(25-01-11) Qigong exercise helps kids reduce stress

by Dr. Randall Neustaedter, OMD, citizen journalist


(NaturalNews) In a controlled study published in September 2010 of 156 7th
graders aged 13 and 14 years-old, students were taught and practiced qigong
moving meditation during school. Kids in the control group had normal school
activities. The qigong group practiced for 25 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks.
Prior to and after the study all the children received surveys to assess well-
being at school, psychological distress, self-image, and stress. The qigong
group had reduced psychological distress and stress, and improved self-image
compared to the control group. Students also answered an open question about
whether qigong practice had affected them. Answers included statements like:
"It gives you a chance to calm down" (18 pupils), or "I feel more alert and
awake" (11 pupils), or "I am more concentrated," or "I work better after
qigong" (Terjestam 2010).

Many kids (34 percent) were not motivated to do the exercises. They said they
found them boring. Getting students to participate in meditation or moving
meditation exercise like qigong, tai chi, or yoga may need to be encouraged or
required at school. The benefits of these practices for students have been
documented in several previous studies. A study of elementary school second
grade students showed that qigong improved behavior and grades (Witt 2005).
Another study of elementary and high school students showed that qigong had a
significant effect on reducing aggression with a calming and energizing
influence (Witt 2007). Tai chi has demonstrated similar benefits for children.
A study of tai chi in adolescents documented improvement in anxiety, conduct,
and hyperactivity, with less expression of inappropriate emotions (Hernandez-
Reif 2001).

Stress reactions, depression, and anxiety are common symptoms in students.
Reactions to stress such as headaches, stomach pain, and sleep disturbance are
also common during adolescence. Any practice that has a calming effect should
be beneficial for stress reduction in students. Qigong has also been reported
to improve sleep, decrease headaches, and have a beneficial effect on
cardiovascular disease and several other health problems (Jahnke 2010).
Students who are vulnerable to the increasing stress of school would be
especially helped by these forms of moving meditation.

References:

Hernandez-Reif M, Fiels TM, Thimas E. Attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder: Benefits from Tai chi. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapy.
2001; 5:120-123.

Jahnke R, Larkey L, Rogers C, Etnier J, Lin F. A comprehensive review of
health benefits of qigong and tai chi. American Journal of Health Promotion.
2010 Jul-Aug;24(6):e1-e25.

Terjestam Y, Jouper J, Johansson C. Effects of scheduled Qigong exercise on
people's well-being, self-image, distress, and stress. Journal of Alternative
and Complementary Medicine. 2010; 16 (9):939-944.

Witt C, Becker M, Bandelin K, Soellner R, Willich SN. Qigong for
schoolchildren: A pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary
Medicine. 2005; 11 (1):41-47.

Witt C, Becker M, Bandelin K, Willich SN. Xianggong ('Fragrant Qigong) for the
health of school children: A qualitative pilot study of feasibility and
effects. Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2007, 84:46-51.

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