Who Can Benefit?

Women

There are many reasons why Qigong is the ideal exercise for women. Qigong has the ability to give women an inner sense of calm, confidence and power. Regular practice raises estrogen levels in post menopausal women which helps prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. For women who suffer such conditions as mood swings, depression and eating disorders qigong can give back a sense of personal control over one's health and life and enable the individual to be empowered to cope with life's difficulties without resorting to alcohol, drugs or binge eating.

For pregnant women qigong's relaxed and gentle movements promote the circulation of energy and blood around the body , while its smooth abdominal breathing fully oxygenates both mother and child. The famous Lamaze Technique is based on qigong breathing techniques.

Sportsmen and Women

Qigong is a great sports training tool because it develops balance, coordination, calmness under pressure and relaxed power. One of the most famous exponents of qigong is Tiger Woods who practiced qigong exercises with his dad. They developed Tiger's phenomenal swing by teaching him to move from his dan tien (his body's centre of gravity).

Senior Citizens and less abled

Balance is often an issue for elderly citizens and they need a system that can be adapted to their own level of ability. Qigong is far more than just being the worlds most effective system for improving balance as it also helps to reduce stress - both physical and emotional and help the practitioner far better understand their own limitations and try to go beyond them.
Qigong also helps by keeping the practioners mind on moving from the centre which help correct postural problems and enables the individual to be able to achieve more with less effort. Relearning how to move, stand, breathe etc are key principles of qigong as the way we use (and and misuse) our bodys has a huge effect on our health ena mental and emotional wellbeing.

Sufferes from Chronic Illnesses

Stress is the major cause of chronic illness in the Western World.
In Chinese hospitals qigong is often used in conjunction with western drugs to alleviate the side effects of those powerful medicines. Qigong can also help diminish the sense of hopelessness that often accompanies those with serious illnesses and the effects of deep breathing and a deep letting go of tension means that recovery from many illnesses and injuries is speeded up.
Many cardiologists are now prescribing tai chi as an adjunct to therapy or as a preventative measure as it is a gentle exercise that promotes good circulation.

Addictions

Qigong is increasingly being used to help people break addictive patterns.