Do you know someone who suffers from dementia? Witnessing a loved one slowly lose their memory and reasoning skills can be a very painful experience. Dementia is a persistent syndrome that tends to get worse over time–affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. It is distinct from Alzheimer’s in that Alzheimer’s is a specific disease, but general dementia can stem from a variety of unrelated brain illnesses.

There’s increased evidence showing that practices such as qi gong, meditation and yoga can not only prevent disease, but actually reverse it and delay aging as well. As scientists learn more about such topics as gene expression, what turns a gene on or off, and how to prevent telomeres, (the strands of protein in our cells that control aging) from unraveling, it becomes impossible to ignore just how much our good lifestyle choices can pay off.

Healers have known for years that practicing qigong reduces stress and energizes the body and mind. Now multiple studies from researchers have documented the exact degree to which qigong aids in balancing cortisol, otherwise known as the “stress hormone.” Besides improving your mood, reducing cortisol levels allow your body to heal and repair itself.

Reboot and Rejoice is a wonderfully personal account of the author’s full recovery from Parkinson’s Disease using qigong. Ms. Molle shares her regimen, including details of the specific teachers, CDs, websites, etc., that she used to facilitate her healing. Now, more than three years after her recovery, she shares the specifics, as well as her reflections on the healing process.

Like so many of us, I’ve been watching my nutrition and eating healthfully for years, buying only organic food and the very freshest ingredients possible. Also years ago, I cut out those foods that are known to damage our systems. I thought I was doing well until I heard about Qigong Master Jeff Primack and his food based healing system.

Qigong Meets Quantum Physics – Experiencing Cosmic Oneness by Imke Bock-Mobius Review by Cheryl Shainmark Qigong meets Quantum Physics is a wonderful integration of the various principles of qigong, mysticism, and the natural sciences. In the best Daoist tradition, Bock-Mobius has surmounted the duality of any discussion of religion (or philosophy) and science, and outlined her compelling vision of how it all comes together.

Ready, Set, Slow – How to Improve Your Energy, Health, and Relationships Through the Power of Slow is truly inspirational. The author, Qi Gong master Lee Holden, makes a strong case for his methods, and the transformational benefits that come from incorporating these changes into our lives. From the book we read: “There’s too much at stake not to slow down. By slowing down, you’ll gain time, energy, focus, and clarity.” The idea that slowing down can lead to more productivity may sound too good to be true, but research confirms it does this and more―if only we can figure out a way to apply it in our everyday lives.

During this time of uncertainty amidst the corona virus, there has been a feeling of helplessness while we wait: wait to leave our houses, wait to develop a vaccine, wait to get the “all clear” signal so that we can resume our lives, our jobs, and the economy. It sometimes feels like there’s nothing we can do to help the situation.  I believe that one of the best ways to use this enforced quiet time and help ourselves is to build our imune systems so that we are better able to resist or lighten the effects of the virus. To that end, I have increased my usual daily qigong practice to include routines from a few of these wonderful Qigong Masters.

For over 25 years Lee Holden has devoted his career to helping others learn the powerful principles of Qi Gong. Working in collaboration with Grand Master Mantak Chia, a Qi Gong expert, he has worked to bring the ancient Taoist practice to western culture. Lee Holden is an instructor in Qi Gong, meditation, and Tai Chi, and is a licensed acupuncturist. In addition to his international teaching and private practice, he works as a stress management consultant to several corporations, including Apple and 3Com.