Can Qigong Help in Recovery from Addiction?

Recently, experts have come forward in support of Qigong as a valuable tool for treating addiction. These experts promoting Qigong as a method for treating addiction believe that this ancient Chinese practice provides addicts with an effective method for dismantling compulsive behaviors and triggers, regaining physical health, achieving self-confidence, and learning physical and mental self-control.

With their support, more rehabilitation centers are offering integrated programs into featuring Qigong postures, breathing, and moving meditation to aid recovery from many kinds of addiction, including drug, alcohol, food, gambling, and shopping addictions. As addicts suffer a great physical, psychological, and emotional toll because of their behaviors, Qigong makes it its goal to create a peaceful harmony between the mind, body and spirit. As more studies are being conducted on this topic, the favorable results are beginning to prove the use of Qigong as a treatment tool.

Qigong offers a gentle and peaceful way for recovering addicts to reconnect with their bodies. The positive physical effects of Qigong are both immediate and long-term. Qigong postures, meditative movements and deep breathing can bring an immediate sense of calm and focus. For addicts, who are often jumpy and unable to self-soothe, these simple techniques can provide immense relief from racing or impulsive thoughts, as well as tension, fear, anger, frustration, and anxiety. The ability to defuse thoughts and situations which trigger addictive behaviors represents a key to recovery. Longer-term effects of Qigong, such as increased bone and muscle strength, increased balance, improved circulation, and better coordination help recovering addicts regain physical health and develop a positive self-image. Learning reverence and respect for the body, as well as patience and tenacity through the practice of Qigong, may also help recovering addicts avoid relapses.

Expert proponents of Qigong for treating addiction seem to agree that Qigong is most successful when combined with other treatment methods. According to recent research, qigong was found to lower levels of cortisol, the damaging stress hormone, while simultaneously increasing immune system activity. In another study, qigong had fewer side effects than medical intervention in detoxifiying heroin addicts> In the same study, addicts who practiced qigong and received adjustments from a master (sifu) had less anxiety and a faster reduction in withdrawal symptoms.

Medical qigong treatment has been officially recognized as a standard medical technique in Chinese hospitals since 1989. The Chinese government lists qigong as part of their National Health Plan and it has been included in the curriculum of major universities in China.


© Adam Williss Martial Arts & Wellness Institute

Tweet

Recently, experts have come forward in support of Qigong as a valuable tool for treating addiction. These experts promoting Qigong as a method for treating addiction believe that this ancient Chinese practice provides addicts with an effective method for dismantling compulsive behaviors and triggers, regaining physical health, achieving self-confidence, and learning physical and mental self-control. With their support, more rehabilitation centers are offering integrated programs into featuring Qigong postures, breathing, and moving meditation to aid recovery from many kinds of addiction, including drug, alcohol, food, gambling, and shopping addictions. As addicts suffer a great physical, psychological, and emotional toll because of their behaviors, Qigong makes it its goal to create a peaceful harmony between the mind, body and spirit. As more studies are being conducted on this topic, the favorable results are beginning to prove the use of Qigong as a treatment tool. Qigong offers a gentle and peaceful way for recovering addicts to reconnect with their bodies. The positive physical effects of Qigong are both immediate and long-term. Qigong postures, meditative movements and deep breathing can bring an immediate sense of calm and focus. For addicts, who are often jumpy and unable to self-soothe, these simple techniques can provide immense relief from racing or impulsive thoughts, as well as tension, fear, anger, frustration, and anxiety. The ability to defuse thoughts and situations which trigger addictive behaviors represents a key to recovery. Longer-term effects of Qigong, such as increased bone and muscle strength, increased balance, improved circulation, and better coordination help recovering addicts regain physical health and develop a positive self-image. Learning reverence and respect for the body, as well as patience and tenacity through the practice of Qigong, may also help recovering addicts avoid relapses. Expert proponents of Qigong for treating addiction seem to agree that Qigong is most successful when combined with other treatment methods. According to recent research, qigong was found to lower levels of cortisol, the damaging stress hormone, while simultaneously increasing immune system activity. In another study, qigong had fewer side effects than medical intervention in detoxifiying heroin addicts> In the same study, addicts who practiced qigong and received adjustments from a master (sifu) had less anxiety and a faster reduction in withdrawal symptoms. Medical qigong treatment has been officially recognized as a standard medical technique in Chinese hospitals since 1989. The Chinese government lists qigong as part of their National Health Plan and it has been included in the curriculum of major universities in China. © Adam Williss Martial Arts & Wellness Institute