Ikigai : the Japanese secret to a long and happy life pdfdrive com

Benefits of qigong

According to numerous international scientific studies, qigong—like tai chi and yoga—offers significant health benefits. The following stand out among those proven through scientific research, as observed by Dr. K enneth M. Sancier of San Francisco’s Qigong Institute in his article “Medical Applications of Qigong”³:

Modification of brain waves
Improved balance of sex hormones
L ower mortality rate from heart attacks
L ower blood pressure in patients with hypertension
Greater bone density
Better circulation
Deceleration of symptoms associated with senility
Greater balance and efficiency of bodily functions
Increased blood flow to the brain and greater mind-body connection
Improved cardiac function
Reduction in the secondary effects of cancer treatments
Practicing these arts not only keeps us in shape, it also helps extend our lives.

Methods for practicing qigong

In order to practice qigong correctly, we should remember that our life energy flows through our whole body. We should know how to regulate its many parts:

1. 
   Tyau Shenn: (regulating the body) by adopting the correct posture—it is important to be firmly rooted to the ground
   
2. 
   Tyau Shyi: (regulating the breath) until it is calm, steady, and peaceful
   
3. 
   Tyau Hsin: (regulating the mind); the most complicated part, as it implies emptying the mind of thoughts
   
4. 
   Tyau Chi: (regulating the life force) through the regulation of the three prior elements, so that it flows naturally
   
5. 
   Tyau Shen: (regulating the spirit); the spirit is both strength and root in battle, as Y ang Jwing-Ming explains in The Essence of Taiji Qigong.⁴
   

In this way, the whole organism will be prepared to work together toward a single goal.