Tai chi and qigong are tools in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) toolkit. In recent decades, their
use in the West has increased, often as an adjunct to traditional western medicine. The present paper
summarizes some recent studies involving the use of tai chi and qigong as a means of treating a wide
range of ailments, including musculoskeletal pain, Parkinson’s disease, stress reduction, strengthening
the immune system, cancer, quality of life, fatigue, metabolism, inflammation, improving sleep quality,
cognition and mental health. Baduanjin, a set of qigong exercises, is a particularly popular treatment
method for these and other ailments.
Keywords: Tai Chi; Qigong; Traditional Chinese Medicine; TCM; Baduanjin
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has risen in popularity in the
West in recent decades, although it has been practiced in many parts
of Asia for several millennia. Some of the main branches of TCM include
acupuncture, acupressure, herbs, tai chi and qigong. It is these
last two branches that we shall discuss in the present paper.
Tai chi may be described as a form of moving meditation. It includes
several sets of pre-arranged moves, much like karate katas
or taekwondo poomsae. Practitioners often create their own sets of
pre-arranged moves as well to suit their own taste. However, tai chi
sets are slower than katas or poomsae, and they place more emphasis
on breathing than do the karate and taekwondo forms. Tai chi forms
resemble a choreographed dance in some ways. It originated as a
martial art, but over the centuries the martial arts aspects were deemphasized,
while the health benefits took on increasing importance.
Qigong (pronounced chee gong or chee kung) is also a form of moving
meditation, with more emphasis on breathing and spirituality. It
focuses more on the movement of qi (energy) through the body than
does tai chi. Its movements are also easier to perform, and do not necessarily
involve a series of pre-arranged moves. Its movements have
little or nothing in common with choreographed dancing. According
to TCM, sickness is the result of blockages in the flow of qi. Both tai chi
and qigong can break up or dissolve these blockages, thus preventing
illness. Actually, a total explanation of how this process works is beyond
the scope of the present article.
Suffice it to say that thousands of medical studies over the years
have proven the benefits of both tai chi and qigong in the prevention
and treatment of many different kinds of illnesses. If one were to discuss
the main difference between TCM and mainstream Western medicine,
it would be that TCM emphasizes prevention, whereas Western
medicine focuses more on curing existing disease and ailments. Prior
studies have reported on the application of tai chi and qigong to treat,
and in some cases cure, a wide range of ailments [1-20]. In some cases,
tai chi and qigong have been more effective in treating illness than
conventional western medicine. In other cases they have been equally
effective. When used in conjunction with western medicine, the result
has sometimes been better than in cases where either Western medicine
or TCM has been used exclusively. In recent years, several books
have been written about the application of tai chi or qigong to prevent
illness in general [21-37]. Various databases have been established to
collect research on the health benefits of tai chi and qigong [38,39]. A
series of DVDs and instructional booklets have been published that
allow professionals and nonprofessionals alike to learn qigong techniques
[40-48]. Online instructional programs are also available, for
those who want a thorough and detailed structured approach to the
study of qigong techniques [49].
Several studies are published every month on the health benefits
of either tai chi or qigong. Many of them are available for free download
on the internet [50]. Entire hospitals in China are devoted to the
treatment of illness using various tai chi and qigong techniques either
exclusively, or in conjunction with other medical methods. Nineteen
systematic reviews containing 74 trials and 80 meta analyses for individuals
having Parkinson’s disease or stroke found that tai chi, qigong
and yoga appeared to be effective in improving balance. Tai chi practice
enhanced motor function and independency in stroke patients
[51]. There is growing evidence that mind-body therapies (MBTs),
including tai chi and qigong, are effective in addressing a wide range
of both physical and psychosocial symptoms and biomarkers of stress
and immune function of individuals with cancer [52]. Tai chi and qigong
therapy have been shown to improve the quality of life, fatigue
and other symptoms in prostate cancer patients [53]. The findings
in 17 randomized studies found that tai chi and qigong therapy had
significant effects on both cognitive and physical functions in older
adults [54]. Qigong exercises have been shown to mediate and focus
on the local hypoxia environment of tissues and restore normal
metabolism, which might normalize the circulation of metabolic and
inflammation accumulation in tumor tissue and restore normal metabolism
of tissues and cells through calm, relaxation and extreme
Zen-style breathing [55].
A study of patients with chronic low back pain and leg pain found
they had significant improvement after undertaking a regimen of
Zhineng qigong [56]. Nineteen randomized-controlled studies and
8 systematic reviews of baduanjin (a set of qigong exercises) found
that baduanjin exercises [42] were safe and had a beneficial effect
on physical, cognitive and mental health. It was proven effective in
improving sleep quality, reducing fatigue and improving the quality
of life for patients having physical issues such as musculoskeletal
pain, cancer and chronic illnesses. It was also effective in improving
cognition, executive functions and slowing down age-related cognitive
deterioration. It also alleviated various kinds of mental illness,
increased patients’ social competence and enhanced emotional regulation
[57]. Several other studies have also found that the practice of
qigong in general and baduanjin in particular have numerous positive
health effects [58-100].
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ISSN: 2574 -1241
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