The Practice Of Qigong for Stress Relief

Qigong. You may tend to think of stress as being caused by external events, however these events in themselves are not stressful. The way that you interpret and react to these events is what makes them stressful.

The type of events that can be interpreted as stressful may differ dramatically from person to person as well as the way in which they respond to such stress. Both positive and negative events in one's life can be stressful. Increased blood pressure and cortisol levels, as well as lowered immune system function, result when stress begins to affect the body.

Symptoms can worsen to become depression, fatigue, tension headaches, stomachaches, hypertension, migraines, ulcers, heart attacks, and even some types of cancers. There are a few highly effective natural approaches and methods to stress management.

Qigong is one such practice. Qigong is a form of ancient Chinese medicine. The term can be translated to mean the skill of attracting vital energy. In its practice it is a self-healing art that combines movement and meditation.

Qigong has strong roots into mystical and philosophical ground and both the spiritual and health benefits are being recognized and gaining in popularity in Western society today since people are beginning to realize and accept that disease and stress are relieved by peace of mind.

The Chinese believe that in the art of practicing Qigong that spontaneous balancing and enhancing of the natural healing resources in the human system occurs. The body's reaction to stress is meant to protect us as it adjusts to its surroundings to maintain homeostasis.

When prolonged however increased heart and breathing rates, blood pressure, lowered digestive and immune function begin to take their toll on the body. In Chinese medical language, excessive emotional stimulation or suppression causes imbalance of qi, (energy) thereby injuring the body and producing disease.

Qigong as Chinese medicine decreases the stress hormone cortisol, lowers blood pressure, reduces heart rate, and relaxes muscle tissue.   

Today's Stress Cure Fact Job Stress Cortisol increases blood pressure so the body is prepared to confront or flee a threat due to the increased blood flow to the outer extremities. The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis also activates the release of certain neurotransmitters called catecholamines, adrenaline in particular to aid in the response. If stress continues without any relief the body can and will react in a negative way. This distress may lead to symptoms such as headache, upset stomach, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Stress may not only contribute to existing symptoms or diseases but can possibly cause them. This type of stress that continues without any relief is called chronic stress. While the release of certain hormones is helpful to the body on a short-term basis, it is important for the levels to return to normal after the perceived threat or stress has abated to restore homeostasis. stress ball

Stress Fighting Foods

Qigong first and foremost teaches one how to breathe correctly. When we breathe this way consistently, our lymph systems are effectively activated, more oxygen flows through the body and the activation of the lymph systems triggers a relaxation response throughout the body. The next step in Qigong is the mental emphasis that is placed on internal relaxation. 

This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and shifts one out of the sympathetic nervous system which is activated as a stress response which is associated with the flight or fight syndrome. Short term this is helpful to the body but when not counterbalanced or prolonged too much of the adrenal hormones are used and there is too much cortisol present in the body.  

Create a space in your home just for relaxing in. It should be a room where you can retreat from the hustle and bustle of your life. Be sure your relaxation area has everything that you love and enjoy best. Fill it with good books, games, music, basically anything that will help produce a calming effect. Keep this as your special area, and you will have a great place to go, when you just need to get away from it all.

Qigong exercise slowly leads you back to back into the parasympathetic and when practiced over time you can build up a sort of body memory that will allow you to control your automatic responses and to choose a relaxed response to stress. Qigong exercise steps build the skills of becoming calm and at peach and teach one to appreciate the value of that tranquility on their overall well being, including health and stress management.