Physical, emotional and spiritual wellness become an important topic once someone is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or any other disease which alters a lifestyle.

Kazuko Mumma was a guest speaker on MSWorld's chat with a strong response from people attending. In order to keep everyone informed of alternatives available to improve his or her life, we offer this information.

Watch for updates as we add a Question and Answer column.



Kazuko Mumma

Personal trainer, Qigong & fitness instructor for more than 20 years.

If you have a question for Kazuko, go to this link: Questions and Answers

Introduction given by MSWorld founder Kathleen Wilson for the guest chat:

"Kazuko is a certified QiGong and Pilates instructor trained in Japan. While there she held many important positions within both national and governmental fitness programs.

"She is certified with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), has worked with the Japan Aerobic Fitness Association (JAFA), the Ministry of Health and Welfare as well as Central Sports which is a nationwide sports franchise of over 160 fitness clubs in Japan.

"In the USA for the past 5 years, she*has been*working as a personal trainer and instructor, helping people apply the skills of Qigong and Pilates to their fitness regimen."

The following is Kazuko's introduction to the topic:
"Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is a 3,000-year-old discipline from China. Combining slow movement, deep breathing and meditation, qigong is also a gentle form of exercise. It promotes flexibility and increases strength without stressing the joints.
" Qigong can be a useful therapy for variety of ailments. What's more, Qigong is suitable for people of all ages and can be done safely by those with physical limitations.

"The goal of Qigong is to strengthen or balance the flow of vital energy throughout the body's invisible channels called meridians. Qigong literally means cultivating energy.

"Qigong often consist of shorter sequences than tai-chi, which are easy to learn and practice. Qigong is a relaxation method that can be an important part of a well-rounded fitness program along with aerobic exercise and strength training.

"There's been very little research on qigong in the United States. The October 2005 issue of ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) member's magazine is beginning to talk about the benefits of qigong along with tai-chi, yoga, and pilates.

"Qi (chee) is the foundation of all Chinese medical theory and Qigong. It is considered to be the vital force and energy flow in all living things. Qi can be best explained as a type of energy very much like electricity, which flows through the body.

"Although there is no precise Western definition of Qi, it is often referred to as bioelectricity. In fact, it was recognized in the last decade that Qi is actually the bioelectricity circulating in all living things.

"Research in Asia suggests that practicing Qigong regularly can lower blood pressure, reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, promote the healing of ulcers, reduce arthritis pain, and even enhance immunity.

"Qigong is also recommended to cancer patients to reduce fatigue and other side effects of conventional cancer treatments.

"I have practiced with cancer patients, people with MS, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, depression, sinus infections, ulcers, hearing problems, hot flashes, hormone imbalance, anger issues, headaches, etc. Qigong really does improve body and mental awareness."

To read the entire transcript, click on this link: Guest Chat

For more information about Qigong, visit the National Qigong (Chi Kung) Association link: http://www.nqa.org