It is generally believed that Qi gong can help with all areas of life in traditional Chinese medicine; below are some scientifically proven ways it can help.
Today we are going to look at six scientific benefits of Qi Gong. Let’s get started…
1. It lowers blood pressure and improves heart health
The movement associated with Qi gong is said to stimulate the flow of natural energy, also known as Chi and Qi. Many Qi gong practitioners report feeling tingly, more limber, warmer, and more energetic after Qi gong practice. In the scientific world, this is explained by the ability of Qi gong to improve lymphatic drainage and improve circulation.
Qi gong range in terms of style and intensity, and it impacts the cardiovascular system differently, depending on the style in use.
Some Qi gong styles involve smooth, deep, steady, and slow movements linked with breath. This is useful to calm a racing heart and mind. While a more vigorous style increases heartbeats, stimulates sweating, and provides a form of low-to-moderate intensity aerobic workout.
Qi gong helps to improve blood pressure by lowering stress, boosting circulation, strengthening the heart, and increasing stamina.
A study report from the National Taiwan University Hospital found that tai chi/Qi gong is safe and effective for patients with coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and those who have had heart failures.
2. Qi gong help reduce depressive symptom severity
In a study published in the Journal of complementary therapies in Medicine, Qi gong and Tai Chi was reported to be beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms.
Thirty separate studies were reviewed, which had 2328 participants (823 males and 1505 females).
Qi gong interventions were found to have a significant effect on reducing depressive symptom severity in the participants.
3. Qi gong Exercises can help Manage the symptoms associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
In a study report in the Journal Medicines (Basel), Qi gong Exercises were found to have positive effects on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
It reported large scale variation in styles and definitions of Qi gong by many authors. The research also found that Qi gong showed promising results for insulin resistance, weight, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose.
However, the modality of use may involve Chinese and Western herbs, acupuncture, exercise, nutrition therapy, and other naturopathic medicine in conjunction with Qi gong Exercises.
4. Qi gong is a beneficial therapy for hypertension
In a Systematic Review published in Medicine (Baltimore), the efficacy of Qi gong exercises for hypertension was studied. Based on reviewed articles available in Chinese and English, the author concluded that Qi gong is an effective therapy for hypertension.
In comparison to antihypertensive drugs, Qi gong was found to reduce blood pressure significantly and was recommended as an effective alternative therapy for hypertensive patients.
5. Qi gong in Cancer Care
In another study published in Medicines (Basel) explored the theory, available evidence, and practice of Qi gong for individuals living with cancer. The study considered the internet, field observations, PubMed, expert opinions, and the review of scholarly texts; it found shreds of evidence supporting its efficacy in integrative oncology. It concluded Qigong care would improve cancer-related quality of life and has no side effects.
6. Qi gong in fibromyalgia care
Fibromyalgia is difficult to treat, and treatment may include multiple approaches.
In a controlled experiment reported in Arthritis Research and Therapy, in which 100 participants were distributed into an immediate or delayed practice group – it was found that Qi gong had long term benefits in several core domains in fibromyalgia, and concluded it might be a useful adjuvant self-care treatment for fibromyalgia.
However, it is recommended that further studies should be carried out to understand its potential benefits and modalities fully.
References
Griffith JM; Hasley JP; Liu H; Severn DG; Conner LH; Adler LE; (n.d.). Qigong stress reduction in hospital staff. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18823261/
JS;, L. C. (n.d.). Tai Chi training for patients with coronary heart disease. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18487898/
Klein, P. (2017, January 12). Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5597070/
Liu X;Clark J;Siskind D; Williams GM; Byrne G; Yang JL; Doi SA; (n.d.). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Qigong and Tai Chi for depressive symptoms. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26275645/
Lynch, M., Sawynok, J., Hiew, C., & Marcon, D. (2012, August 03). A randomized controlled trial of Qigong for fibromyalgia. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3580572/
Putiri, A. L., Close, J. R., Lilly, H. R., Guillaume, N., & Sun, G. (2017, August 09). Qigong Exercises for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622394/
Tai Chi and Qi Gong: In Depth. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tai-chi-and-qi-gong-in-depth
Xiong, X., Wang, P., Li, X., & Zhang, Y. (2015, January). Qigong for hypertension: A systematic review. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4602820/