Effects of Qigong on Immune Cells

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of two acute Qigong interventions (Qi-training and Qi-therapy) on immune cells. The Qigong interventions were compared with placebo training and placebo therapy in which no attempt was made to gather or move Qi. Immune cell numbers were measured pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and 1 or 2 hours post-intervention. White blood cells increased significantly 2 hours after actual Qi-training (p < 0.05) but not sham training compared with pre-intervention There were significant increases in lymphocytes 2 hours after actual but not sham Qi-training (p < 0.05) and monocyte numbers were significantly increased immediately after both actual Qi-training (p < 0.01) and sham training (p < 0.05). NK cell numbers decreased significantly both immediately after Qi-training and after sham movements done without concomitant Qi-training (p < 0.01). There were no significant effects on neutrophils. Actual Qi-therapy but not sham therapy increased monocyte numbers immediately after Qi-therapy, and lymphocytes increased more after real than after sham therapy. Neutrophils were again little changed The data indicate that a single Qigong intervention can increase the monocyte and lymphocyte numbers.

Psychophysiological outcomes of health qigong for chronic conditions: A systematic review

“…Adverse events such as mild pain on prolonged standing were reported in 6 subjects in one study (Mannerkorpi & Arndorw, 2004). “Hypertension” was the most commonly studied clinical condition, which was reported in five studies (Cheung et al, 2005; Lee, Huh, et al, 2003; Lee, Lee, Kim, & Choi, 2004; Lee, Lee, Kim, & Moon, 2003; Lee, Lim, & Lee, 2004). “Fibromyalgia” was the second most commonly studied clinical condition, which was reported in two studies (Astin et al, 2003; Mannerkorpi & Arndorw, 2004).…”

“…Seventeen studies listed “biomarkers and/or physiological parameters” as the effect of qigong practice on body systems. The commonest biomarkers employed were “immune function” (Chen, Yeh, & Lee 2006; Lee, Huh, et al, 2003; Lee, Kang, & Ryu, 2005; Manzaneque et al, 2004), “lipid metabolism” (Cheung et al, 2005; Lee, Lee, et al, 2004; Liu, Jiang, Xia, Yang, & Guo, 2006; Tsujiuchi et al, 2002), and “hormonal variation in the sympathetic nervous system and/or in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis” (Cheung et al, 2005; Lee, Huh, et al, 2003; Lee, Lee, et al, 2004). One study employed blood rheology to study perfusion (Yuan, Fang, & Chen, 2000).…”

Qi Gong's relationship to educational kinesiology: A qualitative approach

“…It also includes changes in the functioning of the stomach and intestine, metabolic activities, and endocrine and immunity systems (Lee et al 2003b;Lee et al 2005a) (Xu, 1994) as a result of soft body movements. As theta rhythm has been suggested to be one of the normal EEG patterns occurring in mental concentration, it is concluded that the theta rhythm is an indicator of mental concentration during Qi Gong state (Pan et al, 1994).…”

The Effects of Qigong on Reducing Stress and Anxiety and Enhancing Body–Mind Well-being

“…Therefore, the effects of chan mi gong on the regulation of mood, in particular stress, anxiety, and quality of life, to the best of our knowledge, have never been investigated before. Previous qigong studies have documented that qigong is effective in reducing stress (He et al 1999;Lee et al 2003b;Lee et al 2000), treating anxiety and depression (Pavek 1988;Shan et al 1989), reducing adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, and aldosterone levels (Lee et al 2004a), reducing norepinephrine and epinephrine (Lee et al 2003b); improving mood (Lee et al 2001), and enhancing the immune system (Lee et al 2003a). Qigong distinguishes itself from other therapies in terms of its roots in TCM concepts and its emphasis on qi (vital energy) and yi (intention power), which are regarded as an effective intervention to manage mood states and enhance body-mind well-being (Lehrer et al 2007).…”