I want to say "Nice job, folks!" to those of you trying to keep it civil. The purpose of the forum is discussion, even when it is a contentious subject.
The initial post about levitation is absurd, but for fun I will answer.
Yes, I believe everything that is commonly said about the affects of qigong. As for levitation, which is completely unrelated, I remain skeptical that human being can levitate. Miraculous beings however...
Regarding Qi in your body, and qi in the martial arts: the word translates to "energy". It does not need your interpretation. The concept is that with practice, we can feel the body's energy, and eventually the energy of other things outside of the body. We can cultivate our body's energy to a higher state than normal, which has health benefits of longevity, vitality, and increased strength. And, we can learn to use increased energy in martial arts (it is not only kinetic energy/alignment).
And from a Buddhist perspective: by keeping all channels open with correct alignment, quieting the conscious mind, and developing a sharp focus, we can transform the human body. The Buddha dharma does not lie.
The studies in America of how and why qigong works are slow and meticulous. Although qigong is 4,000 years old, with thousands of documents (empirical evidence) about how and why to practice, our Western skeptical minds (mine included) need proof. And it is coming. Qigong is the future of medicine, not the past. Psychoneuroimmunology and epigenetics will show that the mind and the choices you make control your immune system, your healing, and your longevity. Your beliefs and your lifestyle control which genes 'express'.
It is a complex issue, and difficult to understand in Western medical terms. But, I often say in my qigong classes, "We will not wait 100 years for the Western medical textbook to come out explaining how and why to practice meditation and moving meditation (qigong and tai chi), we practice now, and benefit in this lifetime."
Those who know, know.
A note: one problem with standardizing a study of qigong or tai chi, is that the results rely on the individuals' attitude, general health, and intention during their practice, as well as the qualifications of their teacher. Science has shown recently that if you
believe something works, it works! Many people can study the same thing in class, or in a study, and have different results. Because it is truly a subjective experience.
In Boston, Ted Tkapchuk's work has moved from acupuncture to focusing on the placebo effect, and they found something very interesting. People get well, even when they know they are taking a placebo, and it is
dose-dependent. Meaning, when they take more placebo, they get even better. The power of belief.
AND - regarding the other thread, about Doctors and Tai Chi and diabetes. In this forum, when someone has a serious ailment, we frequent posters say "Go to your Doctor". But we do not disparage them for asking for advice or alternative ways to deal with their symptoms or their ailment. You may know I did a Tai Chi video in 2006 with Lou Reed:
http://ymaa.com/publishing/dvd/internal/chen_taijiquanLou has diabetes, and he has become a serious Chen-style daily practitioner. He no longer uses insulin. He mitigates his symptoms with Tai Chi. When one understands HOW to do this, they empower themselves. It is best done with frequent monitoring with a Doctor of course.
Thinking (believing) that something is impossible will almost guarantee that it will be impossible for you.
We do not yet understand human energy. We are on the forefront of this study. Its up to you if you choose to believe that you can benefit from it or not. We cannot convince others.