Zhan Zhuang & Severe Depression

A discipline dating back more than 4,000 years, the meditation technique of Zhan Zhuang involves standing upright while allowing chi, the "energy of life," the opportunity to tune the body to a fine point of clarity.

Identification

• Zhan Zhuang, translated as "standing like a tree," is an ancient Chinese exercise practiced in a motionless, balanced position to promote the development of internal energy and strength, both mentally and physically.

Significance

• Also called "standing meditation," the technique builds strength for the various disciplines of martial arts while also promoting self-healing, relaxation, lowering of blood pressure, minimization of stress and pressure, improved alertness and a growth of overall health and energy.

Effects

• In his book "The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing," author Ken Cohen writes of Zhan Zhuang: "It is a way of developing better alignment and balance, stronger legs and waist, deeper respiration, accurate body awareness, and a tranquil mind."

Benefits

• Growing scientific evidence points to meditation as a proven method of quieting the mind while relieving some forms of depression, anxiety and mental illness.

Research

• A 2008 study by scientists at Emory University concluded that meditation offers an element of protection for the brain while the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center offers meditation-focused therapy for the treatment of depression and other disorders.