Medical applications of qigong

This article reviews selected scientific studies of medical applications of Chinese qigong. The intention of the review is to outline research on qigong and its potential for improving health care in western countries. The review centers on clinical and experimental studies to show that qigong exercise can beneficially affect many functions of the body and improve health. The studies were selected to illustrate the following points: medical applications of qigong are diverse, some studies were conducted in depth, and many applications hold promise to improve western health care.
Several specific clinical and experimental studies are outlined. The study using electroacupuncture according to Voll shows that almost all organs and functions of the body can be balanced by qigong. The research on hypertension serves as a model to illustrate the many ways that the effects of qigong on the body can be measured. Studies on brain waves are included to show that the mind is involved in qigong and probably in the healing process. Research on qigong’s role in high altitude adaption suggests some practical applications for treating cardiovascular disease. A combination of qigong and drug therapies is superior to drug therapy alone, as indicated in the case of two diseases, hypertension and cancer. In conclusion, there is a plea to medical practitioners and scientists to collect existing information on medical qigong, promote research if needed, and identify applications that hold promise for improving western health care.