Qigong therapy, a form of traditional Chinese medical practice, appears to be a potential complementary treatment for osteoarthritis dependent upon the capability of the healer, according to a study.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the US and osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 21 million Americans.
Patients suffering from osteoarthritis are increasingly utilizing complementary and alternative medicine treatments, including Qigong therapy, used in China for treating arthritis.
Qigong is a general term for a variety of traditional Chinese energy exercises and therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) suggests the existence of a subtle energy (qi) circulating throughout the body and in the surrounding environment.
According to TCM, good health is the result of free-flowing, well-balance “qi”, while sickness or pain is the result of a blockage of the “qi” flow or unbalanced “qi” in the body.
“Although further research needs to be conducted, Qigong may be an effective complementary treatment for osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Perlman, a co-investigator on the study.
“Given the limitation and potential adverse effects of drug intervention of osteoarthritis, Qigong therapy might prove to be a valuable option as a supplement to conventional treatment.” Further study is required to determine the efficacy of the practice.
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