Use of qi gong in health maintenance in asia: Lessons for the US

Background: Using qi gong for health maintenance is not uncommon in Asia. This study reports the results of a case study on the application of qi gong in health maintenance in Asia. The objectives of this project are: 1. describe the conceptual framework of qi gong in relation to health; and 2. demonstrate its application for prevention and intervention purposes. Method: This project applies a case study that examines data from medical records, media reports, and ethnographic interviews about use of qi gong. The analyses focus on: 1. the use of qi gong in Asia, and 2. the lessons for the Unoted States. Results 1. Qi gong is widely used for health maintenance in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan in different forms. 2. Qi gong supports health through vital energy regulation to strengthen the autoimmune, self-repair, and enhancement functions. 3. Qi gong has been used for a wide range of health problems in Asia, such as malingnant turmors, pain, digestive disorders, hypertension, pain management, etc. 4. The lessons for the United States: it could be integrated into prevention and intervention in health care.

Conclusion: The use of Qi gong is prevalent in Asia mainly for the purpose of health maintenance. Through the regulation of the vital energy, qi gong can be used as a fitness routine or help treat a wide range of chronic health problems. For the Untied States, it could be integrated into the current health care system to improve efficacy and efficiency.