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Qi Gong

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What is it?

Qi gong is a martial art-like exercise from traditional Chinese medicine that attempts to regulate mind, body, and breath.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that disease is caused by a blockage or imbalance of energy flow in the body. Qi gong is thought to help unblock or balance energy flow and help the body heal.

People use Qi gong for high blood pressure, back pain, asthma, cancer, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and many other conditions, but there’s no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Don’t confuse Qi gong with Kampo medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, or tai chi. These are not the same.

It is effective?
Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly Effective for …

  • Tiredness in people with cancer. Practicing Qi gong might reduce feelings of tiredness in people with cancer.
  • A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Practicing Qi gong might help people with COPD walk farther. It might also help to improve their breathing and quality of life.
  • High blood pressure. Practicing Qi gong might help to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

There is interest in using Qi gong for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

How does it work?

Is there concern for the safety of its use?
Qi gong is likely safe when practiced for up to 1 year. There are no known safety concerns. Like any exercise, Qi gong might cause muscle pain and tenderness.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Qi gong is safe when pregnant or breast-feeding. If you are pregnant, check with your healthcare provider before starting Qi gong or any other exercise program.

Are there any drug interactions?
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Are there any interactions with herbs and supplements?
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Are there any interactions with food?
There are no known interactions with foods.

What dose is used?
The main principles of Qi gong include breathing, intentional movement, relaxation, stance, visualization, and awareness. There are many different types of Qi gong. Some forms of Qi gong have been specially developed for certain conditions.

Qi gong sessions may last for anywhere from 20-90 minutes and can be performed as often as daily or as little as once per week. Talk to your physician or other healthcare professional to learn more about how Qi gong is used for specific conditions.

By what other names is the product known?
Ba Duan Jin, Baduanjin Qi Gong, Biyun Method, Biyun Qi Gong, Chan Mi Gong, Chi’I Kung, Chi Kung, Dantian, Daoyin Qi Gong, Dongeui Qi Gong, Eight-Section Brocades Qi Gong, Energy Healing, Energy Health, Energy Medicine, Energy Therapy, Energy Work, EQT, External Qi Gong Therapy, Five Animals Qi Gong, Guolin, Hua Gong, Medical Qi Gong, Médecine Énergétique, QG, QI, Qigong, Qigong Healer, Qigong Therapy, Qi Gong Therapy, Qi Gong Yangsheng, Qigongology, Santé Énergétique, Thérapie Énergétique, Yi Jia Gong.

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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