Qigong for Healthier Organs
One aspect of qigong that gets a bit less attention is its effects on the body’s internal organs. It’s an important topic that goes to the heart of why qigong is so powerful for improving and maintaining great health.
In previous posts you’ve read about the kind of abdominal breathing done in most qigong forms. I won’t review that here since you can go back and read that post if you like.
What I want to mention here is how this kind of breathing affects your internal organs. These organs (kidneys, heart, liver, spleen and lungs, plus the organs of digestion and elimination) keep blood and nutrients flowing through our bodies, allowing them to function at their best.
So how can the simple act of breathing during qigong be any different than normal breathing throughout the day?
First, when you’re practicing qigong you typically enter a much deeper state of relaxation. This allows you to breathe deeper by using your diaphragm more. The relaxation response opens circulation to your internal organs and they get more nourishment to work better.
In addition, the physical act of contracting your diaphragm when you inhale provides a kind of gentle internal massage for all of your organs. This gentle kneading action is greatly enhanced during qigong. The effect of this is that toxic materials being held inside organs get released. At the same time, oxygen and nutrients enter into every cell to replenish and regenerate them.
When your internal organs are working better, you feel better all day long. That’s why starting the morning with a round of qigong sets you right for everything else you do.
Be well,
Dr. Bruce
