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.
Abstract
Qigong for the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Infection in Older Adults
Fan Feng, Sylvie Tuchman, John W Denninger, Gregory L Fricchione, Albert Yeung Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2020 May 15.doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.05.012.Online ahead of print.Affiliations expandPMID: 32425471 PMCID: PMC7227578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.05.012
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.
Keywords: COVID-19; Qigong; older adults; respiratory infections.© 2020 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
