In cooperation with the Bruchsal prison, weekly Qi Gong training is offered for inmates.
Incarceration is a difficult experience for any individual. For prisoners, life can be a never-ending cycle of stress and anxiety. In addition to the obvious challenges of being incarcerated, prisoners must also contend with the constant threat of violence, the insecurity of not knowing when they will be released, and the isolation from family and friends. It's no wonder that prisoners are at high risk for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. However, there may be hope in the form of meditation. A growing body of research has shown that meditation can help to reduce stress and promote positive mental health.
Qigong - a form of meditation - may be beneficial for prisoners. For centuries, the Chinese practice of Qigong has been used to improve physical and mental health. More specifically, Qigong is a form of moving meditation that involves gentle movements and stretches, deep breathing, and relaxation. Qigong aims to improve the flow of energy throughout the body. This is said to promote physical and mental wellness, which would relate to improve inmates' psychological well-being, help to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. For prisoners, who often live in a state of constant stress, Qigong may offer a much-needed respite.
In light of these recent findings in the literature, it seems clear that providing Qigong training for prisoners would be a valuable addition to the prison system. Such training could help inmates to manage their stress levels more effectively and improve their overall well-being. This, in turn, could lead to a reduction in the number of incidents of violence and self-harm in prisons, and help prepare inmates for life after prison. Therefore, in cooperation with the Bruchsal prison, weekly Qi Gong training is offered for inmates. A method (YuanGong moving meditation) is primarily used, which has a clear training character due to the strenuous parts.
PARTNER
JVA Bruchsal
THEME
Qi Gong-Training in the jail
YEAR
2022
