222471 A Comprehensive Analysis of the Health Effects of Yan Xin Qigong (YXQ)

Monday, November 8, 2010

Xin Yan, MD , The Chongqing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
Xinqi Wu, PhD , Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Ming Chih Tsai, MD , Ob & Gyn Department, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
Yuhong Yang, PhD , School of Statistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Zhenqin Xia, MS , ASF5-249G, Amgen Inc., San Francisco, CA
Chunling Lu, PhD , Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Introduction Qigong is the foundation and an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine and traditional Chinese technologies to promoting and preserving health and wellness. The regulation of Qigong is under official administration by the Chinese government and Qigong has been widely used in medicine and in promoting health and wellness. Yan Xin Qigong (YXQ) was recommended to the public as a safe and effective Qigong method by Chinese government agencies in 1998. It was introduced to North America in early 1990 and has been gaining popularity among highly-educated individuals in the North America.

Methods This study is to conduct a systematic investigation on the health effects of YXQ based on existing evidence from laboratory, clinical, as well as social science perspectives. The work requires a multi-disciplinary collaboration with comprehensive and cutting-edge science. We discuss the health effects of YXQ from the following areas: (1) in vitro study of the biological effects of YXQ, (2) observational studies and clinical investigation on YXQ as a medical treatment, and (3) population-level study about its effectiveness in promoting health through prevention and health promotion methods.

Results: Survey studies showed that people who learned YXQ reported significant positive health effects and reduced medical expenditure. Clinical observations showed that patients have received significant beneficial effects from YXQ. Laboratory studies at different levels (cellular, molecular, etc) support the positive health effect of YXQ.

Conclusion: YXQ has great potential in improving public health. More studies are needed to systematically evaluate YXQ's health effects and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
To summarize the scientific findings of YXQ. To analyze the health effects of YXQ from different levels.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I made contributioin to the analysis.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3074.0: Alternative and Complementary Health Practices Poster Session