The Science of WaQi
A Deep Foundation
WaQi stems from ancient arts that were passed on to Dr. Yang in the traditional way: through apprenticeship. Having learned from legendary masters in the martial and healing arts, and having attained his own mastery through diligent practice, he has the deep foundation needed to convey ancient practices for modern use in cultivating optimal health.
Scientific from the Start
Dr. Yang was training at an engineering school in his early 20s at the same time that he was deeply involved in his apprenticeship in the traditional martial and healing arts. Because of this dual focus, he closely analyzed his traditional training from a systematic, empirical point of view. His traditional training proved powerfully effective, and over the years, Yang has pursued his scientific curiosity to find out why, ultimately completing a doctorate in kinesiology at the the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Which elements of the practices produce health benefits? Which practices, when combined, act synergistically? What is the most efficient way to derive maximum benefits? This approach — both traditional and empirical, ancient and modern — has guided him in developing the art and its teaching, and, ultimately, the WaQi program.
T’ai Chi and Qigong Research Conducted by Dr. Yang Yang’s Team (WaQi)
High quality scientific research using Dr. Yang's Tai Chi and Qigong program supports the effectiveness of this approach in enhancing physical, mental and emotional health. Seven papers have been published in the scientific peer reviewed literature that have used Dr. Yang Yang’s program. All papers are of controlled, longitudinal studies, and three were fully randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
The WaQi approach reduces anxiety and improves sleep. A federally funded study used Dr. Yang's program to study the effect of his program on anxiety and sleep quality in young adults. Anxiety levels decreased and sleep quality improved significantly.
WaQi improves youthfulness. Within two months older adults (average age 80) in a study of Dr. Yang's system measured 10 years younger on tests of balance and strength
WaQi improves strength and coordination. Leg strength and muscular control were significantly improved by the combination of tai chi and qigong exercises in Dr. Yang's program. The improvement in muscular control was distinctly superior to the results of general strength training.
WaQi improves immune function. The combination of qigong and specific meditation exercises in Dr. Yang's program led to rapid improvements in performance of participants' immune systems. Although the immune response of older adults diminishes over time, the use of Dr. Yang's program significantly improved the production of protective antibodies compared to a control group.
WaQi improves balance in multiple dimensions. A study of multiple aspects of balance in healthy adults who used Dr. Yang's approach found improvements in a complex series of standing and moving challenges to balance and stability. You can always get better!
WaQi improves your mind and your self-esteem. Within 5 weeks of a Tai Chi based study, individuals with early stage dementia showed improvements in learning,and equally important, emotional health.
WaQi makes you feel better and younger in many ways. At the end of a 6 month study, students were interviewed about their experience. They reported many overall improvements in their lives related to their practice of Dr. Yang's system. Along with improved general health, they pointed to improved confidence, self-awareness and optimism.
To read a summary of published scientific studies conducted using Dr. Yang Yang’s Evidence-Based Taiji & Qigong Program, click here.
Research on the health benefits of t’ai chi and qigong continues to grow. Investigators have documented benefits for pain relief, anxiety, sleep, immune function, balance and fall prevention, and focus and cognition. We expect that future research on health promotion, mind-body interactions, disease and injury prevention, and rehabilitation in cases of disease and injury will generate stronger findings yet.
T’ai Chi and Qigong Research Conducted by Others
Knowledge of the benefits of ancient Eastern practices has increased exponentially over the past twenty years. No longer simply testimonial, benefits have now been documented scientifically in the areas of pain relief, anxiety, sleep, immune function, balance and fall prevention, and focus and cognition. We believe that stronger findings yet will be shown as investigators strive to refine their research by deepening their knowledge of traditional practices.
