What else?



We all know that a healthy lifestyle cannot exist without adequate exercise. Qigong is one of the best kinds of exercises because it can provide both a gentle as well as a thorough workout.

Also important, there have been a growing number of studies on qigong (a.k.a. chi kung) and its benefit in the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure, as well as other cardiovascular diseases.

There are literally thousands of qigong exercises you can practice, ranging from short and simple exercises that take only a few minutes to do, to some very complicated forms that may take up to an hour or more to complete. Some are light and gentle exercises that are suitable for the weak ad elderly, or even for the physically challenged, while other qigong exercises are more rigorous and demanding in the workout.

Here is one simple qigong exercise specially designed to treat or prevent hypertension:

1) Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward, knees slightly bent.

2) Bend your torso so that your arms hang loosely past your knees, with your head hanging down at about waist level or lower.

3) Begin swinging your arms loosely back and forth from side to side, letting the momentum flow freely by keeping the arms totally relaxed and loose.

4) Continue swinging for several minutes. Then, to conclude your exercise, strike the back of your knees firmly three to five times with your fists, before rising up from your bent torso position.

This exercise is easy to do and only takes a few minutes of your time. If you suffer from high blood pressure, practice this qigong exercise whenever you can — at least three to six times a day. With regular practice, you will be able to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels.

This is one of five exercises designed to loosen joints and muscles. These exercises form the basic foundation to tai chi and other qigong forms. You can find more such exercises including qigong yogic breathing, tai chi and meditation on my website — all excellent for helping to treat your high blood pressure.

Don't let hypertension get the better of you. With a healthy lifestyle that includes regular practice of qigong/chi kung, you will find you can reduce high blood pressure without having to resort to medication. Look forward to my last article on qigong practices for hypertension: yogic meditation to lower stress and blood pressure.