Can Yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi Breathing Work Support the Psycho-Immune Homeostasis during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Narrative Review

Abstract

Breathing is crucial in life; nevertheless, the healthcare community often overlooks the health potential of breathing techniques. Conscious manipulation of breathing to achieve specific health goals is found in yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi. This paper reviews the value of breathing exercises as a foremost mechanism for promoting, recuperating and maintaining health. Practices involving breathing techniques are described, and their prophylactic or therapeutic characteristics are explored. The main goals of this review are: (i) to summarize the evidence supporting the hypothesis that breathing practices have a significant beneficial impact on human health; (ii) to provide a deeper understanding of traditional biofeedback practices, particularly yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi, and outline their focus on breathing techniques; (iii) to outline specific immune-related responses, relevant for COVID-19 disorders; and (iv) to call for committed attention and action from the scientific community and health agencies in promoting the implementation of a practical and costless health program based on breathing techniques. This review shows the health potentials of breathing practices and exercises, which, by having a high benefit–cost ratio, could be selected and implemented as a primary standard routine in public health programs.

Evaluating qigong as integrative support for COVID-19 and Long-COVID-19 rehabilitation: a systematic review

“…Following an initial screening, 115 duplicates were eliminated, and subsequently, 155 records were excluded based on title and abstract. Fifteen studies underwent full-text analysis, of which six were excluded either due to the absence of patients with COVID-19 or Long-COVID-19 symptoms (Li et al, 2022 ; Yang et al, 2022 ; Gonçalves et al, 2023 ; Seiça et al, 2023 ) or because they were not original research articles but rather narrative literature reviews (Feng et al, 2020 ; Mendo et al, 2022 ). Ultimately, nine studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review.…”

“…Qigong is a cost-effective and accessible health-promoting practice, demonstrating versatility in its application across various demographics, even during the COVID-19 pandemic (Jahnke et al, 2010 ; Klich and Milert, 2018 ; Mendo et al, 2022 ). Its simplicity makes it attainable for individuals with severe illnesses, chronic conditions, or disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in its practice (Ng and Tsang, 2009 ; Guo et al, 2018 ).…”

Qigong, obesity, and immunity dynamics and its application to long COVID-19 syndrome

“…The practice of one or more Qigong forms may also help an older adult who is in pain or feeling exhausted to still undertake a modified form of Qigong that may help avert excess weight gain over the course of time and especially when if they are recuperating from acute COVID-19 or are exposed to various degrees of social services reduction, and possible social isolation adverse health impacts. 49 Research also shows Qigong is cost effective, safe to implement, 50 and as well as being gentle. The recommended exercises are easy to follow and available at no cost on many internet sites, and can be carried out in diverse postural positions.…”