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

Abstract

Qigong, which can be characterized in many different ways, is offered as a complementary self-care practice at a tertiary-care pain management unit in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This report provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of two groups engaged in qigong practice in this context as part of two Research in Medicine (RIM) projects (2014-15, 2016-17). It includes assessments of pain, mood, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue, considers outcomes in relation to the amount of practice, and considers whether health attitudes would help determine who might benefit from the practice. There were 43 participants (28 ongoing practitioners, 15 new to qigong). The ongoing practice group in RIM2 had significant benefits over time in pain, mood, quality of life, and fatigue in quantitative scores, but changes were not significant in RIM 1. There were no differences in any measures in those new to qigong. Qualitative comments in core and other domains reflected good or better outcomes in 16 subjects in the ongoing group who practiced consistently. In those who practiced less, results were more variable. In most of those new to qigong, the practice was limited and comments indicate minimal changes. Those engaged in qigong have a stronger internal health locus of control than control subjects. Diligent qigong practice provides multiple health benefits for those with chronic pain, and qualitative assessments are essential for documenting these effects. For those new to qigong, factors needed to effectively engage practice need to be explored further to optimize program delivery. The trial is registered with http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04279639).

Scientific Evidence of Traditional Chinese Exercise (Qigong) for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

“…Qigong, as one of the four pillars of traditional Chinese medicine [ 8 ], was rejuvenated in the 1950s to include a series of techniques aimed at improving the physical, mental, emotional, and respiratory health. Since the 1980s and especially the 2000s, there has been considerable interest in Qigong as a potential therapeutic modality [ 9 ]. As a mind-body exercise, Qigong incorporates the elements of physical movement, spiritual guidance, and breath control [ 10 , 11 ], and there are various forms of Qigong, such as Wuqinxi, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, and Liuzijue.…”

"Qigong and the Treatment of Illness: Recent Case Studies"

“…In the West, it is sometimes used in conjunction with mainstream medicine as a supplementary tool to treat symptoms of various diseases and ailments [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Numerous studies have found that qigong can aid in the treatment of arthritis [11], back pain [12], cancer [13][14][15][16][17], cognitive impairment [18,19], Covid-19 [20,21], COPD [22], depression and anxiety [23][24][25][26], fatigue [27], hypertension [28,29], muscle strength and posture [30], Parkinson's disease [31,32], stroke [33], and tertiary-care pain management [34].…”