Qigong Exercise and Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Arthritis is a chronic condition resulting in considerable disability, particularly in later life. Aims: The first aim of this review was to summarize and synthesize the research base concerning the use of Qigong exercises as a possible adjunctive strategy for promoting well-being among adults with arthritis. A second was to provide related intervention directives for health professionals working or who are likely to work with this population in the future. Methods: Material specifically focusing on examining the nature of Qigong for minimizing arthritis disability, pain and dependence and for improving life quality was sought. Results: Collectively, despite almost no attention to this topic, available data reveal that while more research is indicated, Qigong exercises—practiced widely in China for many centuries as an exercise form, mind-body and relaxation technique—may be very useful as an intervention strategy for adults with different forms of painful disabling arthritis. Conclusion: Health professionals working with people who have chronic arthritis can safely recommend these exercises to most adults with this condition with the expectation they will heighten the life quality of the individual, while reducing pain and depression in adults with this condition.

Tai Chi, Qigong and the Treatment of Arthritis

“…Marks [304] reviewed, summarized, and synthesized the research involving the use of qigong exercises in the treatment of arthritis. He concluded that mind-body and relaxation techniques such as those practiced in China for centuries may be a useful intervention strategy for adults having various forms of arthritis.…”

Exploration of Gene Expression Characters of Mouse M-1 Cells Treated by Qigong

“…As a type of exercise which plays a positive role in promoting the mind-body interaction, Qigong has been used in the treatment and rehabilitation of various diseases for a long time. Based on statistical methods, the therapeutic effects were proved of Qigong on cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, hypertension, arthritis and stroke [3,10,36]. Despite the important function of Qigong in promoting health, few studies were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms with development of scientific technologies to investigate the molecular mechanism of Qigong, mainly focusing on the effect of Qi on various cells [14,17,37].…”

“…In modern medical system, Qigong, Yoga, Taichi, and respiratory regulation are different methods of mind-body interaction, which are used in treatment of many human diseases [1]. Qigong, originated in ancient China, is one of the traditional methods for health care, health preservation and disease elimination [1][2][3][4]. Qigong utilizes the modulation of breath, physical activity and consciousness (breath, body and heart) as the means to achieve the purpose of maintaining health [1,5].…”

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

“…Benefits are not limited to pain, but cover a wide range of health conditions and include improvements in sleep and fatigue, mental health and respiratory function. Controlled trials and aggregate analyses indicate benefits of qigong for pain [5,13], sleep and fatigue [14], mental health [7,8], respiratory function [15], and multiple other health domains [4]. Several trials which address whether the amount of qigong practice contributes to outcomes within the trial have shown that benefits are related to amount of practice [10,14].…”

“…There are many forms of qigong, and heterogeneity of practice forms as well as variations in amounts of practice are challenges for exploring the health benefits of qigong. Nevertheless, there is a growing literature on health benefits of qigong [4], especially for chronic pain, sleep disorders and depression [5][6][7][8].…”