Qi Kong (QiGong)

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 quality, quantity, content and rhythmic pulse.

Lymphatic fluid bathes all the tissues of the body. Qi Kong (QiGong) exercise improves the circulation of lymph nodes where lymphocytes and plasma cells are produced. Critical to immune activity, lymphatic fluid, itself rich in lymphocytes and macro phages, carries antigens such as bacteria and virus to the lymph nodes where they are neutralized.

Circulation oflymph is brought about by the compression of vessels by muscular movement; by the movement of respiration and by increasing the volume of lymph, thereby stimulating the lymphatic pulse to propel fluid as vessels contract when they are stretched to fullness.
These forces also draw proteins trapped in the interstitial fluid back into the blood stream via the lymph. Trapped proteins create a stagnant condition in the tissues, upsetting the electrical fields of individual cells and their delicate mineral balance, as well as depriving the tissues of oxygen. (Anglen, 1995:13)

Lymph nodes are found throughout the body especially in the neck, the inguinal region, arm pits and in back of the knees. These areas are kept relaxed and open in Qi Kong (QiGong) movements as the weight shifts, the body twists and stretches and arms circle and swing. Qi Kong (QiGong) self massage specifically addresses lymph nodes and glands in the neck and stimulates areas of the thymus and spleen as well as the skin, the body’s first line of immune defense.

There is a dense concentration oflymphoid tissue above and below the diaphragm, again calling attention to the motion of breathing, called the thoraco-abdominal pump because of its action. Lymph is pumped through the thoracic duct above the diaphragm
into the blood at the sub-clavian vein where it is transformed into blood serum.

The phagocytic rate, a measure of immune function, was found to be increased in cancer patients who practiced Qi Kong (QiGong). Phagocytes are large white blood cells that ingest microbes and foreign particles. In A Clinical Observation of Qi Kong (QiGong) as a Therapeutic Aidfor Advanced Cancer Patients (Sun & Zhao, 1988:97) 123 patients were divided into two groups. While all patients received drug therapy, 93 practiced Qi Kong (QiGong) for over two hours each day for between 3-6 months. The control group of30 received only the drug treatment. Participants in the study had been diagnosed with malignant cancers of the stomach, large intestine, mastocarcinoma and cancer of the esophagus and cardial carcinoma. Phagocytic indices of the Qi Kong (QiGong) group increased y 12.31% and decreased in the control group 7.87%.

Researchers have observed a correlation between Qi Kong (QiGong) training and an increase in the ratio and absolute number ofCD4+T lymphocytes in human peripheral blood. (Ryuet al, 1994:27-36). In presenting their findings the researchers call attention to studies of physical and psychological stress as modifiers of immune function and suggest the relevance of Qi Kong (QiGong) as a means of behavioral modifications of the immune system.

Exercise (Kobasa & Maddi, 1984) and relaxation (Kiecolt-Glasser, 1986:5-21) are conducive to improved immune function. The physical and psychological benefits of exercise and relaxation are inseparable contributors to the larger picture of Qi Kong (QiGong) as a healing practice.