Medical Benefits of the Qigong Meditative Movement

Studies have shown that practicing Qigong impacts stress and overactivation by decreasing stress levels, hypertension, depression, and anxiety and improving cardiovascular and respiratory systems, immune function, sleep quality, cognitive functioning, and stress appraisal.  Due to the similarity of Qigong and Tai Chi, this review of the state of the science for these forms of meditative movement will investigate the benefits of both forms together. In presenting evidence for a variety of health benefits, many of which are attributable to both practices, we will point to the magnitude of the combined literature and suggest under what circumstances Qigong and Tai Chi may be considered as potentially equivalent interventions, with recommendations for standards and further research to clarify this potential. 

A compelling body of research has shown the benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi, which covers an extensive range of health challenges and chronic conditions, including, but not limited to, bone health, cardiopulmonary fitness, physical function, falls risk, and balance, the general quality of life, immune function and inflammatory responses, management of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiac and cardiovascular disease, mortality and stroke, blood pressure, stress and illness, heart function and microcirculation, asthma, respiration, allergies, neuromuscular disorders, cancer, use of drugs, anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy.

• Meditative movement practices have also been recommended to learn mindfulness for those who struggle to sit still during the more commonly taught mindfulness practices (Russell et al., 2015). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6597336/  Other researchers argue for conceptualizing and promoting physical activity as a Mindfulness-Based Movement (Lucas, Porges et al., 2018).
• Qigong Institute – Scientific Basis of Qigong and Energy Medicine Other researchers argue for conceptualizing and promoting physical activity as a Mindfulness-Based Movement (Lucas, Porges et al., 2018).Russell TA, Arcuri SM. A Neurophysiological and Neuropsychological Consideration of Mindful Movement: Clinical and Research Implications. Front Hum Neurosci. 2015;9:282. Published 2015 May 26. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2015.00282
• Qigong for the Prevention and Treatment for COVID-19 Feng F, Tuchman S, Denninger JW, Fricchione GL, Yeung A. Qigong for the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Infection in Older Adults 
• Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;   Quantity and Quality of Exercise
• Harvard Medical School. An Introduction to Tai Chi. 2019. Harvard Health Publishing  https://www.health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/an-introduction-to-tai-chi-ecourse-nov2019-test
• Hempel S, Taylor SL, Solloway MR, et al. Evidence Map of Tai Chi. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs (US); 2014  ~ Evidence Map of Tai Chi
•  A comprehensive review of health benefits of qigong and tai chi. Am J Health Promot. 2010; 24(6):e1-e25. Jahnke R, Larkey L, Rogers C, Etnier J, Lin F. doi:10.4278/ajhp.0810-LIT-248  ~ A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits of Qigong and TaiChi
• Qigong, and Tai Chi as Therapeutic Exercise: Survey of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Addressing Physical Health Conditions. Qigong and Tai Chi as Therapeutic Exercise   Klein PJ, Baumgarten J, Schneider R.  Altern Ther Health Med. 2019;25(5):48-53 
• Mindfulness Based Movement – A Polyvagal Perspective  ~ Lucas AR, Klepin HD, Porges SW, Rejeski WJ. Mindfulness-Based Movement: A Polyvagal Perspective. Integr Cancer Ther. 2018;17(1):5-15. doi:10.1177/1534735416682087
• The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses ~ Oh B, Bae K, Lamoury G, et al. The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicines (Basel). 2020;7(7):E39. Published 2020 Jun 30. doi:10.3390/medicines7070039
• A review of clinical trials of Tai Chi and Qigong in older adults  ~ Rogers CE, Larkey LK, Keller C. A review of clinical trials of tai chi and qigong in older adults. West J Nurs Res. 2009;31(2):245-279. doi:10.1177/0193945908327529
• Sancier KM. Medical applications of qigong. Altern Ther Health Med. 1996;2(1):40-46  Medical Applications of Qigong
• Sancier K. Anti-Aging Benefits of Qigong. J. ISLIS. 1996 Mar. 14(1) Anti-Aging Benefits of Qigong
• Full text of “Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi by Peter Wayne and Mark L. Fuerst ~ Wayne, P. 2013. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi. Shambhala  Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi by Peter Wayne and Mark L. Fuerst