Doctors of a recent study of qi gong said, "The qi gong group demonstrated greater improvement in psychological measures in addition to reduction in systolic blood pressure," according to the May, 2006 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

"Heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure and rate-pressure product were significantly decreased during qi-training," according to a 2000 study. Just one session of qi gong can result in a temporary fall in blood pressure.

Qi gong is a 4,000-year-old technique that involves preventative and therapeutic health care, physical training and philosophy. There are nearly 5,000 styles of Qi Gong catalogued by the Chinese Government.

Medical qi gong consists of breathing exercises and meditation, which cultivates and deliberately controls energy within the body, which, in turn, replaces stress and anxiety with positive images, increased confidence and enhanced spirit.

Qi gong is frequently practiced with Tai ji [chi], a Chinese movement-based exercise. The practice of qi gong and tai ji is a low-cost means of improving functional status in older persons. It was reported that senior citizens who took tai ji were less likely to fall - a major cause of serious injury for seniors.

Qi gong can give a person a sense of serenity, improved blood circulation as well as balancing the body's life energy.

For more information on qi gong for heart health, please contact Pacific College: (800) 729-0941, or visit www.PacificCollege.edu.