Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• AST Chiro, Chan-Chuang qi-gong therapy, chi, chi gong, chi kung, Chinese medicine, Chun Do Su Bup, Daoyin, Daoyin-Tuna Qi gong, external Qi gong, Falun gong, healing touch, hexiangzhuang (flying crane) Qi gong, imagery, internal Qi gong, meditation, Nei-Gong, Pa Tuan Jin, Pai Jer Tsuh Jih Gong, Qi gong, Qi gong emitted external Qi (QEQ), Qi gong Waiqi, Qi gong Yangsheng, Qigong Qigongizations, reiki, tai chi, therapeutic touch, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), visualization, Wai Qi Fa Gong, walking Qigong, Yan Jing Yi Shen Gong.
• Not included in this review: Healing Touch, imagery, meditation, reiki, tai chi, therapeutic touch, and visualization. Separate Natural Standard monographs on these topics are available.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Qi gong is a modality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is composed of a variety of energy-based healing practices based on Taoist philosophy and principles of Chinese medical theory. Qi gong is based on the traditional Chinese belief that the human body contains a network of energy pathways through which vital energy, called qi (also called chi, or vital energy) circulates. In Mandarin Chinese, Qi gong means "breath work/technique." Qi gong is the art of managing the breath to achieve and maintain good health and to enhance the stamina of the body in coordination with the physical process of respiration.
• There are two main types of Qi gong practice: internal and external. Internal Qi gong is the self-directed practice of techniques used to cultivate the circulation of qi throughout an individual's energy system. The practices involve meditation, subtle movement, visualization, and breathing techniques. External Qi gong is an interpersonal healing practice in which a practitioner projects qi into another person in order to promote the recipient's health or circulation of qi.
• The roots of Qi gong may be traced back over millennia and include a foundation in the practice of "Daoyin," an ancient Chinese mind-body exercise mentioned in historical texts as early as the fourth or second Century BC, as well as other practices. Secondary sources maintain that the practice of Qi gong sprang from a post-Cultural Revolution spiritual crisis. Since 1989, Chinese hospitals have recognized Qi gong as a standard medical technique, and major universities in China have included it in their curricula. Since 1996, and more recently in 2001, the Chinese government has endeavored to regulate and promote specific practices of Qi gong. The government has also listed Qi gong as part of its National Health Plan. However, Qi gong has been widely debated and it has been suggested that it should be limited to simply breathing and exercise movements, without attention to the "circulation of qi."
• Traditionally, Qi gong has been practiced regularly to promote health. Anecdotal sources maintain that in China, several thousand schools of Qi gong practice exist, with an estimated 60 million people practicing Qi gong daily. Martial arts are derived from Qi gong, which is considered to form the foundation of tai chi. Qi gong puts a greater emphasis on internal processes (meditation, visualization, breathing) than tai chi, which emphasizes outward movement.
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Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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