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Natural Standard Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified health care professional before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. |
Related Terms
- AST Chiro, Chan-Chuang qi-gong, chi, Chi Gong, Chi Kung, Chinese medicine, Chun Do Su Bup, Daoyin-Tuna Qigong, external Qi gong, Falun gong, healing touch, hexiangzhuang (flying crane) Qi gong, internal Qi gong, meditation, Nei-Gong, Pa Tuan Jin, Pai Jer Tsuh Jih Gong, Qi, Qi gong emitted external Qi (QEQ), Qi gong Yangsheng, Qigong, Qigong Waiqi, Qigongizations, Reiki, tai chi, Therapeutic Touch, traditional Chinese medicine, visualization, Wai Qi Fa Gong, walking Qi gong, Yan Jing Yi Shen Gong.
Background
- Qi gong is a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is thought to be at least 4,000 years old. There are two main types of Qi gong practice: internal and external. Internal Qi gong is a self-directed technique that involves the use of sounds, movements, and meditation. Internal Qi gong actively engages people in their own health and well-being and can be performed with or without the presence of a Master instructor. It may be practiced daily to promote health maintenance and disease prevention. External Qi gong, also known as qi emission, is performed by a Master using his or her hands on a patient with the aim to project qi for the purpose of healing. There are many different styles of performing Qi gong and the Chinese government has reported over 5,000 types.
Theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.
- Qi gong is believed to be beneficial for three principal purposes: spiritual enlightenment, medical care, and martial arts/self-defense. Medical Qi gong can involve internal or external techniques and often includes five steps: meditation, cleansing, recharging/strengthening, circulating, and dispersing qi. Each step includes specific exercises, meditations, and sounds. Qi gong is intended to be harmonious with the natural rhythms of the environment and has been described as 'a way of working with life energy.'
Evidence
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Uses based on scientific evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
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Grade*
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High blood pressure
There is good evidence from several human studies that Qi gong, when used with conventional treatments, may be of benefit for high blood pressure. Initial research reports fewer deaths among people with high blood pressure who practice Qi gong. There is some evidence that internal Qi gong relaxation exercises may be safe for helping to control high blood pressure associated with pregnancy. Further research is warranted.
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B |
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Angina
There is some evidence suggesting that Qi gong may be used in the treatment of angina. However, further evidence is needed before a recommendation can be made.
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C |
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Asthma
Some research suggests that the regular practice of internal Qi gong over several months may improve breathing in asthma. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
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C |
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Atherosclerosis
There is some evidence supporting the use of external Qi gong as an adjunct therapy for arteriosclerotic obstruction. However, the available evidence is unclear. More studies would lead to a better understanding of this technique.
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C |
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
There is promising early evidence to support the use of internal Qi gong in the treatment of ADHD in children. However, the evidence is somewhat unclear. Further research is needed before Qi gong can be recommended as a treatment for ADHD.
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C |
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Childhood growth promotion
Children are capable of receiving instruction in internal Qi gong as a health promotion activity and it may have some behavioral benefits. However, it is still unclear whether Qi gong can promote physical growth in children. More research is needed.
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C |
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Chronic pain
There is some evidence that internal Qi gong or externally applied Qi gong may be useful in the management of pain and anxiety caused by pain. More evidence is needed in this area before a scientifically based conclusion can be drawn.
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C |
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Complex regional pain syndrome
There is some evidence that patients with complex regional pain syndrome might benefit from Qi gong instruction. However, more research is needed before Qi gong is recommended as a therapy for complex regional pain syndrome.
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C |
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Depression
Qi gong has been studied in elderly patients to see if it helped depression in those with chronic physical illnesses. Results were inconclusive, and further research is needed before a recommendation can be made. Qi gong may be used as an adjunct to more proven therapies.
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C |
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Detoxification (heroin)
A recent study looked at the effectiveness of Qi gong therapy vs. medical and non-medical treatment in the detoxification of heroin addicts. Results showed that Qi gong may be beneficial in heroin detoxification without side effects, although the possibility of the placebo effect cannot be completely eliminated. Other treatments have been better studied for heroin detoxification and are recommended at this time. Qi gong may be used as an adjunct therapy.
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C |
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Diabetes
There is some evidence that patients with diabetes may benefit from Qi gong. However, more research is needed to suggest Qi gong in the treatment of diabetes.
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C |
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Fibromyalgia
There is mixed evidence regarding the usefulness of Qi gong in treating fibromyalgia. More research is needed before a conclusion can be made.
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C |
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Gastritis
There is some evidence supporting the use of internal Qi gong in the treatment of gastritis. Further research is needed.
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C |
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Immune function
There is some evidence suggesting that internal Qi gong may help in treating immune deficiencies. However, the evidence is still unclear, and further research is needed to understand how Qi gong may potentially benefit immune function.
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C |
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Leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
Some early evidence suggests that Chan-Chuang Qi gong therapy may decrease leukopenia in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Further study is warranted in this area.
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C |
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Muscular dystrophy
There is some early evidence suggesting that internal Qi gong practice may help slow the decline of health in muscular dystrophy patients. More research is needed to understand the potential benefits of Qi gong in treating muscular dystrophy.
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C |
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Parkinson's disease
There is promising early evidence suggesting that internal Qi gong may help in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, the evidence is somewhat unclear, and further research is needed.
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C |
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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Regular Qi gong therapy may help to reduce PMS symptoms. However, further evidence is needed before Qi gong is recommended in the treatment of PMS.
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C |
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Quality of life
Qi gong may be beneficial for improving the quality of life in cardiac and cancer patients; further study is necessary to make a firm conclusion.
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C |
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Rehabilitation (cardiac)
Some evidence suggests that Qi gong may aid in cardiac rehabilitation by improving physical activity, balance, and coordination. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
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C |
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Stress
Preliminary study shows that Qi gong may be beneficial for relieving stress although more study is warranted in this area.
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C |
*Key to grades:
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).
For full grading rationale, click here.
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional
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Addiction, anti-aging, anticoagulation, anxiety, back pain, cancer prevention, cancer treatment, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, depression, endurance (pilot), gastrointestinal disease, headache, heart attack prevention, heart disease, improved sleep, improved workplace efficiency, improving breathing, kidney disease, liver disease, mania, mental illnesses, multiple sclerosis, neurological disorders, orofacial pain, peripheral vascular disease, psychosis, respiration, stroke (prevention), substance abuse, suicide prevention, well-being.
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Safety
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
- Qi gong is generally considered to be safe in most people when learned from a qualified instructor. In theory, underlying psychiatric disorders may worsen with unsupervised internal Qi gong practice. An allergic skin reaction was reported in one group of Qi gong students, but the cause was not clear. In cases of potentially serious conditions, Qi gong should not be used as the only treatment instead of more proven therapies, and it should not delay the time it takes to see an appropriate healthcare provider.
Authors
- This information is based on a professional level monograph edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Selected References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
- Creamer P, Singh BB, Hochberg MC, et al. Sustained improvement produced by nonpharmacologic intervention in fibromyalgia: results of a pilot study. Arthritis Care Res 2000;13(4):198-204.
- Eng ML, Lyons KE, Greene MS, et al. Open-label trial regarding the use of acupuncture and yin tui na in Parkinson's disease outpatients: a pilot study on efficacy, tolerability, and quality of life. J Altern Complement Med 2006 May;12(4):395-9.
- Hui PN, Wan M, Chan WK, et al. An evaluation of two behavioral rehabilitation programs, qigong versus progressive relaxation, in improving the quality of life in cardiac patients. J Altern Complement Med 2006 May;12(4):373-8.
- Iwao M, Kajiyama S, Mori H, et al. Effects of qigong walking on diabetic patients: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med 1999;5(4):353-358.
- Jung MJ, Shin BC, Kim YS, et al. Is there any difference in the effects of Qi therapy (external Qigong) with and without touching? A pilot study. Int J Neurosci 2006 Sep;116(9):1055-64.
- Lee MS, Kim MK, Lee YH. Effects of Qi-therapy (external Qigong) on cardiac autonomic tone: a randomized placebo controlled study. Int J Neurosci 2005;115(9):1345-1350.
- Lee TI, Chen HH, Yeh ML. Effects of chan-chuang qigong on improving symptom and psychological distress in chemotherapy patients. Am J Chin Med 2006;34(1):37-46.
- Linder K, Svardsudd K. [Qigong has a relieving effect on stress] Lakartidningen 2006 Jun 14-27;103(24-25):1942-5.
- Loh SH. Qigong therapy in the treatment of metastatic colon cancer. Altern Ther Health Med 1999;5(4):111-112.
- Mayer M. Qigong and hypertension: a critique of research. J Altern Complement Med 1999;5(4):371-382.
- Mehling WE, Hamel KA, Acree M, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of breath therapy for patients with chronic low-back pain. Altern Ther Health Med 2005;11(4):44-52.
- Morone NE, Greco CM. Mind-body interventions for chronic pain in older adults: a structured review. Pain Med 2007 May-Jun;8(4):359-75.
- Ospina MB, Bond K, Karkhaneh M, et al. Meditation practices for health: state of the research. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep) 2007 Jun;(155):1-263.
- Pippa L, Manzoli L, Corti I, et al. Functional capacity after traditional Chinese medicine (qi gong) training in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation: a randomized controlled trial. Prev Cardiol 2007 Winter;10(1):22-5.
- Yeh ML, Lee TI, Chen HH, et al. The influences of Chan-Chuang qi-gong therapy on complete blood cell counts in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Cancer Nurs 2006 Mar-Apr;29(2):149-55.
