Bigu Qigong: Weight Loss and Maintenance for Staff and Clients Using a Web-Based Platform

Biqu Qigong is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to effective weight loss and maintenance. Qigong is a powerful form of healing that has been practiced for thousands of years in China. An integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong is using mind, body movement and breath to enhance the flow of Qi (energy) in the body. Bigu Qigong as developed by Dr. Qizhi Gao is a specialized practice of Qigong. It has been shown to promote weight loss by using simple breathing and energy gathering techniques. Bigu translates as “avoid” (bi)” the grain” (gu) as evidenced by a decrease in hunger. (Gao, 2016)

The two (2) week introduction to Bigu QiGong includes a breathing /mindfulness technique for 15 minutes before meals. There are only two rules associated with the breathing/mindfulness exercise: Eat only when hungry and Drink only when thirsty. Participants are asked to discuss any health issues such as diabetes with their healthcare provider before beginning program.

Dr. Gao (1997, 2016) has anecdotal evidence from several hundred clients using this approach in face to face classes. Participant’s appetite, fatigue, and mood are assessed during the program. Bigu Qigong does not rely on counting calories, strenuous exercise or meal replacements to force weight loss. Instead, the Bigu Qigong participants increase the flow of Qi (energy) and draw sustenance from the Qi itself. (Gao, 1997, 2016) Dr. Forlaw’s pilot study with school teachers and program with faculty supported the efficacy of this approach as a weight loss program. Participants exhibited immediate improvement in mood and fatigue and focus (Mindfulness) in support of their weight loss. This presentation will share the Bigu Qigong theory and approach to weight loss and maintenance. The online approach to Biqu Qigong as a weight loss strategy and the effectiveness of the web-based approach to this program will be presented.