A Study on Practicing Qigong and Getting Better Health Benefits in Biophilic Urban Green Spaces

Shih-Han Hung, Wan-Yu Chou and Chun-Yen Chang
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Shih-Han Hung: Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10673, Taiwan
Wan-Yu Chou: Graduate Institute of Landscape Architecture and Recreation Management, National Pingtung University of Science & Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan
Chun-Yen Chang: Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10673, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-13

Abstract: In natural spaces, people experience traditional environmental Qi (TEQ), which supports healthy environmental energy flow, and helps them gain an overall improved Qi experience from practicing Qigong. However, what kind of urban green spaces support Qigong? This study provides an analysis that measures TEQ, Qi experience, flow experience, restorative experience, and preference when practicing Qigong in different urban green spaces. A total of 654 valid data points were collected. The results indicate that subjects practicing “breathing” among trees, meadows, and waterscapes perceived higher TEQ, Qi experience, flow experience, and restorative experience, and preferred it to the environment of plazas. In addition, practicing Qigong in environments featuring biophilic elements, such as plants (meadows and trees), elicits flow experience and Qi experience in the built environment. Water, an important biophilic element, also produces better TEQ and restorative experiences, and is preferred by human beings. These results make a connection between Qigong, experiences, and biophilic urban green spaces, and offer suggestions for users to gain health benefits while exercising in urban areas.

Keywords: biophilic elements; traditional environmental Qi (TEQ); Qi experience; flow experience; health benefits (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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