Ancient Art of Qigong Eases Arthritic Joints

There are 7,000 qigong exercises, Cohen says, but his workshops in Fair Oaks will focus on the basic "Five Animal Frolics" -- postures and exercises based on the movements of the crane, bear, monkey, deer and tiger.

"The crane exercise is very relaxing, excellent for balance," he says. "The bear is more for strengthening. The bear is very good to do in the winter. The monkey is good for loosening the joints. The deer is for grace and elegance, and the tiger for strength."

But deep breathing from the diaphragm is key, he adds.

"We know that chronic pain is exacerbated by hyperventilation," he says. "We have a tendency to breathe quickly and thoraxically, to breathe with the chest rather than more efficiently through the diaphragm and abdomen."

In that respect, qigong is similar to yoga. But Cohen says there is less physical stress on the body when practicing qigong.

"And qigong is different because it trains the mind to take control of health," he says.

But even Cohen knows the discipline has limitations.

"If you've got a bacterial infection, you've got no business going to a qigong master," he says. "Go to the doctor, and get the right antibiotic. But for the big killers of our time, like cancer and stroke, Western medicine has not been very successful. Qigong is safe gentle, with virtually no side effects."

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