Retrospective Survey on Therapeutic Efficacy of Qigong in Korea

Abstract

Qigong is a complementary intervention for preventing and curing disease, and protecting and improving health through regulation of body and mind. Recently, we have been studying the psychoneuroimmunological effects of Qigong on the promotion of health. However, there are not many studies on the therapeutic efficacy of Qigong on various symptoms in Korea, hence the need to survey the clinical efficacy of Qigong. To evaluate the impact of Qigong in health care we categorized its effectiveness on the basis of ten years of subjects' memoranda. Among the 768 subjects, the motivation for doing Qigong was mostly to attend to health problems (81.5%), and males were more likely to use Qigong than females. The most improved symptoms were associated with psychological and musculoskeletal problems. Furthermore 66.9% of subjects reported improvements of perceived physical health and 40.3% of perceived psychological health. Other symptoms reduced by Qigong were pain (43.1%), fatigue (22.1%), and insomnia (8.7%). Wound healing was also surveyed (n = 332), and 84% of respondents reported improvement in recovery time, 66.6% reported reduced inflammation after Qigong and 50.3% reported no scarring as compared to before. In addition, 59.9% of respondents reported an increase in resistance to the common cold after four months of Qigong. The limitation of the study is that it is a retrospective survey on the basis of trainees' experiences of Qigong. Although this may constitute a potential bias, the study despite its limitations does provide precious empirical evidence of the effectiveness of Qigong.

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

“…This brief overview of Qi Gong and its physiological benefits on the body's performance emphasizes the existence of considerable potential that can be utilized by the practitioner on a regular basis to prevent diseases and develop positive health states. Additionally, all the above data may suggest that gentle activation of the body's muscles, through Qi Gong exercises, may have positive impact on homeostasis (Lee et al 2003a). These findings can be interpreted as further support to the value of Qi Gong in optimizing the body's status for more balanced structure and function.…”

“…It also positively affects the mood changes and relieves exhaustion and tension (Jung et al, 2006). Qi Gong helps to normalize and stabilize positive and pleasant emotional states of human mind (Lee et al, 2003a;Lee et al, 2006) and improves the overall well-being of an individual. It also relieves depression in chronic physical illness sufferers by improving the individual's self-identity, social well-being and quality of life (Tsang et al, 2003(Tsang et al, , 2006.…”

The Impact of Self-Practice Qigong on Strength Gains and Wellbeing During Off-Season Training for Fall Sport Athletes

“…Major findings of this study were the improvements on strength measures and the improved scores on questions of well-being measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being questionnaire (Tennant et al, 2007) in the Qigong participants versus the control. These results are consistent with the findings of Lee, Ryu, Kim,Woo, & Moon (2003) who have provided evidence that Qigong improves physical health. Occasionally, interventions may lead to improvements in outcomes that,…”

“…Qigong has also been proven to reduce stress symptoms (Johansson, Hassmen, & Jouper, 2008) and to improve physical health (Lee, Ryu, Kim,Woo, & Moon, 2003). Taking it one step further, it can be assumed that the above mentioned "balance" in every person, if not nurtured or cultivated by a practice like Qigong, is likely off.…”

Exercise intention, age and stress predict increased qigong exercise adherence

“…Qigong as a regularly performed exercise has shown multifaceted health benefits (Jouper et al, 2006;Lee et al, 2003), including reduction of stress-related symptoms (Lee et al, 2004(Lee et al, , 2000. Qigong is a low-impact movement or static meditation therapy performed with deep concentration on the movements or qiflow in the body (Fan, 2000).…”