Qi Kong (QiGong)

There are particular energy channels and centers that receive special focus in Qi Kong (QiGong). The three dan tian., or “elixir fields,” are areas of qi generation and storage. The lower, middle and upper dan tian are home to the “Three Treasures” of Jing (essence), Qi (vitality) and Shen (spirit).
These are the places where one [...]

Respiration-qi kong(qigong) breathing
The breath is one of the most influential aspects of qi kong(qigong), both for the extensive health benefits of qi kong(qigong) breathing as well as its central role in meditative practice. Awareness of the breath serves to bridge body and mind and as a sensory focus assisting the mind in guiding the qi.
In [...]

Qi Kong (QiGong) often looks and feels like floating or swimming in water. The gentle flow of movement and breath as well as the more vigorous forms of Qi Kong (QiGong) influence the fluid environment of the body. Blood and lymph, cerebro-spinal fluid and the synovial fluid of the joints are effected in terms of [...]

The motion of the diaphragm in Qi Kong (Qigong) breathing provides a massage to the internal organs including the small intestine and cisterna chyli to promote peristalsis and improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. Qi Kong (Qigong) also enhances digestion by stimulating production of saliva and gastric juice as well as the secretion of bile by the gall bladder. Digestion is strengthened by the increased volume of blood flow to the viscera as the body moves in a state of relaxation.
Many of the effects of Qi Kong (Qigong) are overlapping, interrelated and bi-directional, depending on whether the imbalance in question is one of excess or deficiency. Tang You-Yue describe the homeostatic effect of Qi Kong (Qigong) as it applies to the digestive system:
Qi Kong (Qigong) exercise has a diphasic effect on the digestive system, i.e. The peristaltic frequency of the stomach increases in people with gastrointestinal bradykinesia. There is simultaneously an inhibitive response experienced by people with hyperperistalsis.
(Tang, Sun Ed., 1994:15)

The previous section discussed the role of diaphragmatic breathing in improving blood circulation and consequently the cleansing and nourishing effect of oxygen distribution. The movement of the diaphragm during natural breathing also helps circulation by creating a tide-like pull that assists the venous return of blood to the heart. Cardiologist Dean Ornish describes the action of the diaphragm:
Your diaphragm is a large muscle located between your chest and your abdomen. When you contract it, this large muscle is forced downwards, causing a partial vacuum that forces air into your lungs. Diaphragmatic breathing increases the suction pressure in your chest, thereby improving venous return of blood to your heart. (Ornish, 1990: 167)
This simple practice, free of cost and negative side effects is valuable in regard to hypertension. Alan Hymes, M.D. has recognized this value in his writing:
In addition to being an excellent regular mode of functioning, diaphragmatic breathing has shown potential as a therapeutic tool in dealing with several abnormalities. Essential hypertension (high blood pressure of unknown cause) has been shown to respond favorably to a daily regimen of diaphragmatic breathing. This is especially encouraging when one considers the number of deaths per year in the U.S. from heart disease alone, that are associated with hypertension. (Hymes in Swami Rama, Ballentine & Hymes, 1979:4)