Qigong and COVID-19
The available evidence suggests that Qigong practice may be useful for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Future studies are needed to provide more evidence on this topic. For instance, studies on Qigong and “long-haul” covid may be useful given that Qigong has been shown to help people with chronic fatigue syndrome, POTS, etc.
Qigong for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of COVID-19 infection
in older adults
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020 May 15
Fan Feng, M.D., Ph.D.,1 Sylvie Tuchman, B.A.,2 John W. Denninger, M.D., Ph.D.,1 Gregory L. Fricchione, M.D.,1 and Albert Yeung, M.D., Sc.D.1,2,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7227578/
Keywords: Qigong, COVID-19, respiratory infections, older adults
Abstract
The elderly are at high risk of contracting respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19 infection. The recent pandemic has the potential to cause significant physical and mental damage in older adults. Similarly to other mind-body exercises in Traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong features regulation of breath rhythm and pattern, body movement and posture, and meditation. Given these traits, Qigong has the potential to play a role in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19. Potential mechanisms of action include stress reduction, emotion regulation, strengthening of respiratory muscles, reduction of inflammation, and enhanced immune function. Three forms of Qigong; abdominal breathing, Ba Duan Jin and Liu Zi Jue, all of which are gentle, smooth, and simple for the elderly to practice, are recommended in this context.