Ancient Art of Qigong Eases Arthritic Joints

Outside of China, the first double-blind, peer-reviewed study of qigong's effectiveness on osteoarthritis sufferers was published in April's issue of Clinical Rheumatology. The study's co-author, Dr. Adam Perlman of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, says qigong proved to be helpful as an adjunct to conventional care.

"Clearly, there is still a level of skepticism (in Western medicine), particularly for many of the complementary modalities categorized as energy medicine (such as qigong)," Perlman says. "It's challenging to study. We really couldn't measure the energy and do what one would like in a clinical trial."

Advocates of qigong say that skeptics once had the same reservations about acupuncture and herbal remedies before both Eastern medical practices gained a foothold in the West.

This much is certain: 80 million Chinese practice qigong in parks, at home and in classrooms. An offshoot of qigong, tai chi, a martial art not meant for healing, is even more popular.

Cohen says the good thing about qigong -- which means "energy work" -- is that it can be practiced by everyone from competitive athletes to the bedridden and wheelchair-bound with debilitating illnesses.

At core, it's about deep, meditative breathing, synchronized with repetitive movements based on the natural environment.

Cohen will hold qigong workshops Saturday and next Sunday at Fair Oaks Personal Power Center.