If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that can benefit both your mental and physical health, you may want to try Qigong, an ancient discipline that helps participants cultivate and move energy throughout the body. In addition to improving balance, coordination and flexibility, it can also reduce stress, improve your outlook, and even lower your blood pressure.

The name Qigong (pronounced chee-kung) comes from two Chinese words: Qi, meaning energy, and gong, meaning a skill or practice. Similar to tai chi and yoga, Qigong emphasizes the mind/body connection. It involves visualization and breathing in concert with gentle, controlled physical movements.

EJGH Volunteer Tommie Landry has studied Qigong for the past four years. She participates in a weekly class sponsored by Elder Advantage and led by Qigong Master Tai Peter Hom. Tommie participated in high-impact exercise, like aerobics, until arthritis began to limit her activities. She tried Qigong as a low-impact alternative and soon became a devoted student. She says Qigong helps to alleviate the pain and stiffness caused by her arthritis and helps her maintain an active lifestyle. Tommie starts her day each morning with moves she learned in class.

"Like a lot of seniors, I feel a little stiff when I get out of bed," she says. "As soon as I get up, Qigong moves help get my circulation going and get rid of the stiffness."
In addition to easing the symptoms of arthritis, Qigong can improve balance and coordination. Seniors who practice Qigong have fewer falls and, therefore, fewer fractures. It may also help with depression and other chronic health problems. If you have a chronic condition, check with your physician before starting Qigong or any fitness program.

Teacher Tai Peter Hom says that Qigong is a discipline that's easy to learn, and that first-time participants have no trouble jumping right in. Unlike tai chi, Qigong movements can be done in any order, meaning participants don't have to master a specific series of moves to participate.

If you think Qigong might be right for you, Elder Advantage offers a one-hour class each Wednesday in the hospital's Conference Center. The cost is $5 per class. Call Elder Advantage at 454-4066 for more information. The Wellness Centers offers an eight-week course that is open to both members and non-members. The Wellness Center uses a different spelling (Chi Kung) but it is the same discipline taught at the Elder Advantage Qigong classes. Call the Wellness Center at 849-6868 for information on the eight-class series.