Qigong has been a part of Chinese culture for thousands of years, and as I discussed the previous blog, the Eight Pieces of Brocade, or Ba Duan Jin, is a form of medical qigong. That said, many martial artists use the Brocades as a supplementary exercise, as the breathing, movement, and meditation promotes energy and healing.
There are two basic varieties of qigong: Dynamic (active) and Passive (meditative). While passive qigong techniques require little to no body movement, Ba Duan Jin is a dynamic qigong that requires movement of the whole body. Dynamic qigongs are more effective in regulating the body and treating disease, including infectious respiratory diseases. According to TCM, the lung meridians are stimulated by upper limb stretching, which promotes recovery from respiratory symptoms. Therefore, biological and psychological evidence suggests that dynamic Brocades are potentially useful for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
Efficient oxygen use is critical to all mind and body functions, and increases in oxygenation of the tissues and organs leads to better function and health. In fact, hypoxia, the reduction of oxygen reaching various parts of the body, underlies many chronic diseases. In Mindful Exercise - Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi, Dr. Peter A. Gryffin reports that performing the Brocades results in large increases in blood oxygen saturation in the tissues of the body. Interestingly, his research also indicates standing poses boost oxygenation more than crouching poses.
Aging often leads to decreased respiratory function, which can subsequently lead to a decline in organ function, and ultimately, onset of chronic medical conditions. Qigong, through its focused abdominal breathing, enhances respiratory function and allows the practitioner to relax, thereby also lessening stress. Of course, this is in addition to its ability to alleviate depression and anxiety, strengthen respiratory muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve immunity.
Some studies have suggested qigong may actually help prevent respiratory disease, however, few have looked at intervention during the acute phase of these diseases. One interesting study was undertaken by Tie to determine whether the Brocades might prevent respiratory infection or enhance of recovery in the elderly. It compared a control group with two Tai Chi groups: one doing Tai Chi three times a week, and the other, five times a week. The duration of respiratory infection was significantly shorter in those doing Tai Chi, with no statistical difference between the two Tai Chi groups. Tong’s meta-analysis on 10 studies indicated that qigong can improve lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with COPD. The Brocades have also shown to reduce the length of hospital stays, as well as improve lung function, in chronic bronchitis.
This scientific research upholds centuries of medical literature, proving that qigong has health benefits for the body and mind. Which probably explains why the Brocades is the most popular qigong practiced throughout the world. Everyone can benefit from qigong, especially the Brocades, during this ongoing pandemic. It is easy to practice and adaptable to most physical conditions, not to mention lovely to watch and enjoyable to do.