Qigong clincal studies


Author: Mayer M



Date published: 2003
Other:
  Pages: 121-137   ,  Word Count: 249  
    Qigong clinical studies Michael MayerDrs Yan, Kiang and Lu summarized the laboratory research on qigong in Chapter 9. In this chapter Dr Mayer summarizes the clinical research on qigong with a focus on the studies of hypertension.There are two primary forms of qigong - internal and external. Internal qigong involves using the mind, breath and physical exercises to circulate qi within the body. It is similar in execution to meditative and exercise techniques known to be healthful in the West. External qigong involves projection of qi outside the body to influence another. While the laboratory studies evaluated in the last chapter involve external qi, clinical qigong often involves cultivation of internal qi through daily practice. Internal qigong is not conceptually difficult, but external qigong is conceptually very difficult for most conventional scientists.The clinical research conducted on therapeutic effects of qigong is extensive. The vast majority of this research is done in China and reported in Chinese journals not accessible to the West. Michael Mayer selected a sample of qigong research on hypertension in order to assess the quantity and quality of research on this condition. While over 70 studies on the effects of qigong on-hypertension were found, only 33 could be evaluated for quality. Of these, none was considered of adequate quality to say definitively that qigong improves hypertension. While it is likely that the combination of meditation and exercise involved in qigong can be beneficial for those with high blood pressure, this effect has not yet been adequately demonstrated.