Li, in writings available on many Falun Dafa Web sites, says Falun Dafa is characterized by the cultivation of the Falun or law wheel, located in the body's lower abdomen. As an intelligent, spinning body of high-energy substance, the Falun absorbs energy from the universe and relieves the body of bad elements. Few local health professionals have extensive knowledge about the effects of Falun Dafa, although other meditative practices, such as tai chi and yoga have been shown in studies to lower blood pressure, improve balance, ease stress, strengthen the immune system and promote overall health. Several treatment programs, such as the Simonton Cancer Program offered at the Mind Body Wellness Center in Meadville, and the Dean Ornish heart disease reversal program offered by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, incorporate meditation, yoga and tai chi. These disciplines can help relieve chronic stress that can lead to serious health risks, such as high blood pressure and clogged arteries.
Hospitals also offer tai chi and yoga classes to promote overall wellness.
Some people with arthritis or fibromyalgia, an auto-immune disorder, report tai chi helps reduce joint pain. He said Eastern approaches to health and fitness have very real benefits from which Westerners can learn. Such practices, he says, increase physical strength and concentration, as well as improve one's attitude and ability to relax. By strengthening the immune system, the exercises may ease allergy problems and other ailments, Cervone said. Richard Lengyel of Ross, a member of the National Qigong Association who teaches Chinese medicine and herbology at CCAC, said practitioners of Eastern medicine believe that if the flow of energy called chi, or qi, is not in balance, disease can enter the body.