My Experience Practicing Qi Gong with Pulmonary Hypertension

It can be challenging to find an exercise routine when living with pulmonary hypertension (PH). This is partly because each individual with PH is unique, and the disease impacts everyone differently. Some individuals living with PH may still be able to be quite active, while others are more limited by their condition.

A few months ago, I felt as if my wellness routine was missing something. Although I have my own exercise and meditation routine that I follow, I wanted to incorporate something that felt a little more holistic. It was then that I discovered qi gong.

What is qi gong?

Qi gong (pronounced chee-gong) is a mind-body exercise composed of a combination of repeated movements. These gentle movements focus on breathing, motion, and meditation. They are often low-impact and slow, making it more accessible to those who have a difficult time with traditional high-impact workout routines.

Benefits of qi gong

The benefits of qi gong vary from helping to improve range of motion, to working as an effective way to help manage anxiety. Regular practice has been shown to lower stress hormone levels and can enhance nervous system activity. Some studies have also found that qi gong can help promote heart health and even reduce pain. Qi gong may also help promote bone health, improve physical function, prevent falls, and improve balance. Because of its meditation element, qi gong may also help with depression.

Qi gong and PH

Although there is limited information on whether qi gong could help improve the lives of those living with pulmonary hypertension, I think some of the research available sounds promising.

For example, a study found that qi gong practiced by individuals with COPD helped promote functional capacity. The study also concluded that qi gong could be used as an at-home exercise program for older adults with COPD who required rehabilitation. Another study showed that qi gong may also help improve respiratory function in those living with COPD.

There have been a few studies about the effects of qi gong in cancer patients. In a study titled, “Health benefits of qi gong or tai chi for cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses,” qi gong had a positive impact on the fatigue and cortisol level of cancer patients, along with improved immune function. But because of the size of this study, more information is needed to confirm the effects of qi gong on cancer patients.

Lastly, a Chinese study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) found that traditional Chinese exercises could be beneficial for cardiovascular diseases. A summary of the JAHA study published on Yahoo! News said, “The data showed that for individuals with cardiovascular disease, practicing traditional Chinese exercise such as tai chi, baduanjin and qi gong helped to reduce systolic blood pressure ― which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle is contracting ― by more than 9.12 mm Hg on average. And diastolic blood pressure ― which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle is resting ― was reduced by more than 5 mm Hg on average. The team believes that the results of their meta-analysis on blood pressure suggest that traditional Chinese exercise could help to lower the risk of stroke by up to 41% and coronary heart disease by up to 22%.”

Why qi gong?

I personally enjoy practicing qi gong because it focuses on the well-being of the entire body. My mind easily gets distracted whenever I work out or meditate. Qi gong requires that I am focused on my breathing, movements, and meditative thoughts during its practice. Because the practice is so physically and mentally demanding, it is hard for me to dwell on any other thoughts.

Because qi gong is extremely low-impact, I incorporate it into my regular fitness routine. I think of it as being a part of my “well-being” routine. But because the movements are so fluid and gentle, I find that I can manage to do qi gong on days when I can’t find the strength or energy to do much else.

I’ve been practicing qi gong for several months now, and although I am not sure if it has had an impact on my physical health, it has helped to keep me active and has been an excellent source of stress management.

Here are some of my favorite qi gong routines I like to practice:

• 2o Minute Morning Qi Gong Exercise by Lee Holden
• Qi Gong 10 min Evening Exercise by Lee Holden
• Qigong to Circulate Your Energy by YOQI
• Qigong MOOD LIFTER by YOQI

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine. Be sure to ask if qi gong is safe for you.

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Note: Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Hypertension News or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary hypertension.