Can Qigong Cure Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain impacts between 11 and 40 percent of the American population, and continues to be one of the most common reasons adults seek medical attention. Not only does this impact one's mobility and quality of life, but chronic pain is also often associated with poor mental health and opioid dependence.

Millions of people are currently seeking alternative treatment options in order to combat their symptoms, and reduce their reliance on pharmaceuticals – many of which induce adverse effects.

One key area of interest is qigong, a holistic practice that offers natural healing techniques.

The Impact of Chronic Pain

The American Pain Society defines chronic pain as pain that continues beyond the normal healing time of three months.

Associated with a wide range of conditions, including cancer, arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and many others, when left untreated, patients increased their risk of further complications.

As stated in this review, published in Pain Medicine, chronic pain can cause a number of psychological and physical consequences. These consequences include but are not limited to poor mental health, poor sleep, diminishing cardiovascular health, and reduced sexual function. In turn, this significantly impacts one’s overall quality of life.

One key study found that chronic pain and psychiatric conditions often co-occur, particularly in regards to mood and anxiety disorders. In fact, among those living with chronic pain, as many as 46 percent develop a psychopathological disorder. From cognitive disruptions to disturbed sleeping patterns, chronic pain can impact all aspects of one’s life, reducing functionality and quality.

In addition, there are significant concerns regarding addictive pharmaceuticals, particularly opioids.

A 2019 study observed 204 adult patients living with chronic non-cancer pain in relation to opioid use disorder (OUD). It was found that 26.5 percent of these patients were diagnosed with OUD, with approximately 9.3 percent suffering from moderate to severe OUD.

Study Finds That Qigong May Help Improve Symptoms of Chronic Pain

In order to avoid problematic side effects and reduce one’s risk of addiction, many chronic pain sufferers are turning to alternative treatment options — including the benefits associated with qigong. As published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, external qigong treatment (EQT) may offer support to those living with chronic pain.

In this study, the researchers studied a total of 50 individuals with chronic pain, who were randomly assigned to either an EQT group or an equivalent attention time (EAT) group. The majority of these individuals had been living with pain for more than five years (66 percent).

After participating in 30-minute sessions for a total of four consecutive weeks, it was found that in comparison to the EAT group, those in the EQT group experienced a significant decrease in pain intensity. This was particularly impressive in regards to the duration of pain, as experienced in most of the subjects.

Can Qigong Cure Chronic Pain?

Based on the above University of Minnesota study, qigong shows great promise in regards to chronic pain. In terms of the causes of pain, subjects experienced improvements in relation to multifactorial pain, osteoarthritis pain, and low back pain.

Considering there were no significant differences at baseline, the evidence suggests that EQT was the key variable in relation to the final results. Those in the EQT group experienced a significant decrease in pain intensity in both the second and forth weeks of treatment. Decreased pain intensity continued at week eight. However, the associated differences were not statistically significant.

While more research needs to be conducted to better understand the relationship between chronic pain and external qigong treatment, current evidence provides strong support for this potential pain-relieving therapy option.

For example, a 2012 study, published in Arthritis Research and Therapy, examined 100 individuals living with fibromyalgia.

It was found that in comparison to the conventional care control group, Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong, a specific form of qigong, led to significant improvements in physical function, pain, sleep, and mental function.

These positive effects were demonstrated across all six months, showcasing the potential long-term benefits associated with this treatment option — especially in regards to self-care.

Another key review analyzed seven studies, involving a total of 394 participants. The goal was to review the use of and effectiveness of qigong when aiming to treat fibromyalgia, neck pain, and complex regional pain syndrome type 1. It was concluded that qigong appears to be both safe and effective, particularly in regards to neck pain symptoms and pain intensity associated with fibromyalgia.

Not only could qigong help treat chronic pain, but it may also help prevent pain-related complications. This review focused on low back pain, something in which approximately 31 million Americans experience at any given time.

It was stated that qigong offers the most important criteria in relation to the prevention of low back pain, as it respects the most basic physicological principles of movement. Best of all, qigong does not require any specialized equipment, is simple to learn, and can be taken anywhere, offering support for at-home treatment plans.

In summary, there’s plenty of research suggesting that the mind-body connection exists, especially in regards to healing and positive health. Qigong uses gentle movements, offers the benefits associated with mindfulness meditation, and is non-addictive (unlike painkillers), making it an ideal option for pain management.