Qigong for the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of COVID-19
The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15th May 2020. FanFengM.D., Ph.D,SylvieTuchmanB.A.,John W.DenningerM.D., Ph.D.,Gregory L.FricchioneM.D., AlbertYeungM.D., Sc.D
Qigong for the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Infection in Older Adults
Highlights
- Can Qigong be used as an intervention to treat respiratory infection, including COVID-19, in the elderly?
- Qigong may be beneficial for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of respiratory infections, including COVID-19. The elderly, in particular, could benefit from Qigong during the pandemic, for it is easy to practice.
- As a mind-body skill, Qigong provides an innovative option for integrative treatment during this outbreak.
Abstract
The elderly are at high risk of contracting respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19 infection. The recent pandemic has the potential to cause significant physical and mental damage in older adults. Similarly to other mind-body exercises in Traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong features regulation of breath rhythm and pattern, body movement and posture, and meditation. Given these traits, Qigong has the potential to play a role in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19. Potential mechanisms of action include stress reduction, emotion regulation, strengthening of respiratory muscles, reduction of inflammation, and enhanced immune function. Three forms of Qigong; abdominal breathing, Ba Duan Jin and Liu Zi Jue, all of which are gentle, smooth, and simple for the elderly to practice, are recommended in this context.
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