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Several studies have exam- ined the hemodynamic bene- fits of yoga: • A study that began in London in 1973 combined yoga with biofeedback and noted that 25% of those studied were able to stop using medications to lower blood pressure as a result (28).   • A second study in 1993 examined physical fitness teachers who practiced yoga for 3 months.  The partici- pants showed a significant reduction in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and body weight (29). Tai Chi, developed in China in the 1200s, has become the most popular form of exercise in that country.  Tai Chi is increasingly popular in the United States as a form of mild to moderate aerobic activity.  It combines slow, graceful movements with deep breathing and mental attention.  A typical workout lasts only 15 to 20 minutes and ideally is performed twice a day either individually or in a group.   The body's response to Tai Chi has been studied and has been found to lower blood pressure and heart rate (30).  In fact, this same study found that Tai Chi con- ferred the equivalent benefit of brisk walking.  However, not all studies have found similar results.   Qi Gong (pronounced chee gong) also involves move- ment and deep breathing exercises.  It, too, was developed in ancient China and has become increasing- ly popular in the United States.  The qi is a person's vital energy, which circulates within the body in small channels known as meridi- ans.  Qi Gong is intended to channel that energy and promote health. While limited research is available in the United States, a 20-year study completed in China in 1993, found lowered blood pres- sure and a 50% decrease in death and illness from stroke in persons practicing Qi Gong (31).  Further study is still needed, but for now, Qi Gong may offer some benefit in the reduction of elevated blood pressure while promoting good health through physical fitness and stress relief-a winning combi- nation. While yoga, tai chi and qi gong may have bene- fits in the general healthy population, all three are especially well suited to the elderly person with decreased mobility or the person with cardiovascular conditions preventing partici- pation in more strenuous aerobic activity.  Specifically, it could be especially benefi- cial to individuals with ortho- pedic limitations, neurologic disease or peripheral vascu- lar disease. MIND/BODY Take time to think.   If healing literally means "to make whole," the body can- not truly be healed without healing the mind.  Ancient Chinese medicine consid- ered the mind and body as comprising the whole self. However, modern medicine has segregated these enti- ties and focused on scientific methods providing targeted therapies to the body, with- out examining the necessary "wellness" process needed to simultaneously treat the mind-the mind/body connec- tion.  For example, in cardio- vascular disease, medica- tions are provided to lower a person's elevated blood

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