The Science of Qi Healing

A Survey of the Research and Benefits of

Tai Chi and Qigong Practices

(Part 1 of 2)

Ted Nawalknski, Sc. D.

(Edited By Sean Cartwright)

The Science of Qi Healing, is a survey of more than 240 research papers on the science of Qigong, Taijiquan and Qi healing, recently published by Traditional Chinese Culture Institute International, ().  In this paper Dr. Nawalinski summarizes the most relevant Chinese and English literature for readers.  It is available as a with reference citations. Here are a few excerpts and summary of this interesting research paper.

Introduction

It has been suggested that nitric oxide (NO) acts as an effector molecule to mediate the metabolic functions along the Qi meridians of the body. NO is a gas, diffuses quickly, mediates many important metabolic pathways in the body, and has both healing and toxic properties.  NO functions in two important ways: it is a messenger by which cells communicate with each other; and its toxic properties are used by the immune system to kill or slow the growth of invading organisms. NO has been consistently found in higher concentrations in skin acupoints, which themselves are associated with low electrical resistance and concentrations of ionic calcium and cholinesterase as they trace neurovascular bundles.

Warm needling of the leg acupoint  Zu San Li (St 36) (足三里) in older people produced a significant increase in peripheral blood NO. Microinjection of NO into the brains of rats during electro-acupuncture of the St36 point facilitated the normal hypertensive and brady cardiac effects.  The validation of NO as the chemical effector  for acupuncture is not yet certain and its role in Qigong even less clear, but it is possible that similar mechanisms work for both since Qigong practice and a needled acupoint targeted to a given organ both produced myoelectricity at other sites along that organ’s meridian.

This review of the studies on self-practice and external Qigong healing is based on a selection from well over 300 papers. Many were available only in Chinese so summaries by Kevin Chen and Kenneth Sancier were invaluable in making this information available to non-Chinese readers. Other summaries and meta-analyses compiled small reports into meaningful statistics.

There are also a few popular reports, as may have appeared in health-care newsletters, online E-zines, and lay magazines. With many recent empirical studies, there is little doubt of the efficacy of Qigong in positively affecting a remarkable spectrum of human ailments. The inclusion of animal models, in vitro studies, and the statistically significant findings in many of these, support the argument that Qigong represents a healing modality that deserves serious consideration for daily use as the base for a sound health program as well as a supplementary aid in conjunction with conventional Western therapy when that becomes necessary.

Undoubtedly the reader will be most interested in those studies directly involving human beings and their diseases. The inclusion of work involving inanimate objects or cell cultures or laboratory animals may seem unimportant compared to those on sick people, but their inclusion in this review is vitally important to support what might rightly be considered the more relevant works. Cell cultures and mice are not subjected to a placebo effect as might be human patients so they may, in fact, be a more credible testament to the efficacy of the power of Qi than would a human subject susceptible to the influence of suggestion or wishful thinking.

Application of Qigong to Ailments of the Elderly

Several papers in this review of the scientific literature specifically addressed the benefits of Qigong practice and EQT for both healthy and infirm elderly, but popular articles also appear almost weekly in newspapers and magazines. They universally encourage practicing Qigong and Taiji for their health-promoting activities in building lower body strength, improving balance, and reducing stress. And, in general, CAM users were significantly more likely to rate their health as ‘excellent’ and ‘better than last year’ than did respondents who did not use CAM. 

The specific benefits commonly observed in those individuals who practice regularly included things such as a reduction in pain, anxiety, and depression; improved balance; improved muscle strength and physical functioning;   enhanced immunity; reduced joint stiffness; lower blood pressure; improved cognitive functioning (a Taiji study);  reversed symptoms of aging and longer lives  –  all of which directly or indirectly improve the quality of life these seniors enjoy.

In a study of hypertensive patients,  Qigong exercise improved several blood chemistry parameters and increased mean levels of the anti-aging enzyme, superoxide dismutase; their prescription drug dosages could be decreased; and their blood pressure, immune response, cholesterol, and bone density all improved. This same review noted a study of 158 patients with cerebral arteriosclerosis who experienced improvements in memory, dizziness, insomnia, tinnitus, numbness of the limbs and vertigo headache after only one to six months of Qigong practice.

In a study of 100 patients, either presenile or with cerebral functions impaired by senility, six months of Qigong practice produced improvements of 80% or more in eight of the fourteen main clinical signs and symptoms; control groups that either walked, walked quickly, or ran slowly instead of practicing Qigong improved in none of the symptoms more than 45%.  Rheoencephalography showed that blood flow to the brain was increased during Qigong exercise.

In one study of pain the analgesic effect persisted for six months after the trial ended. However, long-term chronic conditions may not resolve, as shown in a study of neck pain in elderly patients where there was no significant difference between Qigong and regular exercise groups. A similar study of neck pain which had persisted an average exceeding three years found a benefit with Qigong practice over the no-treatment controls, but it was not statistically significant.

Everyone starts somewhere. It begins when you decide to step out on your journey of self-discovery and self-healing. For some, taking control of their health may be simple. For most of us, we will have to work to “awaken the sleeping dragon.” It lies, waiting for the call of our intent, to stir and grow with resolution, persistence, and patience.

[To be continued]

TED NAWALINSKI, Sc.D., has more than 36 years’ experience in Chinese Internal Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qigong and meditation. For the last 15 years he has devoted most of his attention to Taiji, Qigong, and the healing properties of foods and meditation.  His classes with elderly people in the western suburbs of Philadelphia offer a holistic approach to wellness, with nutrition and exercise advice to complement the movement and breathing of Taiji. Ted is a lifelong biologist and brings a global perspective to his interest in fitness and health.