Can qigong help with mental health in substance use disorders?

A 2020 review of 4 studies involving 593 individuals with substance use disorders found that qigong appeared to have a more positive effect on reducing anxiety than medication or no treatment. The review also found that qigong led to significant improvement in depressive symptoms when compared to no treatment. Because the studies were small and not of high quality, the authors indicated that more rigorous research is needed to provide reliable evidence.

What kind of training, licensing, or certifications do qigong instructors need to practice?

Qigong instructors don’t have to be licensed, and the practice isn't regulated by the Federal Government or individual states. There’s no national standard for qigong certification. Various qigong organizations offer training and certification programs—with differing criteria and levels of certification for instructors.

Yijin Jing

According to legend, the Yijin Jing was said to be left behind by Bodhidharma after his departure from the Shaolin Monastery, and discovered within his grave (or hidden in the walls of the temple) years after he had left (or died). It was accompanied by another text, the Xisui Jing, which was passed to a student of Bodhidharma's, but has not survived to the modern day.

Qigong for Beginners how This Ancient Chinese Practice Can Bring Zen to Your Day

How intentional was your day today?

Do you feel tense? Are you angry and don’t know why?

Cultivating and directing the energy inherent within us can be a vital tool for reducing stress in our busy day-in and day-out schedules. 

When you coordinate your breath, intention, and physical movements throughout your day, you can find relaxing pockets of positivity wherever you are! That’s why I’d like to introduce you to qigong, explain some of the many qigong benefits and what you can do as a beginner to develop your life force and reduce anxiety.

Tips To Consider

  • Don’t use qigong to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.
  • Ask about the training and experience of the qigong instructor you’re considering.
  • Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.

 

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