Well it is that time of year again. I am sure that all of you are thinking the same thing….the time of the Kidneys in Classical Chinese medicine! Many people become acutely aware and worried this time of year because the immune system becomes severely challenged; especially for asthma, COPD, Emphysema, common colds, flus and even panic attacks ….. all do increase this time of year.

In a recent article in CHEST it states: “Health-care utilization for children with asthma changes with the seasons, peaking in the fall. Using data from the United Healthcare database, researchers from the University of North Carolina reviewed health-care utilization patterns and asthma medication usage in children aged 2 to 5 years and 6 to 12 years from 2002 to 2004. Results showed that health-care utilization was minimal in the summer; however, September consistently served as a point of increase for health-care utilization for both age groups. In October and November, peak emergency department visits for the two age groups were approximately 2.4 to 2.8 times higher than in July; outpatient visits were approximately 3.1 to 3.3 times higher; and hospitalizations were approximately 3.7 to 5.6 times higher. Asthma controller and reliever medication claims increased beginning in September and peaked in December. Rates for health-care use and claims for asthma medications also were elevated in February.”

So you can see we are right in the middle of one of the worse times of year for people with breathing disorders. Fortunately, I have a solution for many of you: Asthma QiGong.

See www.inner-strength.com/Products.htm for more information.

 It takes only 6 weeks of training inQiGong/Taiji, according to a recent article in CHEST, to have immense positive physiological and emotional changes. Remember that Taiji is QiGong, especially the way it is taught in America. According to the report, “…..patients showed significant improvements in peak flow variability, asthma control test score, negative inspiratory pressure, 6-minute walk distance, and quality of life. Patients also increased their maximum work rate, maximum oxygen consumption, and exercise endurance time. Researchers conclude that QiGong training could be an effective, nonpharmacologic, adjunctive therapy for patients with persistent asthma to help them achieve better asthma control and quality of life.”

QiGongis one of the best-kept secrets for any person with an autoimmune disorder.Please start becoming pro-active in your health care and taking care of yourself with these easy to perform and effective exercises for body and mind.