Summary of the Latest Evidence on Qi Therapy

Recent studies suggest that qi therapy, including qigong, may help improve quality of life, fatigue, certain types of pain, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially in cancer care and supportive treatment settings. However, the studies are often small and use different intervention methods, so it is best viewed as a complementary approach rather than a replacement for standard treatment.

Recent reviews also describe qigong as a relatively safe intervention, but more standardized protocols and larger clinical trials are needed to confirm its effects more clearly.

“Recent research suggests that qi therapy (qigong) may help improve quality of life, fatigue, some types of pain, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, because the studies are small and the intervention methods are not standardized, it is best considered a complementary management approach rather than a replacement for standard treatment.”

References

1. Choi WY, Suh HW, Kim JW. Analysis of Clinical Study Trends on ‘Qigong’: A Preliminary Scoping Review. J Orient Neuropsychiatry. 2021;32(3):207-217.

2. Mazzocco K, Milani A, Ciccarelli C, Marzorati C, Pravettoni G. Evidence for Choosing Qigong as an Integrated Intervention in Cancer Care: An Umbrella Review. Cancers (Basel). 2023;15(4):1176. doi:10.3390/cancers15041176.

3. Lee DE, et al. Internal qigong for pain conditions: a systematic review.

4. Lee DE, et al. External qigong for pain conditions: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials.

5. Tsang HWH, et al. The Neurophysiological and Psychological Mechanisms of Qigong as a Treatment for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:820.

6. The Effects of Qigong for Adults with Chronic Pain. PubMed.

7. The Effect of Qigong on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms. PMC.