Qigong as a putative treatment for immune deficiency syndromes

This paper will explore the concept of immuno-deficiency syndromes in light of traditional Chinese medical theories. The Western concept of immune system capability will be related both to the concept of wei chi, i. e. the protective energy, as well as to the physical seat of the immune system, i. e. the marrow, as a specific inner 'sea.' an aspect of the energy system of the kidney. In light of this conception, the reality of AIDS, as well as such 'softer' immuno-deficiency syndromes as the chronic picture associated with long standing Epstein Barr virus infections, will be related to specific treatment strategies involving qigong as well as adjunctive herbal treatment. The paper will also describe the author's clinical experience in teaching qigong to patients with AIDS and related syndromes. Finally, the entire matter of building up the body resistance therapy (i. e. qigong and herbs) for immunologic problems will be explored in the modern context of clinical psychoneuroimmunology, an interdisciplinary field gradually emerging in Western medicine.