Qigong and Energy Medicine Database™ Search

Cancer

Introduction to Qigong for Cancer

A Phenomenological Qualitative Exploration of Mind-Body Therapy Use and Effectiveness Among Young, Middle, and Older Adult Cancer Survivors. Tai Chi and Qigong had beneficial physical and mental health effects on survivors of all age groups. PMID: 38767143. 

Management of Fatigue in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO-Society for Integrative Oncology Guideline Update. The American Society of Clinical Oncology reports that Tai Chi and Qigong showed benefits during treatment and clinicians should recommend Tai Chi or Qigong. PMID: 38754041. 

Tai Chi, Qigong and the Treatment of Cancer. This paper reports on or summarizes dozens of studies where Tai Chi and/or Qigong have been used to reduce or alleviate the adverse side-effects that result from surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments for cancer. A Qigong or Tai Chi regimen can often reduce fatigue, insomnia, dyspnea, numbness, heartburn, dizziness, psychological distress, cognitive impairment, heart rate variability, recovery time, nausea, pain, discomfort, anxiety and depression, and can increase bone density, self-efficacy, muscular strength, immune function, longevity, ambulatory stability, joint flexibility, and the overall quality of life. McGee 2021. Read article.

Qigong and the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer: A Bibliography. This bibliography provides the citations to 30 years of medical studies that have been conducted on the use of qigong to treat and prevent cancer. Read article.

Current Usage of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Breast Cancer—A Narrative Approach to the Experiences of Women with Breast Cancer in Australia—A Pilot Study. PMC5590056. 

Impact of Medical Qigong on quality of life, fatigue, mood and inflammation in cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. PMC2826100

A Review of Qigong Therapy for Cancer Treatment provides an overview of research results on Qigong for cancer. Studies on Qigong and its ffect on cancer have demonstrated consistent results for its inhibitory effect on cancer growth and metastasis. 

The textbook Chinese Medical Qigong Chinese Medical Qigong (in English) has information on Qigong for cancer treatment.

Effect of medical Qigong on cognitive function, quality of life, and a biomarker of inflammation in cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. PMID: 21688163

Mind-Body Practices in Cancer Care. PMC442855. Minimizing stress improves health and quality of life outcomes.

Tai Chi and Qigong at the Mayo Clinic Integrative Cancer Center

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q5GYpRKNm8

Cancer Conquerors -- A documentary of cancer self healing...utilizing Qigong

https://youtu.be/6-7PLtfZwfA?si=YLBkB1ul2dN0Xucm

Mindfulness and Meditation for Cancer

(More on Meditation)

Mindfulness-based cancer recovery and supportive-expressive therapy maintain telomere length relative to controls in distressed breast cancer survivors.

An eight-week meditation class had clinically meaningful, statistically significant effects on depression and anxiety after 12 months' follow-up [Würtzen]. Meditation was found to be a beneficial intervention for reducing stress, anxiety, cortisol levels, and symptoms in advanced-stage cancer patients and may also benefit caregivers [Lengacher].

Mindfulness-Based Meditation Helps Teenagers with Cancer.

Qigong Medical Doctors and Therapists

The people most familiar with the use of Qigong in medicine are Doctors of Oriental Medicine (OMD), Doctors of Medical Qigong (DMQ), Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM), or Medical Qigong Therapists.

Devatara Holman, MS, MA, LAc is a Qigong Master and acupuncturist and has experience working with cancer patients. In addition, she specializes in Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Medical Qigong Therapy, Herbal Medicine, and Remote Healing. For more information see Marin Oriental Medicine and Emei Qigong Buddhist Medicine. Consultations are available individually at the Marin Oriental Medicine Clinic as well as long distance and via Skype.

Oncology Nursing

Traditional Chinese Medicine for cancer-related symptoms. PMID: 22281311.

Energy therapies in oncology nursing. PMID: 22281310 

The Benefits of Medical Qigong in Patients with Cancer: A Descriptive Pilot Study. PMID: 24305486.

Acupuncture for Cancer

Acupuncture benefits breast cancer survivors. 

Acupuncture may ease severe nerve pain associated with cancer treatment, study suggests.

Acupuncture May Relieve Joint Pain Caused by Some Breast Cancer Treatments.

Qigong Practices for Cancer

Oncology Qigong

Effects of different mind-body exercises on quality of life and cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.  Baduanjin Qigong and Tai chi are the most effective mind-body exercises for improving fatigue and quality of life and should be prioritized by healthcare providers. PMID: 40178706.

Using Tai Chi and Qigong to Treat Cancer Symptoms.

Tai Chi, Qigong and the Treatment of Breast Cancer. 

Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines. PMID: 38820485. 

Integrative Medicine for Cancer-Related Pain: A Narrative Review. PMC10855884. 

Integrative Oncology Care of Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Adults With Cancer: Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO Guideline. The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO convened an expert panel of integrative oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, palliative oncology, social sciences, mind-body medicine, nursing, methodology, and patient advocacy representatives. Qigong and Tai Chi are among the recommended integrative approaches to managing anxiety and depression symptoms in adults living with cancer. PMID: 37582238. 

An exercise prescription for patients with lung cancer improves the quality of life, depression, and anxiety. PMC9714027.

Qigong Mind-Body Exercise (QMBE) as a Biopsychosocial Therapy for Persistent Post-Surgical Pain in Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study. PMC7050958.

Integrative Medicine Therapies for Pain Management in Cancer Patients. PMC6777858.

Qigong Exercise and Tai Chi in Cancer Care. PMC6696812. 

The health effects of Baduanjin exercise (a type of Qigong exercise) in breast cancer survivors: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial. PMID: 30850143.

Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice. PMID: 28930219. 

Mindfulness and Tai Chi Boost Mood, Strength in People With Cancer.

Master Helen Liang and “Qigong for Cancer”. 

Growing Young: 6 Powerful Exercises for Initiating DNA Repair and Cellular Rejuvenation. 

Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice. Regular practice of Qigong exercise therapy has the potential to improve cancer-related QOL and is indirectly linked to cancer prevention and survival. The purpose of this discussion is to explore the theory, evidence base, and practice of Qigong for individuals with cancer. 

Social Oncology: Qigong Classes and Group Interaction in the Treatment of Cancer

Integrative Medicine Classes Help Breast Cancer Survivors Recover. 

Minding the body: psychotherapy and cancer survival. Stanford review links stress and psychosocial support to cancer survival. PMID: 23980690. 

For social oncology, also see Guo Lin Qigong.

Tai Chi for Cancer

Tai Chi Relieves Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors. 

Tai Chi increases relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances sleep quality and duration in breast cancer patients with joint pain.

Tai Chi Qigong Improves Shoulder Mobility, Muscular Strength, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Tai Chi helps the immune system and aids recovery of lung cancer survivors.

Tai Chi improves health related quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

3-month Randomized Controlled Trial finds Tai Chi reduces cellular inflammation and genes encoding proinflammatory mediators. 

Guo Lin Qigong for Cancer

Guo Lin was a Chinese artist and dancer who cured herself of cancer through the practice of Qigong over a ten year period. She modified an old family form of Qigong which she started teaching to cancer patients and people with chronic illness. Her qigong eventually spread throughout China and to some Western countries. In addition to providing a method to treat cancer, Guo Lin basically invented the idea and practice of social oncology.

ANTI-CANCER GUOLIN QIGONG SHANGHAI CANCER RECOVERY CLUB

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa1XW8woq1g

From a Chinese clinical treatment standpoint, Guo Lin Walking Qigong became the most popular and effective form of Qigong for cancer. It is also known by the names Guo Lin Qigong, Guo-Lin New Qigong, and New Qigong Therapy. There is a short description of it in The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi. There is more extensive information in The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques To Release Your Body's Own Medicine, Movement, Massage, Meditation, Breathing. More extensive information on the history of Guo Lin Qigong as well as the history of Qigong and its medical use in China can be found in Qigong Fever: Body, Science, and Utopia in China. 

The main component of Guo Lin Qigong is breathing a specific way while walking.  It is called xi xi hu breathing (xi = inhale, hu = exhale).

Starting at about 12 seconds, people are in lines doing Guo Lin Qigong. Starting at 20 seconds you can hear the instructor saying xi ("she") xi ("she") hu ("who"). In English this is inhale, inhale, exhale. Two inhales as you swing your arms one way, exhale as you swing them to the other. There are variations on how the arms swing from side to side, but the breathing is always two inhales then one exhale. It's not really important how exactly you do the hand and arm movements (for example, how high your arms go, how far you swing your arms, your hand positions -- are they up or down, etc), but you do want them to be coordinated with the breathing. Breathing is coordinated with moving left or right. Breathing is the most important part of the practice.

Guolin Qigong: Natural Walking Exercise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC88Gnmb3r8

XiXi Wu Walking QG Long

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DMpQy-sWJI

Walking Qigong (Guolin Qigong) - The Anti-Cancer Qigong.

There is a strong social interaction component to the practice of Guo Lin Qigong for cancer. In the United States, this is now referred to as social oncology.

Xi, Xi, Hu Breathing

Practice NOW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2QUTWhPf5Y

Roger Jahnke "Health Patriot"

Breathe in two times, breathe out one time
repeat...

Music Therapy for Cancer

Music therapy in supportive cancer care. 

Randomized clinical trial of therapeutic music video intervention for resilience outcomes in adolescents/young adults undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. 

Music helpls cancer patients. 

Spirituality and Cancer 

Do spiritual patients want spiritual interventions? A qualitative exploration of underserved cancer patients' perspectives on religion and spirituality. PMID: 23916058. 

Cultivating life energy, Qigong in Cancer Care

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXBAniBqas8

This short film, Cultivating Life Energy: Qigong in Cancer Care, describes Qigong in general and explains how this holistic system for well-being shows promising therapeutic benefit for patients affected by cancer. Featured in the film are leading experts from scientific and related fields, including researchers from Harvard Medical School; further included are the testimonials of US, Canadian and Australian cancer-patients who regularly practice Qigong.

This short film has won two international film awards: a Telly and an Award of Merit from the Best Shorts Competition.

MORE on this film: Highly recommended: “Qigong in Cancer Care” Posted on September 21, 2017 by violet.li@tadi.com.

Life after breast cancer

ASU nursing professor says mindfulness activities such as Qigong and Tai Chi can help survivors with post-treatment symptoms....See More. 

Qigong/Tai Chi Easy for fatigue in breast cancer survivors: Rationale and design of a randomized clinical trial. PMID: 27543065.

Qigong for Cancer Healing and Prevention by Helen Liang - DVD Introduction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN5DPfTOOlg

Selected Clinical Trials and Research Studies of Qigong for the Treatment of Cancer

STUDIES IN THE ECONOMICS OF QIGONG No. 9: Qigong and the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer: A Bibliography (Updated). 

Bone Mineral Density, Balance Performance, Balance Self-Efficacy, and Falls in Breast Cancer Survivors With and Without Qigong Training. 

Qigong improves cancer patients' cognitive function, quality of life, and inflammation.

12-week randomized controlled trial finds Qigong may be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for the management of prostate cancer survivors' fatigue and distress.

Qigong improves quality of life in women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. MORE: See University of Texas M.D. Anderson Center news release.

Chinese systematic review finds qigong/tai chi had positive effects on the cancer-specific quality of life, fatigue, immune function and cortisol level of cancer patients.

Qigong Could Decrease Fatigue In Prostate Cancer Survivors.

Qigong improves cancer-related fatigue, depression, and sleep deprivation in breast cancer survivors.

Gut Responses: Microbes, Inflammation, and Cancer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtPPIF6MmgE

Immune system modulation for cancer treatment.  Holistically working with the micobiome and energy medicine is a large part of future of western medicine and will dominate in the latter 21st Century. Western medicine is just discovering the importance of the microbiome. Researchers are already finding connections between the immune response and disease. A major component of the body's immune response is generated by the microbiome. Autoimmune disorders are being traced to imbalances or dysfunction in the gut microbiome. An incorrect mix  of microbiota species can leads to an incorrect or non-existent immune response (i.e. an "autoimmune disorder").

Note that the enteric nervous system which is the extension of the autonomic nervous system to and through the gut (i.e. it is the nervous system of the microbiota/gut) is connected to the central nervous system via the vagus nerve. Qigong directly affects the vagus nerve in a very positive way, and that's another reason why Qigong practice is so simple yet powerful.

Frequency Medicine: Detecting and Treating Cancer with Electromagnetism

Energy-Based Medical Technologies and Therapies

Electromagnetic Detection of Cancer

Inhibitory Effects of Bio-Energy Therapies on Cancer Growth. 

Bioelectric signals can be used to detect early cancer. 

New MRI/Ultrasound Imaging Improves Prostate Cancer Detection and Treatment. 

Lifestyle and Exercise are Key to Cancer Prevention and Recovery

Lifestyle includes western-style exercise, mind-body practice, and nutrition. 

Cancer is a Preventable Disease that Requires Major Lifestyle Changes. PMC2515569. 

Physical activity and telomere length in early stage breast cancer survivors. Lack of physical activity is associated with shortened telomere length. Shortened telomeres are associated with lower cell survival rates. PMC4303228. 

Physical Activity Significantly Extends Lives of Cancer Survivors. 

Cancer is a Preventable Disease that Requires Major Lifestyle Changes. PMC2515569. 

Nutrition for Cancer

Immunity Solution by Dr Joel Fuhrman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWmcJUSvTzo

More: Food is Medicine.

How Royal Raymond Rife Cured Cancer

The Cancer Cure That Worked: 50 Years of Suppression (Book).

Cell Membrane Oscillations under Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Modulation. PMID: 36802616.