Qigong practitioners experience
a reduction in arthritis pain
An estimated 350 million people worldwide have arthritis. In the United States alone, 23% of adults—over 54 million people—are living with arthritis. More than 1 in 4 adults with arthritis report severe joint pain and as a result, about 24 million adults are limited in their daily activities. When a small amount of exercise exacerbates pain in the body, the idea of engaging in any form of “exercise” may be enough to deter participation. A sedentary or immobile lifestyle is not helpful either, as it may lead to worsening of the condition and less favorable health outcomes. A mindful movement-based approach that is beneficial, efficacious and can be adhered to by arthritic patients in the long-term is needed. The review of available research suggests that Qigong is a safe and effective approach for advancing the well-being of people with arthritis.
In Qigong Exercise and Arthritis - the abstract of the review below - the author specifically mentions the potential benefits of Qigong practice for people with arthritis, including those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Although more well-designed studies are needed, the results of this review suggests that health professionals working with people with chronic arthritis can safely recommend Qigong for the reduction of pain and improvement of the quality of life of the participant.
The poster (below) includes some of the highlights from Qigong research studies which show the potential benefits of a Qigong practice for people with arthritis.
Source: QIGONG EXERCISE AND ARTHRITIS
Qigong Exercise and Arthritis
Author: Ray Marks
PMID: 28953263
DOI: 10.3390/medicines4040071
Link to full review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5750595/#B22-medicines-04-00071
Abstract
Background: Arthritis is a chronic condition resulting in considerable disability, particularly in later life. Aims: The first aim of this review was to summarize and synthesize the research base concerning the use of Qigong exercises as a possible adjunctive strategy for promoting well-being among adults with arthritis. A second was to provide related intervention directives for health professionals working or who are likely to work with this population in the future. Methods: Material specifically focusing on examining the nature of Qigong for minimizing arthritis disability, pain and dependence and for improving life quality was sought. Results: Collectively, despite almost no attention to this topic, available data reveal that while more research is indicated, Qigong exercises-practiced widely in China for many centuries as an exercise form, mind-body and relaxation technique-may be very useful as an intervention strategy for adults with different forms of painful disabling arthritis. Conclusion: Health professionals working with people who have chronic arthritis can safely recommend these exercises to most adults with this condition with the expectation they will heighten the life quality of the individual, while reducing pain and depression in adults with this condition.
Excerpt
“Qigong is a method of gentle self-healing exercises [25] designed to increase well-being. It can help to strengthen the body’s musculoskeletal system and cognitive function [19], increase joint flexibility, motor function, and movement coordination. It can also help activate postural improvements, and diminish pain. In addition, its application can reduce fatigue [22], stimulate the circulation, correct systemic imbalances [25], and optimize the body’s physiology. It can be practiced by all age groups without equipment in either standing or sitting or reclining. Accordingly, it is unsurprising that Hou et al. [26] who conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of traditional Chinese medicine for osteoarthritis, found Qigong applications that combined motion effective for treating this type of chronic illness and its severe impact on physical function and well-being.”
Keywords: Qigong; arthritis; exercise; quality of life; rehabilitation.