This article was first published in January 2003.
(Minghui.org) Associate professor Ms. Hu Yu-Whuei from the Economics Department of National Taiwan University published a research report today showing that 72% of Falun Gong practitioners use only one health insurance card per year after practicing Falun Gong, a reduction in usage of almost 50%. [One health insurance card allows the recipient 6 visits to health care providers; beyond that, one has to renew the card.] For those who have visited hospitals frequently for years, these results are a great blessing.
This scientific research was taken of Falun Gong practitioners all over Taiwan. For example, they did research in one fifth of townships, towns, cities and districts, collected 1182 valid questionnaires, and arrived at their conclusions by means of statistic analysis.
The report pointed out that Falun Gong has a remarkable effect on getting rid of unhealthy habits, such as an 81% rate for quitting smoking, 77% rate for abstaining from alcohol, 85% rate for quitting gambling and 85% for completely giving up chewing betel nuts (an addictive and unhealthy habit common in Asia). These data prove that practicing Falun Gong indeed has positive and remarkable effects on improving the social environment.
Dr. Hu pointed out that the research shows that Falun Gong also offers great help in harmonizing one's emotions. The degree of satisfaction with one's health condition increased from 24% to 78%; satisfaction with one's ability to deal with daily activities increased from 36% to 81%. In addition, 33% of people had a tendency to be nervous and melancholy, but less than 3% reported such feelings after practicing.
Dr. Hu considered that, as financing for health insurance is quite tight currently, practicing Falun Gong is not only a basic way to effectively reduce medical expenses, but also it offers immeasurable benefits to people's physical and mental well-being. She thought the government and the academic circles should work together to gain a deeper understanding of Falun Gong's benefit to people's health. She hopes she can gain support from the Bureau of National Health Insurance to conduct more in-depth research on Falun Gong practitioners' health data.
Dr. Hu has studied health economics for many years, and also is a Falun Gong practitioner. Based on her personal experience and academic knowledge, and with the support from Taiwan Falun Dafa Association, she completed this research report. It deserves attention and affirmation from all segments of society.
Category: Health Benefits
