Qigong
Other common name(s): chi kung
Scientific/medical name(s): none
Description
Qigong is a Chinese system designed to enhance the natural flow of vital energy called qi or ch’i, pronounced “kee” or “chee,” in the body. The process of working toward a regulated, smooth flow of qi is called “gong” (pronounced “kung”).
Overview
Qigong can involve meditation, breathing, and movement. Available scientific evidence does not show that qigong is effective in treating cancer or any other disease; however, it may be useful to enhance quality of life.
How is it promoted for use?
People who practice qigong believe disease, injury, and stress can disrupt the vital energy or life force (qi) of the body. By correcting these problems, people can lead healthier, less stressful lives. Qigong is said to strengthen the body or to enhance other conventional health care treatments, not to cure existing disease. Practitioners claim it may be helpful in managing pain and reducing anxiety. There is some limited evidence for these claims.
Some promoters also claim that qigong can help to prevent cancer by improving the oxygen supply to the body and regulating the autonomic nervous system. They further claim qigong can be used to treat stroke, heart and other circulatory diseases, abnormal sex hormone levels, low bone density, and senility. Some even claim they can cure a person with the energy released from their fingertips using external qigong.
What does it involve?
The goal of qigong is to help the flow of energy through the body. There are two forms of qigong: internal and external. Internal qigong consists mainly of meditation, physical movement, and breathing exercises that people can do on their own. External qigong involves skilled masters who claim to use their own qi to help heal other people. The qigong master does not have to touch a person in order to promote healing.
A typical qigong session might have a person sit or stand quietly while thinking about the qi flowing through his or her body and doing breathing and movement exercises at the same time. The breathing and movement used in qigong is slow, focused, and controlled. Qigong can also be used to target specific areas of the body where problems may exist.
Hospitals in China include qigong as part of their health care programs. Only in rural China is it practiced without conventional health care. In the United State, qigong classes are offered for various fees at health clubs, schools, hospitals, YMCAs, and community fitness facilities as part of adult education programs. There are also a number of “qigong institutes” that charge a small fee for classes. Qigong is also taught through videotapes or DVDs and printed materials.
In addition to the type of qigong used for healing, there are two other forms: spiritual qigong, which is used for self-awareness, and martial arts qigong, which is used for self-defense (see our document, Tai Chi).
What is the history behind it?
Qigong is a form of traditional Chinese medicine based on the theory of yin and yang, which asserts that there are two opposing but complementary forces in all nonstatic objects and processes. People in China have been practicing qigong for at least 7,000 years to maintain health and achieve long life. Originally, the ancient Chinese realized that certain body movements and mental concentration could adjust and enhance body functions. Qigong techniques even became part of religious rituals.
Over the past few centuries, qigong slowly separated from religious beliefs, and a more conventional form was developed in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, Chinese scientists began scientific investigations of qigong. Hundreds of medical applications were subsequently published in Chinese literature, but many studies only involved a few patients and did not use well-controlled scientific methods. By the 1990s, the Chinese government began to manage qigong and made it an official part of the Chinese health plan.
Today, qigong is widely practiced and studied in China. In the United States, it is used as a form of relaxation and meditation in some health clubs and fitness centers.
What is the evidence?
Whereas some scientists believe that internal qigong may be useful as a form of exercise to help relieve stress, improve coordination, and generally improve a person's quality of life, the idea that qigong can cure cancer is not supported by high-quality clinical trials.
One study published in the United States found that for people with chronic pain, training in internal qigong resulted in a short-term reduction of pain and a long-term reduction in anxiety. However, this was a small study involving only twenty-six patients. A Hong Kong study of people with high blood pressure showed that after twelve weeks of qigong, blood pressure and cholesterol levels were lower. Another study in Korea showed similar effects on blood pressure, as well as reduced levels of cortisol (stress hormones). A nonrandomized clinical study from Taiwan reported less psychological distress among chemotherapy patients using qigong. More well-controlled clinical research using larger groups of patients is needed to learn what effect qigong may have in treating various medical conditions.
A review of animal research studies in China reported that external qigong slowed the growth of tumors in mice. Another study found that it did not help reduce signs of pain in rats. Scientific studies of external qigong's effects on humans have not been promising so far.
Are there any problems or complications?
Qigong is generally considered safe because of the slow, deliberate movements involved. People who are prone to muscle aches and joint pain may notice these problems if movement or effort is overdone. A small number of people may become disoriented or anxious and experience some negative feelings.
Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional resources
More information from your American Cancer Society
The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Dietary Supplements: How to Know What Is Safe
The ACS Operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management
Complementary and Alternative Methods for Cancer Management
Learning About New Ways to Treat Cancer
Learning About New Ways to Prevent Cancer
References
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Cassileth B. The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies. New York, NY: W.W. Norton; 1998.
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Lee MS, Lee MS, Kim HJ, Choi ES. Effects of qigong on blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other lipid levels in essential hypertension patients. Int J Neurosci. 2004;114:777-786.
Lee MS, Chen KW Sancier KM, Ernst E. Qigong for cancer treatment: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Acta Oncol. 2007;46:717-722.
Lee TI, Chen HH, Yeh ML. Effects of chan-chuang qigong on improving symptom and psychological distress in chemotherapy patients. Am J Chin Med. 2006;34:37-46.
Qi Gong. Aetna InteliHealth Web site. Accessed at http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?d=dmtContent&c=358864 on May 23, 2008.
Sancier KM. Medical applications of qigong. Altern Ther Health Med. 1996;2:40-46.
Wu WH, Bandilla E, Ciccone DS, Yang J, Cheng SC, Carner N, Wu Y, Shen R. Effects of qigong on late-stage complex regional pain syndrome. Altern Ther Health Med. 1999;5:45-54.
Zhang WB, Yu WL, Yang YJ. Absence of an analgesic effect of qigong "external qi" in rats. Am J Chin Med. 1998;26:39-46.
Note: This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical situation.
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