Health Benefits
Scientific studies on the health benefits of IQ (and Tai Chi) notice that IQ works in a variety of different ways.
The Eight Active Ingredients of Integrated Qigong
Harvard Medical School calls the practice ‘Movement Meditation’. Scientific studies on the health benefits of IQ (and Tai Chi) notice that IQ works in a variety of different ways, not just one. Whereas most drugs have a single active ingredient, IQ is more like a multi-drug combination that uses different components to produce a variety of effects. Peter M.Wayne, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School formulated the idea of the "eight active ingredients" of IQ, which we use as a conceptual framework to help evaluate the benefits of IQ. These therapeutic factors are interwoven and synergistic. Here are the eight active ingredients of Integrated Qigong.
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Awareness
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Intention
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Functional and Structural Integration
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Active Relaxation
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Strengthening and Flexibility
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Natural, Freer Breathing
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Social Support
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Embodied spirituality
Ultimately, Integrated Qigong is an ancient art – a living tradition that has more layers of technical and conceptual depth than meet the eye.
Medication in Motion
Using this analogy, we could also call Integrated Qigong ‘Medication in Motion’. Here are some of the well documented ways that IQ can benefit us.
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Better Balance
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Less Pain
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A Shaper Mind
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Less Stress
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A Happier Disposition
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More self-confidence
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A Stronger Heart