We studied the effect of qigong on blood pressure in 31 II-stage hypertensive cases and blood pressure rose after withdrawal or reduction of hypotensors, The results showed that qigong was more effective than hypotensors. It suggests that qigong may replace or partially replace drugs to lower pressure.
ARTICLE (see note field)
1. Clinical data
The patients we observed had hypertensiion for more than two years and wre diagnosed II period hypertension. Although they took depressors permanently, the blood pressure (Bp) could not be decreased to the point of normal. Of the 31 cases in qigong practice, 20 were males and 11 females. Average age was 55 years old. they had hypertension for 2-30 years, 12 years on the average. Before Qigong practice, the average Bp was 21.96/13.52 kpa, the highest was 28.00/15.33 kpa.
2. Method of treatment
When they were observed, they took the depressor as usual. Meanwhile, they began to practice qigong -- 'The method of relaxation and supposition.' After the Bp decreased, the depressor was withdrawn gradually, and they continued to practice qigong to stablized the blood pressure.
(a) The introduction of qigong: 'The method of relaxation and supposition' is created on the basis of traditional qiogng by our laboratory. It consists of mild idea relaxation, supposition and slight exercise to conduct movement. Mild idea relaxation means the idea is mild and slight, the state of mind is calm and the psychology and body relaxed. It is different from 'the method of three line relaxation' --- (introduced by China Changhang Hypertension Institute) which is strong mild and not easy to relax.
(b) The method of withdrawing the depressor: When the patients began to practice qigong, they took the depressor as usual. After their Bp decreased to normal and stablized for two weeks (meaning their diastolic pressure was 12.67 kpa (95 mmHg), they were asked to withdraw the depressor step by step.
3. The method of observation
(a) The measurement of Bp: In the first month, we measured the Bp Twice a week in the morning, then once a week. Until twice a month when the Bp stabilized at the normal range.
(b) The method of observation:
i. To compare the Bp before and after qigong practice.
ii. To calculate the number of cases which withdrew or stopped the depressor.
iii. To observe the effect after the patients withdrew or stopped the depressor in one
year.
4. The standard of effect
(a) The qigong practice appraisal in three months referred to the national criteria, including marked effects, effectice, and ineffective.
(b) The standard of withdrawal and depressor cut after qigong practice in three months: If the depressor withdrawn more than third and the Bp kept below the point of nomal, it belonged to depressor withdrawal in statistics. If the depressor ceased completely and the Bp kept below the point of normal, it belonged to depressor cut in statistics. If it had not have the standard above, it belonged to the original depressor dose in statistics.
(c) The appraisal method of effect in one year: We revised the appraisal method referring to the national standard. It was divided into excellent, good, general and bad. A. Excellent: almost ceased the depressor and the Bp kept bleow 22.00/12.67 kpa or less dosage could control the Bp below 22.00/12.67 kpa during the change of the weather or emotion. B. Good: the original depressor dose dcreased and the Bp kept up bleow 22.00/12.67 kpa more than 3/4 of a year. C. General: beyond above standard, the Bp kept up below 22.00/12.67 kpa more than half a year.
Results of observations
1. Change of Bp in three months:
(a) The average Bp before and after qigong practice is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. The Bp changes before and after qigong (X± kpa)
n Systolic pressure Diastolic pressure
Before qigong practice 31 21.96±2.97 13.52±0.66
After qigong practice 31 18.04±1.92 11.19±0.87
p-value <0.01 <0.01
There is a significant difference between the average Bp before and after qigong practice. It show that qigong practice can make the Bp significantly decrease in II period hypertensive patients who got unsatisfactory effects by taking depressors. The time for the Bp to decrease to normal was 3 to 25 days, 14 days on the average. In the meantime, microcirculation, blood lipids and function of cardiovascular measured in some cases showed improvement in different degrees.
(b) Effective rate of the treatment: In the 31 cases, 27 cases were markedly effective, 3 effective, 1 ineffective, with a total effective rate of 97%.
Discussion
1. The method can replace of partially replace depressors to lower high blood pressure to normal levels. Exercising this qigong will be able to control the Bp in II hypertension cases with long course of disease and poor effect of drugs. At present, it is generallyt believed that qigong exercise is only a subsidiary method for hypertension in II period. Our observation indicates that practicing a suitable qigong can act as the main means for controlling hypertension. Accoridng to TCM, the disease is caused for the unbalanced rising and lowering of Qi with the over-rising of Qi and blood being the dominant factor. Therefore, the qigong for treating hypertension should emphasize relaxing and lowering [the Qi?]. In practice, the patients should pay atttention to both the heart and the body, especially to the relaxation of the heart. The mind should be slight with lower and blurred minding eyes.
2. After the qigong practice induces Bp decrease, dosage of the dperessor is reduced step by step. According to the Bp level, the doctor decides if depressor should be stopped.
3. Qigong exercise has the advantage of no side efects of drugs and improves the body condition of the patients.
4. The effects of qigong on hypertension relate to the time of qigong practice, patients' understanding of the qigong method, and their body character.
