Qigong Exercise Balances Oxygen Supply and Acid-Base to Modulate Hypoxia: A Perspective Platform toward Preemptive Health & Medicine

Abstract

Qigong is a meditative movement with therapeutic effects and is commonly practiced in Eastern medicine. A growing body of evidence validates its health benefits, leading to mechanistic questions about how it works. We propose a novel mechanism by which the “acid” caused by hypoxia affects metabolism, and the way it is neutralized through Qigong practice involves the body’s blood flow and vasculature modifications. Specifically, Qigong exercise generates an oxygen supply and acid-base balance against the hypoxic effects of underlying pathological conditions. We also propose that Qigong exercise mediated and focused on the local hypoxia environment of tissues might normalize the circulation of metabolic and inflammation accumulation in the tumor tissue and restore the normal metabolism of tissues and cells through calm, relaxation, and extreme Zen-style breathing that gravitates toward preemptive health and medicine. Thus, we propose the mechanisms of action related to Qigong, intending to unify Eastern and Western exercise theory.

Recent Studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

“…In another study, qigong exercises were found to balance oxygen supply and acid-base to modulate hypoxia [95]. Adults having neuropathic pain with spinal cord injury with 6-12 weeks of Spring Forest Qigong practice found significant pain reduction.…”

"Incorporating Qigong into a Western Medical Practice: A Study in Artificial Intelligence"

“…o This analysis explores the ancient history of qigong in China, scientific explanations of bio-electromagnetic fields found in Qi, and measurable medical applications for self-healing and medical assisted-healing. It highlights qigong as an emerging technique in Western medicine, emphasizing integrative medicine and biophysical care [88].…”

Some Beneficial Health Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong

“…Tai chi and qigong therapy have been shown to improve the quality of life, fatigue and other symptoms in prostate cancer patients [53]. The findings in 17 randomized studies found that tai chi and qigong therapy had significant effects on both cognitive and physical functions in older adults [54]. Qigong exercises have been shown to mediate and focus on the local hypoxia environment of tissues and restore normal metabolism, which might normalize the circulation of metabolic and inflammation accumulation in tumor tissue and restore normal metabolism of tissues and cells through calm, relaxation and extreme Zen-style breathing [55].…”