Complementary chinese medicines, already widely used in the United States, are gaining greater acceptance from doctors in this country.

The San's Cancer Support Centre has offered patients reflexology and massage services for the past two years.

Now it is running a seminar on an ancient Chinese healing exercise as part of a six-week program for gynaecological cancer sufferers.

The seminar is being led by Dr Byeongsang Oh, a qigong teacher and an integrative medicine researcher at the University of Sydney. He said qigong was a traditional Chinese mind, body and spirit exercise over 5000 years old.

At least four hospitals in the US are offering medical qigong as part of their cancer support program. It involves the integration of deep breathing, relaxation, posture, visualisation and meditation.

"Even the elderly people and the very sick people they can still practise (it)," Dr Oh said.

Last year a randomised clinical trial of the impact of medical qigong was conducted at Concord Hospital involving 36 cancer patients.

At the end of the trial those patients who had practised qigong were less tired, their quality of life had improved, they had reduced inflammation, and their general mood was better.

Dr Oh has received funding from the University of Sydney to conduct a wider study.

Margaret Adams, manager of the San's Cancer Support Centre, said there was a growing interest in complementary therapies.

"The more multicultural we become the more people become aware of the benefits of those type of therapies," she said.

"People perceive an improved quality of life. It gives them a greater sense of control."

If you have any question about Qigong ,please clink hereconsult our expert http://net.zoosnet.net/LR/Chatpre.aspx?id=NET39826137 be onlline 24 hours.