SHAOLIN MONKS MAY HOLD THE KEY TO PREVENTING HEALTH RISK AT SubmittedWORK by: Yan Lei Productions Tuesday, 20 May 2008
An ancient technique, which was originally devised to help improve the health of Shaolin monks when they were sitting in lengthy meditation sessions, may hold the key to preventing stress and health problems at work. At the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Sweden. Qi Gong was shown to reduce blood pressure, noradrenaline excretion in urine, and influence the heart rate and temperature, indicating reduced activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Qigong also reduced low-back symptoms. (full details of the study below) Shifu Yan Lei, who is a 34th generation fighting disciple from the Shaolin Temple in China, and is now based in the UK, says: “ Qi Gong was originally taught by the founder of Zen Buddhism; Bodhidharma. Seeing that his monks were tired from extensive meditation, he composed a set of dynamic exercises to give them energy and strengthen their body.” Qi Gong is a moving meditation, which works on the same scientific principle as acupuncture. It is practiced by millions of people in China and is becoming increasingly popular in the West as people seek longevity, stress reduction and improved health through mind-body practices like qigong. Some people call it a Chinese yoga but unlike yoga, it needs no equipment and very little space; some of the movements can even be done from an office chair. ‘I advise my students to stop working every few hours and do a little Qi Gong,” says Shifu Yan Lei. “ In the future, instead of taking a cigarette break, I hope they will take a Qi break.” -ENDS- For further information contact: Cathryn Taylor Shaolin Warrior 21B, Almeida Street, London, N1 1TB 0207 288 1231 [email protected]