Qigong in a medical scene-role of qigong in the Ubitsu Sankei Hospital observed by a nurse.

The Obitsu Sankei hospital has been introducing not only Western medicine but also alternative therapies into daily routine. Although these therapies are still uncommon in Japan, we have been prescribing diet, counseling, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, qigong and so forth. By taking these various approaches, our hospital has been practicing holistic medicine, especially to treat cancer patients.

In particular, we have taken notice of Chinese qigong for many years and even built a hall by the hospital for its practice. Qigong programs which we have today are as follows:

(1) classes for the staff
(2) lessons for patients instructed by the staff
(3) guidance at bedside for the serious patient
(4) open-air exercises in the early morning

A member of the staff is involved in any one of these programs by volunteering to teach qigong to the patients.

Needless to say qigong is effective in preventing a disease or a relapse as it has been originally mentioned. Moreover from the viewpoint of a nurse the following two effects of qigong have been observed in our hospital.

One effect is that we can establish trustworthy relationships with our patients by sharing common time and space during qigong practice. Although the primary concern in a practical setting is to give a patient prompt treatment, the treatment should be based upon the bonds of trust between the medical professional and patient. Qigong provides an opportunity for professionals to make genuine communication with their patients.

The other effect is that qigong can be a mental care to raise our patients’ hopes for a cure. Since the effect of qigong has not been scientifically proven, there are only a few hospitals in Japan which adopt qigong into practice. However, if a patient can be healed by giving even a little hope, medical professionals could employ qigong as a psychological method to support the patient.

As a whole, it is awaited that more medical professionals would become aware of the possibility of qigong which can be a bridge between professionals and patients and a mean to link patients to hope.