Qigong exercises are strongly recommended for treating musculoskeletal disorders that are work and stress-related due to their numerous regenerative and energy-regulating effects.
According to a 2024 review published in theJournal of Lifestyle Medicine, Qigong can confer relief to arthritis, neck pain, lower back pain, and other common musculoskeletal conditions with clinically significant symptomatic benefits. In people with neck pain, practicing a 24-set Qigong routine for 3 months significantly reduced pain levels on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and improved scores on the Neck Pain and Disability Questionnaire. Similarly, in patients with knee osteoarthritis, Qigong sessions led to a meaningful decrease in pain and improved function, as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).
Boosts Mental Health
The health benefit of Qigong extends beyond just fitness to improving cognition and psychological well-being.
A 2024 study published in the Alpha Psychiatry Journal examined the effectiveness of Qigong in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression among 80 young adults. The study revealed that young professionals who practiced Qigong experienced better scores on key mental health measures — perceived stress scale (PSS), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-24) — when compared to other fitness interventions, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating Qigong into treatment plans.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Incorporating gentle mind-body practices such as Qigong into your wellness routine alongside medications or other conventional exercises may help support healthier blood pressure levels.
A 2021 meta-analysis published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Qigong can reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. In fact, one of the seven studies reported that Qigong was as effective as conventional exercises, as a result of its flowing movements that enhance circulation and overall cardiovascular function.
Qigong’s intentional breathwork also plays a key role. For example, slow, deep breathing helps calm the sympathetic fight-or-flight nervous system while activating the parasympathetic rest-and-digest response. This shift can lower heart rate and blood pressure, promoting balance in the body and potentially reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
