Qi Gong
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.
Is it effective?
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.
Is there concern for the safety of its use?
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?
Are there any interactions with herbs and supplements?
Are there any interactions with food?
What dose is used?
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?
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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