IHC News | Qi Gong | Tiger Getting Acupuncture? | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction begins 8/13

August 6, 2013 - In This Issue:

Qi Gong Might Be Just What You Need

Tiger Getting Acupuncture? Yup!

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: 8/13-10/1

Your Go-To Guide To Grains

QI GONG & MEDITATION:

MIGHT BE JUST WHAT YOU NEEDED!

WHAT IS QI GONG?

Qigong (Chi Gong, Chi Kung) or "Energy-Cultivation" is an aspect of Chinese medicine involving the coordination of different breathing patterns with various physical postures and motions of the body. It is a system used to promote health and well being, longevity, and tranquility of mind and spirit.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF QI GONG?

Greater stamina and vitality
Reduced stress
Enhanced immune system
Improved cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, and digestive function
Lower blood pressure
Less risk of falling

STUDIES SHOW:

Here are a few examples of findings from small studies showing qigong benefits:

High blood pressure. In a study lasting 20 years, patients with hypertension -- whether in the control or qigong group -- were given drugs to control blood pressure. At first, participants in both groups had a drop in blood pressure. But blood pressure in the qigong group stabilized over time. They even were able to lower their use of blood pressure drugs. By contrast, the control group had an increase in blood pressure, requiring greater use of drugs.
Immune system. Just 30 minutes of daily qigong training for one month might produce a tangible impact on the body's immune system. In one study, blood samples taken the day before training started and after it was completed showed a statistically significant difference in white blood cell counts.
Stroke. In one study looking at mortality, among patients who'd suffered a stroke, 86 in the qigong group survived compared with 68 in the control group. That was after a period of 30 years. Compared to the control group, patients practicing qigong had a 50% reduction in death from any cause, death from stroke, and sickness related to stroke. However, it's not clear if the qigong participants were already healthier, making them more likely to live longer.
Fibromyalgia. One small pilot study showed fewer symptoms and improvement in function among patients with fibromyalgia who were practicing qigong. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can cause widespread pain and fatigue. Larger trials are needed to confirm the results

CLASSES:

We offer Qi Gong & Meditation classes with James Gummer at our Towson office on Thursdays.

We have two sessions currently running:

Thursdays 1:15-2:15pm

Thursdays 7:30-8:30pm

Call 410-296-5160 to sign up today!

Read more about the instructor and see our complete class schedule here.

PEDANG THE SUMATRAN TIGER
UNDERGOES ACUPUNCTURE IN ISRAEL

RAMAT GAN, Israel (AP) - Veterinarians are trying acupuncture to cure a Sumatran tiger at an Israeli zoo. The 14-year-old tiger, named Pedang, suffers from a chronic ear infection. On Sunday, a holistic medicine professional tried acupuncture on him, pricking him with several pink needles in his ear and at other points of his body. The tiger was sedated during the treatment. The Zoological Center of Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan said this was the first time it used Chinese medicine on an animal. The zoo said other conventional treatments, like antibiotics, failed to cure the infection, which has lasted more than a year. Mor Mosinzon, who treated Pedang, said the acupuncture was meant to strengthen his immune system and open his ear canals so that his body can better absorb the antibiotics.

WATCH HERE

(courtesy of Huffington Post)

MINDFULNESS-BASED

STRESS REDUCTION

with Gina Sager, MD, RYT

NEW SESSION 8/13 - 10/1

Mindfulness is about learning to value the present moment and choosing what gets and keeps our attention, empowering us to recognize and relate differently to things beyond our control. During this 8-week workshop, participants will learn how to use mindfulness meditation, breathing and yoga as critical skills for managing life's challenges. We will practice working with breath, seated meditation and re-inhabiting the body through yoga and yoga Nidra. Although we will work together in class, those looking for more impactful results should embrace the homework to allow the practice to infiltrate all parts of your life. Registration fee of $500 includes 8 sessions (2 ½ hours each) and materials for home practice (4 CDs: 1 body scan, 1 meditation and 2 yoga). Please register by contacting Gina at 410- 667-0468 or gina@ginasager.com.

YOUR GO-TO GUIDE TO GRAINS

courtesy of HUFFINGTON POST