Qigong has a beneficial effect in people with neck pain

A systematic review reports that qigong, a Chinese form of exercise-related activity, might have a beneficial effect in people with neck pain. The systematic review, which was published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, looked at the effects of qigong in people with neck pain.

• Similar to other forms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), qigong training is based on the principle of harmonizing the opposite energies of Yin and Yang and regulating the balance of qi, “vital energy,” in the body to promote and maintain health and well-being.
• Researchers from the U.S. systematically reviewed the effects of qigong on neck pain, which is a common musculoskeletal condition.
• They gathered studies published from January 2000 to September 2017 on qigong and neck pain.
• A total of five studies passed the criteria and were included in the review.
• Four out of five included studies reported that qigong had a significant effect on neck-related disability or pain.
• Based on the data that were gathered, qigong had a significant effect on neck pain or disability. However, it was not generally more effective than other exercise therapies.

In conclusion, the findings of this systematic review suggest that people with neck pain may find qigong beneficial.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

To read more studies on qigong and other Chinese healing practices, visit ChineseMedicine.news.

Journal Reference:

Girard J, Girard A. THE EFFECTS OF QIGONG ON NECK PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. February 2019; 34: 23-29. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.10.013