From the Guidelines
Qi, or vital life force, has limited empirical evidence supporting its existence by modern scientific standards, but practices associated with it, such as qigong, have shown beneficial effects on quality of life, as seen in two trials 1.
Definition and Concept of Qi
Qi is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy that refers to the vital life force or energy flowing through all living things. It is believed to circulate through pathways called meridians in the human body, with balanced and freely flowing qi being essential for good health.
Practices Associated with Qi
Practices like acupuncture, tai chi, qigong, and certain herbal remedies aim to restore proper qi flow and balance. While these practices have been central to Eastern medicine for thousands of years, their mechanisms and effectiveness are not fully understood by Western scientific standards.
Evidence for Qi-Related Practices
Some studies have investigated the effects of these practices on health outcomes. For example, two trials found qigong to have beneficial effects on quality of life 1. However, these studies were fairly small and should be replicated in larger and more diverse patient populations.
Recommendation
Based on the available evidence, qigong can be considered for use to improve quality of life, particularly in patients with breast cancer, as it has received a C Grade recommendation 1. However, it is essential to note that the concept of qi itself lacks empirical evidence by modern scientific standards. The benefits of practices associated with qi manipulation may be attributed to mechanisms like improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and mental focus rather than the movement of an unseen energy force.
Key Points
- Qi is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine referring to the vital life force or energy.
- Practices associated with qi, such as qigong, have shown beneficial effects on quality of life.
- The evidence for these practices is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms and effectiveness.
- Qigong can be considered for use to improve quality of life, particularly in patients with breast cancer, based on a C Grade recommendation 1.
From the Research
Definition and Concept of Qi
- Qi is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine that refers to the vital energy or life force that flows through the body [ 2 ].
- However, the provided studies do not directly discuss the concept of qi, but rather focus on acupuncture and other alternative therapies for pain management.
Acupuncture and Qi
- Acupuncture is a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine that involves the placement of thin needles at various points in the body to restore the body's internal balance and promote the flow of qi [ 3 ].
- While the studies do not explicitly discuss qi, they do provide evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating chronic pain conditions, such as low back pain, migraines, and fibromyalgia [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 3 ].
Alternative Therapies and Qi
- Other alternative therapies, such as tai chi and osteopathic manipulative treatment, may also be used to promote the flow of qi and manage chronic pain [ 6 ].
- However, the studies do not provide direct evidence for the role of qi in these therapies, but rather focus on their effectiveness in treating chronic pain conditions.
Limitations and Future Research
- The studies highlight the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms of action of acupuncture and other alternative therapies, including the potential role of qi [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 3 ].
- Additionally, the studies note that the evidence for the effectiveness of these therapies is not yet conclusive, and more research is needed to determine their optimal use in pain management [ 2 , 4 , 6 , 5 , 3 ].