"Deal with difficulties while they are still easy.
Handle the great while it is still small.”
― Lao Tzu
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
— Benjamin Franklin
The famous physician Bian Que was called before the King and asked, “I hear that you have two brothers who are also doctors. Whom among you is the best?”
“My eldest brother,” replied Bian Que, “he is obviously the best.”
“How can that be,” roared the King, “when you are so famous and I’ve never heard of your brother?”
Bian Que went on to explain…
“My eldest brother treats disease with longevity techniques before symptoms even appear. His patients don’t realize they’re even receiving treatment, so his name barely leaves the neighborhood.
“My second brother treats disease at the first symptom, before some patients even know they are sick, so his name barely leaves the town.
“I treat people after the sickness has taken firm hold. I have to use multiple needles, and sometimes the harshest of herbs to correct the course of disease. Sometimes the disease has taken firm root and there is nothing I can do; but sometimes I get lucky and am able to bring someone back from the edge of death. THAT is the kind of thing people like to talk about, and that is why I am famous.”
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Daoist religion have a long history of utilizing preventative medicine, or Longevity Techniques, to improve patient outcomes. Known as YangSheng, these practices include guidance on sleep, diet, herbal supplementation, meditation, and exercise used to nourish the Three Treasures of Jing, Qi, and Shen (Body, Breath, and Spirit). The exercise portion of YangSheng are collectively known today as Qigong
The term Qigong (pronounced “Chee-Gung”) has only been around since the 1950’s, but the movements found within these sets have been around for the last 2000 years. The first set of exercises known as the Five Animal Frolics, is said to have been created by the great physician Hua Tuo around 200 C.E. This form mimics the movements of the Bear, Tiger, Crane, Deer, and Monkey, to improve balance and coordination, stretch muscles and connective tissue, and improve physical and cardiovascular strength. Other famous forms that have developed over time include The Eight Brocades, The Muscle Tendon Changing Classic, and White Crane Qigong.
Some of these forms are more Yin, and focus on slow relaxed movements that help calm the nervous system. Others are more Yang, and work on building physical strength and stamina. That makes these exercises instantly scalable, and adjustable to any person, regardless of goals or current physical condition. Because of it’s flexible nature, Qigong can be utilized as a moving meditation for people who need help sitting still; active recovery for athletes or weekend warriors; supplemental exercises for martial artists looking to deepen their physical and spiritual practice; or muscular re-education post-surgery. Western research studies have even found that Qigong exercises can reduce anxiety, improve a patient’s lipid profile, and lower blood pressure.
References
Johansson, M., Hassmén, P., & Jouper, J. (2008). Acute effects of qigong exercise on mood and anxiety. International Journal of Stress Management, 15(2), 199–207. https://doi.org/10.1037/1072-5245.15.2.199
Jahnke R, Larkey L, Rogers C, Etnier J, Lin F. A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi. American Journal of Health Promotion. 2010;24(6):e1-e25. doi:10.4278/ajhp.081013-LIT-248
Xiaorong Chen, Jiabao Cui, Ru Li, Richard Norton, Joel Park, Jian Kong, Albert Yeung, "Dao Yin (a.k.a. Qigong): Origin, Development, Potential Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications", Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2019, Article ID 3705120, 11 pages, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3705120