The New Paper - 10 Apr 2003 ARTHRITIC PATIENT 'I got strength back after doing this' By Dominic Yang FOR six months, she felt so weak that she had to take taxis to get around. Now, she not only takes the bus, she has even learnt to swim. Miss Lim Sai Luang suffered from eczema, rheumatoid arthritis and menopausal symptoms. The retired teacher was on medication, and the side effects were taking a toll on her body. Four years ago, a friend introduced her to Zhineng Qigong, and she began daily classes. After a year of practising qigong, she was able to stop her medication. 'In fact, the qigong classes were so effective that I regained my strength and was able to take up swimming lessons,' said Miss Lim, 55. There are many others like her who turn to Zhineng Qigong when they feel there's nothing more that modern medicine can do. The Singapore Zhineng Qigong Society was formed in 1989, and runs classes to help such people. Others practise it just to maintain a healthy mind and body. Mr Tay Ngak Teck, 41, a qualified instructor with the society explained that Zhineng Qigong is based on the principle that the qi (vital energy) in the body can be replaced with the qi in the universe. He added: 'Students are taught how to direct this qi from the universe into the part of the body that is ill to provide cure or control.' Mr Tay likened the practice to studying for examinations. 'You have to be consistent in practising it in order to get good results. Of course the more hardworking you are, the speedier your recovery will be.' However, Mr Tay said, not everyone would get immediate results. 'Some people take years before they see the slightest effect.' Mr Lee Sze Dien, 35, an epilepsy patient, has been practising Zhineng Qigong for 10 years. The sales executive began to see improvements in his health after two years, and has since cut his medicine dosage by half. He said: 'I concentrate better now and have become more patient because my situation is under control.' Dr Chee Yew Wen, 32, a private general practitioner, said scientific studies conducted in China and reproduced by Columbia University have shown that qigong does help people suffering from stroke and high blood pressure. But, he said, there is insufficient data to prove medical benefits. 'From an objective point of view, qigong is good for everybody because it is less strenuous than yoga and helps relax both the mind and body,' he said.   Copyright © 2003 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.