Medical Qigong: A Holistic Approach to Health

Medical Qigong, a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a holistic mind-body practice that blends physical movements, controlled breathing, and meditation to promote health and well-being. Rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, Qigong has been practiced for over 4,000 years to maintain balance in the body’s energy flow, or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). It is now gaining attention in modern medicine for its therapeutic benefits, with numerous studies showing its positive impact on various health conditions. In this article, we explore the scientifically backed health benefits of practicing medical Qigong.

Physical Health Benefits:

• Pain Management: According to research, qigong may be beneficial to persons who are in pain or wish to enhance their general health. (1) 
• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Qigong exercises can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. (2)
• Enhanced Respiratory Function: Qigong’s breathing techniques can be beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). A study concluded, “Qigong Yangsheng is recommended for asthma patients with professional supervision. An improvement in airway capability and a decrease in illness severity can be achieved by regular self-conducted Qigong exercises.”(3) Another study concluded, “Qigong can improve COPD patients in lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life who were in the stable stage.”(4)

 Mental and Emotional Health Benefits: 

• Stress Reduction: “In recent years, an increasing number of studies have documented the effectiveness of qigong exercise in helping people improve their physical health and reduce perceived stress and anxiety.” (5)
• Depression: According to research, practicing Qigong can benefit people suffering from depression. (6)
• Improved Sleep Quality: Qigong can help individuals with insomnia or sleep disturbances achieve better sleep. A conclusion of a study suggests that “Health Qigong is beneficial for improving sleep quality in adults with and without disease.” (7)
• Boosted Immune Function: Regular Qigong practice may enhance the immune system. A study concluded, “Current evidence indicates that practicing TQ (Tai Chi and Qigong) has a physiologic impact on immune system functioning and inflammatory responses.” (8) 

Conclusion:

Medical Qigong offers a holistic and natural approach to health, providing potential benefits for both physical and mental well-being. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, the existing evidence suggests that Qigong can be a valuable therapy for various health conditions. For more information on medical qigong, read the book “Qigong for Health and Well-Being” by Faxiang Hou & Mark V. Wiley. 

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35179431/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9998898/#:~:text=Subgroup analyses showed that 6,= −0.97; 95% CI

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9628207/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6727520/

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3893407/

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6427394/

7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35998756/

8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400467/