| Bastyr University launches the nation's first randomized controlled pilot study of Qigong Therapy as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Researchers to compare effects of Qigong to conventional care and mild exercise.
Can Qigong Therapy be a Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes? Diabetes affects 16 million individuals throughout the United States, and recent data released by the Seattle and King County Public Health indicates there are twice as many diabetes sufferers in King County as a decade ago. While it is proven that lifestyle modifications and medication can improve glucose control and delay the onset of diabetic complications, the rapid increase of cases and the potential health risks of some diabetes medications, suggest it is necessary to explore and develop complementary and alternative interventions to improve the management of Type 2 Diabetes. In July 2007, a team of researchers from the School of Nutrition and Exercise Science at Bastyr University will launch the nation's first clinical pilot study to test the effects of Qigong Therapy as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. Based on the findings of the pilot study, the University also plans to conduct a future large-scale national research study examining the impact of Qigong Therapy on Type 2 Diabetes patients. This will also be the first study of its kind in the United States.
The randomized, controlled pilot clinical trial will compare the effects of Qigong Therapy to mild exercise or conventional care in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Researchers will examine the effectiveness and feasibility of Qigong Therapy as a treatment, and identify biological and psychological characteristics associated with participants' responses to Qigong therapy. During the 12-week study, 27 participants will be monitored for changes body weight, blood sugar control and insulin levels.
Qigong Therapy is a subtle energy based Chinese system of stationary and moving meditation practices that have been practiced with remarkable results in China for about five thousand years. It was introduced to the United States as "energy medicine" by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and National Institute of Health (NIH). Today, as its potential for improving general health has become more widely recognized, the practice of qigong has become more popular in Western countries. The practice of Qigong therapy provides methodologies to access, regulate, and transform internal energies, as well as to facilitate the internal and external communications at the subtle energy level. Practitioners experience and use a subtle form of energy to perform self-healing and self-care in treating chronic illnesses.
"Preliminary research indicates that Qigong may be an effective complementary therapy for promoting health and wellness among older adults and possibly for managing chronic conditions in older adults," says Jennifer Lovejoy, PhD, Dean of the School of Nutrition and Exercise Science at Bastyr University, who will lead the Pilot Study. "As first institution in the country to launch a pilot study of this nature, we look forward to furthering research findings surrounding whether Qigong therapy can be a beneficial component of a Type 2 Diabetes treatment plan."
Bastyr University is currently enrolling study participants who are 18 to 65 years old and suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. Participants must use diet or oral medications to control diabetes, not be taking insulin, and be able to maintain a consistent diet during the 12 week study. Interested candidates can call 425-602-3389 for additional information.
Bastyr University, in Kenmore, Washington, is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in the study of natural healing. It is the leading university for natural health sciences in the United States, encompassing a multidisciplinary curriculum and world-renowned research. Founded in 1978 by practicing naturopathic physicians, Bastyr University integrates the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the wisdom of ancient healing methods and traditional cultures from around the world. Its mission is to educate future leaders in the natural health sciences that integrate mind, body, spirit, and nature. Through natural health education, research and clinical services, Bastyr University improves the health and well-being of the human community.
©Copyright
2007 by AlternativeApproaches.com
|
Printer Friendly Page