Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice
Background: The purpose of this discussion is to explore the theory, evidence base, and practice of Qigong for individuals with cancer. Questions addressed are: What is qigong? How does it work? What evidence exists supporting its practice in integrative oncology? What barriers to wide-spread progra...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2017-01-01
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| Series: | Medicines |
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| Online Access: | http://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/4/1/2 |
| _version_ | 1818254445426769920 |
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| author | Penelope Klein |
| author_facet | Penelope Klein |
| author_sort | Penelope Klein |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: The purpose of this discussion is to explore the theory, evidence base, and practice of Qigong for individuals with cancer. Questions addressed are: What is qigong? How does it work? What evidence exists supporting its practice in integrative oncology? What barriers to wide-spread programming access exist? Methods: Sources for this discussion include a review of scholarly texts, the Internet, PubMed, field observations, and expert opinion. Results: Qigong is a gentle, mind/body exercise integral within Chinese medicine. Theoretical foundations include Chinese medicine energy theory, psychoneuroimmunology, the relaxation response, the meditation effect, and epigenetics. Research supports positive effects on quality of life (QOL), fatigue, immune function and cortisol levels, and cognition for individuals with cancer. There is indirect, scientific evidence suggesting that qigong practice may positively influence cancer prevention and survival. No one Qigong exercise regimen has been established as superior. Effective protocols do have common elements: slow mindful exercise, easy to learn, breath regulation, meditation, emphasis on relaxation, and energy cultivation including mental intent and self-massage. Conclusions: Regular practice of Qigong exercise therapy has the potential to improve cancer-related QOL and is indirectly linked to cancer prevention and survival. Wide-spread access to quality Qigong in cancer care programming may be challenged by the availability of existing programming and work force capacity. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-12T16:56:05Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-39f0b4a717064b839f072c965a559679 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2305-6320 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-12T16:56:05Z |
| publishDate | 2017-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Medicines |
| spelling | doaj.art-39f0b4a717064b839f072c965a5596792022-12-22T00:18:14ZengMDPI AGMedicines2305-63202017-01-0141210.3390/medicines4010002medicines4010002Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and PracticePenelope Klein0Physical Therapy Program, D’Youville College, 361 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14201, USABackground: The purpose of this discussion is to explore the theory, evidence base, and practice of Qigong for individuals with cancer. Questions addressed are: What is qigong? How does it work? What evidence exists supporting its practice in integrative oncology? What barriers to wide-spread programming access exist? Methods: Sources for this discussion include a review of scholarly texts, the Internet, PubMed, field observations, and expert opinion. Results: Qigong is a gentle, mind/body exercise integral within Chinese medicine. Theoretical foundations include Chinese medicine energy theory, psychoneuroimmunology, the relaxation response, the meditation effect, and epigenetics. Research supports positive effects on quality of life (QOL), fatigue, immune function and cortisol levels, and cognition for individuals with cancer. There is indirect, scientific evidence suggesting that qigong practice may positively influence cancer prevention and survival. No one Qigong exercise regimen has been established as superior. Effective protocols do have common elements: slow mindful exercise, easy to learn, breath regulation, meditation, emphasis on relaxation, and energy cultivation including mental intent and self-massage. Conclusions: Regular practice of Qigong exercise therapy has the potential to improve cancer-related QOL and is indirectly linked to cancer prevention and survival. Wide-spread access to quality Qigong in cancer care programming may be challenged by the availability of existing programming and work force capacity.http://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/4/1/2cancerQigongTai chireview |
| spellingShingle | Penelope Klein Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice Medicines cancer Qigong Tai chi review |
| title | Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice |
| title_full | Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice |
| title_fullStr | Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice |
| title_full_unstemmed | Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice |
| title_short | Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice |
| title_sort | qigong in cancer care theory evidence base and practice |
| topic | cancer Qigong Tai chi review |
| url | http://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/4/1/2 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT penelopeklein qigongincancercaretheoryevidencebaseandpractice |