Case Series of Multiple Health Benefits in Those Undertaking Extended Qigong Practice as a Complementary Self-care Practice in an Outpatient Pain Clinic

Abstract

Background: Qigong, traditional Chinese mind-body practices, is currently receiving increasing attention with exploration of what it is and what it does. Common elements include postures and movement, attention to breathing, and mental instructions. There is a growing literature on the health benefits of qigong in chronic pain and other conditions, and an intervention that provides benefit in multiple domains is particularly important for clinical practice. In this report, we present a case series of six individuals who engaged in extended qigong practice over the course of at least 4 and up to 11 years, with data derived from an observational trial which evaluated effects of qigong practice on pain, mood, sleep, fatigue, quality of life and overall health in patients attending an outpatient pain management clinic. Methods: Participants attended weekly qigong classes as a voluntary, complementary practice for chronic pain management, and were encouraged to practice regularly at home. Qualitative data were collected prospectively over a series of sessions. Participant narratives were reviewed and those with extended practice histories were included in our case series. Results: Qualitative commentary reflected the richness and heterogeneity of benefits achieved in all studied health domains. Three primary themes were identified: 1) Direct benefits of qigong practice include improvements in pain, pain control, sleep, and other health areas; 2) Regular qigong practice improves quality of life, increases energy and activity, improves mood, and decreases use of medications; 3) Qigong practice cultivates an improved outlook on life and the future as an overall effect. Conclusions: This case series reveals multiple health benefits of extended qigong practice. Given that these occurred in those who practiced the most, one of the barriers to potential health benefits achieved by qigong is commitment to the practice. In appropriate circumstances, health care professionals can recommend qigong as a complementary practice for successful chronic pain management.

Observational Study of Qigong as a Complementary Self-Care Practice at a Tertiary-Care Pain Management Unit

“…Considered sequentially, qualitative comments published previously in a separate report [ 14 ] and in Tables 3 – 5 indicate a clear relationship between self-reported qigong practice times and health benefits in core and other domains. Those who practiced the most attained the most health gains.…”

“…This group achieved good outcomes as revealed post hoc by the nature of their comments. Their experiences are in addition to N = 6 cases which are reported separately [ 14 ]. Overall, good or better outcomes were reported in 16/28 or 57% of long-term practitioners.…”

“…In the six cases reported separately [ 14 ], participants reported benefits in pain, mood and sleep, irritable bowel syndrome, food and environmental sensitivities, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, head trauma, wrist tendonitis, immune function, respiratory function, sleep apnea, mobility, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. Most also commented on discontinuations of medications for pain and other conditions.…”

“…Considered holistically, these outcomes can be characterized as good or very good. Some describe such profound health benefits that they can be considered remarkable and, for this reason, have been reported separately and in a more complete manner [ 14 ]. The self-reported practice times by these are considerable (1-2 hours/day near-daily or daily) (1.5–3 hours/day each day in case reports).…”

“…The aims of the study were (a) to provide quantitative and qualitative assessments of participant experiences of qigong as a complementary practice in a real world-setting of chronic pain management, (b) to consider outcomes in relation to the amount of practice, and (c) to determine whether attitudes might be helpful for predicting who might benefit from the practice. Six of the cases from this observational trial reporting remarkable outcomes with the long-term practice of qigong have already been published as a case series [ 14 ]; the current analysis includes consideration of their quantitative and attitudinal scores as part of the entire group.…”