise related problems. It was enjoyed by all taking part and led to significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life.

PMID: 17989272 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Chi Kung - Way of Power - excellent book I use

Chi Kung - Way of Power

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New: £13.24 £9.11

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Review

From the Journal of Asian Martial Arts
The superb quality of the production of this book reflects the quality of instruction contained therein...The teaching is well grounded with thorough explanations. Before long, your copy of this book will become well used, proving beneficial for training.

Product Description

Benefits of stimulating the flow of chi are well known in the Eastern hemisphere. Now, for the first time in print in the Western world, Master Lam Kam Chuen presents this advanced method for improving focus, breathing, and creativity. The practice of chi kung is founded on the five energies system of Chinese philosophy. Through Master Chuen’s careful direction, you will master key positions and movements that will boost your energy, decrease stress, stave off illness, and enhance your overall fitness.
Chi Kung is both an expertly crafted instructional guide and a potentially life-enriching experience. Follow the master’s teaching and insights to perform each purposeful technique. Feel your muscles grow firmer while your mind becomes more aware, yet at ease. In opening this book, you open yourself to the tremendous power of chi.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0736044809

A great video I found on the topic :)

Shaolin Warrior

"I'd never done Qi Gong before but have recently heard of the health and mental benefits so was determined to give this a go. Its basically a series of movements synchronised with breathing. The DVD starts with an outdoor scene showing Shifu doing Qi Gong while a voice-over covers the history and benefits of the art. The next section is a full demonstration of Qi Gong followed by a section on zen meditation and massage to do afterwards. Then it moves on to the 8 sections where Shifu gives commentary while he does the movements. The commentary gives continuous instructions on breathing telling you when to inhale and exhale as synchronisation of breathing is an essential part of the art. Shifu also gives additional tips now and then such as "push elbows back as far as possible". The first time I played the 8 sections which you follow for your workout I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a big learning curve whereby I would be stood with dvd remote in hand having to constantly pause play to see exactly what Shifu was doing. Thankfully this turned out not to be the case. I was able to follow and do everything Shifu was demonstrating without pausing once. Obviously I was not able to stretch as far as Shifu and my technique left something to be desired but the main thing was I was able to do all the movements in the workout straight away without pausing. Afterwards I felt it had done me good. I cannot recommend this DVD enough. Very easy to follow and very inspiring. There are also a few extras which are advertising other DVDs but which in themselves are also enjoyable and inspiring."
You can order it by clicking on the link bellow:

Shaolin Warrior

How Does Chi-Kong Relate to Your Energy Level and How Does Your Mindset Come Into the Picture?

In the last couple of days I experienced  what the huge difference is between practicing and NOT practicing Chi-Kong. As my life became kind of hectic I missed out the whole week.

What were the results?
I became  stressed and my energy level sank.
Of course the law of attraction worked as well.... I met difficulties on my way as I attracted the same energies on which level I was!

The funniest thing I have experienced over and over again with practicing Chi-Kong is that the lower your energy level is the harder it is to start it again. Somehow you have to drag yourself to do it again - even if you know mentally how beneficial it is to you.

As I experienced this a couple of times during the years I have great experience so to say on how the subconscious is trying to put everything in to convince you not to start  doing it again.You have stuff to do, a business to run, children to look after, a houshold to run - whatever - you'll have all the reasons put in a line why you DON'T have time to practice.

This is how our mindset works actually. It's working AGAINST our progress. The good news is though that once we realise that, we can easily overcome this obstacle. The mind can be our servant. It will do whatever you tell it to do. So if you decide to practice, the mindset will immediatelly stop bringing up obstacles and starts helping you to do the task by bringing up thoughts that help you achieve your goal.

If you know how our mind works it will be much easier to convert it into your friend who helps you achieve your goals. Of course here I talked about practising Chi-Kong, but this mindset can be implemented to everything in your life!

I wish you all the best  in your life :)
For more info about Chi-Kong and workshops please visit my site by clicking on the following link:
Chi Kong training

Chi Kong Made Easy

What is Chi-Kong (Chi Kung, Qi Gong)?
"Chi-Kung is an ancient Chinese system of postures, exercises, breathing techniques, and meditations. Its techniques are designed to improve and enhance the body's chi. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, chi is the fundamental life energy responsible for health and vitality" (from medical dictionary).

Chi-Kung is estimated to be about 5,000-7,000 years old. It was passed down in secrecy among monks  for many generations and it also survived the Cultural Revolutions in China of the 1960s and 1970s, which banned most of the  traditional practices. These techniques were brought to the West in the 1980's to help peomote health, prevent illness and encourage longevity. Today millions of people practice Chi-Kong worldwide. Chi-Kong encourages you to find what works best for you.

The martial arts were highly influenced by Qi Gong and many of them developed from it. Acupuncture and acupressure also use the same meridian (energy channel in the body) points that chi-kung practice clears and stimulates.

Definition:
Chi stands for the essential energy that creates life. Chi is found in the air, in our food and sunlight. In the body chi is the invisible vital force that sustains life.
Kong means movement.
Chi-Kong: moving the energies

The movements are designed to encourage the flow of this energy in the body. This flow inspires self-healing processes. We have energtical channels in our body called meridians. When this "meaningful flow" of energy is blocked in these meridians- pain or illness is the result. It is the continued practice of Chi Kong that increases your flow of energy and gives you vitality and longevity. The exercises are accessible to all, the young, the old, able and less able.
Benefits

Chi-Kong can be used as a daily routine to increase overall health and well-being, as well as for disease prevention. It can be used to increase energy and reduce stress. It creates balance, increases the body's energy level and develops feelings of health, strength, and well being. Chi Kong uses the natural functions of your body to release stress, develop flexibility, coordination and stamina, and to heal chronic joint and back problems. The main idea of Chi Kung is to develop and store Chi. In China it  is used in conjunction with other medical therapies for many chronic conditions, including asthma, allergies, AIDS, cancer, headaches, depression, mental illness, strokes and heart disease.It is the continued practice of Chi-Kong that increases your flow of energy and gives you vitality.

Practicing Chi-Kong

Chi-Kung consists of movements, postures, breathing techniques, and mental exercises. Postures may involve standing, sitting, or lying down. The postures and the movements are designed to strengthen, stretch, and tone the body to improve the flow of energy. Meditations and mind exercises are used to enhance the mind and move chi throughout the body. These exercises are often visualizations that focus on different parts of the body. One mental exercise is called the "Inner Smile".

The exercises are cumulative. As you practice through the year the effects of the practices will increase. The more you practice Chi Kung the more your body becomes relaxed and stronger, your health will improve and your spirits will lift.

Chi-Kong is for you if you want to:
feel full of energy
feel happy and relaxed
increase your personal well being
improve your health

To sign up for a course please click on the following link:

Chi Kong training