Compiled by Joseph Brady MSTCM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM

Contact: taichiproj@earthlink.net | joe.brady@faculty.ccmu.edu

1529 York Street, Denver, CO 80206

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Cheryl Wheeler and Jacqui Shumway for their invaluable assistance in verifying and formatting references. Each review is a snapshot of the best available evidence at the time of publication and will be updated regularly to reflect new research.

Author’s Note on AI Use

Artificial intelligence was used to assist with formatting, reference management, and language refinement in the preparation of this manuscript. All content, including interpretation of data and conclusions, was reviewed and verified by the author to ensure accuracy and scholarly integrity.

Qigong and Whole Person Health: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Whole person health refers to a multidimensional approach to wellness that integrates physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains of health into a cohesive model of care (Remen, 2008). This paradigm shift in healthcare emphasizes not just the treatment of disease but the cultivation of wellbeing across all facets of human experience (Reddy & Wisneski, 2022). Qigong, an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, has emerged as a powerful therapeutic modality aligned with the principles of whole person health. By combining movement, breath control, and meditation, Qigong supports holistic healing and has been increasingly integrated into clinical and community health programs worldwide (McCaffrey & Fowler, 2003).

Evidence Synthesis

Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Benefits of Qigong

Systematic reviews of Qigong reveal broad therapeutic potential. Toneti et al. (2020) reviewed 28 studies and concluded that Qigong benefits patients with chronic conditions such as cancer, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Significant improvements in immune function, cardiopulmonary fitness, and chronic pain reduction were observed, supporting Qigong’s role in enhancing physical health.

In mental health, Qigong has demonstrated efficacy in reducing anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep disturbances (Antonelli & Donelli, 2024). The mind-body integrative aspect of Qigong is particularly relevant to whole person health, addressing emotional resilience and promoting psychological well-being.

Qigong also addresses the spiritual dimension of health, a core tenet of whole person care. Rooted in Taoist and Buddhist traditions, Qigong promotes inner balance and self-cultivation through “gentle exercises for breath, body, mind, and the voice” (McCaffrey & Fowler, 2003), facilitating spiritual growth and a sense of purpose.

Mechanisms of Action and Energy Medicine

Qigong is conceptualized as bio-energy medicine, operating through subtle energy systems within the body. According to Sun (2008), Qigong engages multiple forms of energy, including electrical and magnetic fields, to enhance inter-system communication and physiological balance. These bioelectric effects have been hypothesized to influence cellular function, stress adaptation, and immune responses (Li & Yeh, 2005).

Qigong’s mechanisms include the regulation of autonomic nervous system balance, improved blood biochemistry, and enhanced immune cell activity, leading to reduced inflammation and improved metabolic function (Zhang et al., 2024). Its multi-modal approach—combining movement, breath, and meditative focus—uniquely positions Qigong within whole person health frameworks.

Integration in Clinical and Community Health

The Veterans Administration’s Whole Health Program in the United States has formally integrated Qigong into its care model, aligning with patient-centered approaches that prioritize “what matters to you” (Reddy & Wisneski, 2022). Globally, Qigong has been employed in COVID-19 recovery programs, demonstrating efficacy in improving respiratory symptoms, quality of life, and mental wellbeing (Antonelli & Donelli, 2024).

Quality of Evidence and Limitations

The overall evidence quality is moderate, with consistent positive findings across studies but methodological concerns regarding blinding and study heterogeneity (Toneti et al., 2020). While systematic reviews affirm effectiveness, many studies lack rigorous design, standardized outcome measures, and long-term follow-up.

Conclusion

Qigong exemplifies the principles of whole person health by integrating physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of care. While further high-quality research is needed, current evidence supports its role as a low-risk, cost-effective integrative therapy that aligns with holistic, patient-centered healthcare models.

References

Antonelli, M., & Donelli, D. (2024). Evaluating Qigong as integrative support for COVID-19 and Long-COVID-19 rehabilitation: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1403130. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1403130

Li, T. Y., & Yeh, M. L. (2005). [The application of qi-gong therapy to health care]. The Journal of Nursing (China), 52(3), 99–104. (DOI not available)

McCaffrey, R., & Fowler, N. L. (2003). Qigong practice: A pathway to health and healing. Holistic Nursing Practice, 17(2), 110–116. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004650-200303000-00006.

Reddy, B. D., & Wisneski, L. (2022). Whole person health: The role of advocacy. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 11, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1177/2164957X221082650

Remen, R. N. (2008). Practicing a medicine of the whole person: An opportunity for healing. Hematology-Oncology Clinics of North America, 22(4), 655–661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hoc.2008.04.001

Sun, G. C. (2008). Qigong: Bio-energy medicine. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(9), 1027–1029. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0231

Toneti, B. F., Barbosa, R. F. M., Mano, L. Y., Sawada, L. O., Oliveira, I. G., & Sawada, N. O. (2020). Benefits of Qigong as an integrative and complementary practice for health: A systematic review. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 28, e3317. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.3718.3317

Zhang, J., Jeong, D. H., Yu, Y., Wang, H., & Tan, C. C. (2024). The modern health benefits of Chinese Qigong. JOJ Ophthalmology, 11(5), 555823. DOI: 10.19080/JOJO.2024.11.555823