Evidence
Research and articles on qigong
People often ask whether qigong really does anything. Here are the studies, articles and podcast episodes I point them to.
The benefits of qigong
Here are some features, expert reporting and clinical reviews on what qigong does for stress, anxiety, pain, fatigue, blood pressure and sleep.
'Ancient movement practice Qi Gong transformed my life'
A BBC News feature on a woman who used a wheelchair and credits qigong with helping her become strong enough to hike, go to the gym and now teach classes.
Read the article'A massive spiritual shift': how the mindful movement of qigong can treat addiction
The Guardian explores how qigong is being used in addiction recovery to rebuild self-regulation, calm the nervous system and restore a sense of connection.
Read the articleQigong: What You Need To Know
Overview of what qigong is and where the research currently stands, including its use for stress, quality of life and chronic conditions.
Read the articleQigong for Restoration of Cognitive Function
A clinical psychologist reviews how qigong can support attention, memory and mental clarity through gentle movement, breath and embodied awareness.
Read the articleThe effect of qigong on depressive and anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Pooled trial evidence found qigong practice associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with waiting-list and usual-care groups.
Read the articleEfficacy of qigong exercise for treatment of fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Reviewed trials in people living with cancer, chronic fatigue and long-term illness, reporting meaningful improvements in fatigue levels after regular qigong.
Read the articleTai chi and related practices
Qigong related practise - Tai chi has the larger evidence base, and much of it applies to the slow, breath-led movement we practise together.
Largest review of its kind confirms benefits of tai chi and other Chinese exercises
A major new review of more than 1,000 trials finds tai chi, qigong and related Chinese exercises improve balance, flexibility, mental health and quality of life across a wide range of ages and conditions.
Read the articleTai Chi Is a Workout for the Brain and Body
The New York Times explores why tai chi is being taken seriously as exercise, with benefits for strength, balance, focus and stress that build with regular practice.
Read the articleThe surprising health benefits of Tai Chi
The much missed Dr Michael Mosley unpacks why this slow martial art can be as effective as conventional exercise for heart health, immunity, balance and brain function.
Read the articleThe health benefits of tai chi
Harvard Medical School's well-known summary describing tai chi as "medication in motion", with evidence for balance, strength, mood and heart health.
Read the articleHow Tai Chi Makes You Stronger
TIME reports on how tai chi improves flexibility, reaction time and balance recovery, making it one of the most effective fall-prevention exercises available.
Read the articleWhy Does Tai Chi Feel Good?
A psychologist explains the cognitive, emotional and social mechanisms that make tai chi satisfying and why the benefits extend well beyond the class itself.
Read the articleTry Tai Chi to Improve Balance, Prevent Falls
AARP highlights tai chi as a beginner-friendly, low-impact practice that strengthens the connection with the feet, improves stability and reduces falls risk.
Read the article10 Full-Body Health Benefits of Tai Chi, According to Science
Prevention rounds up the science-backed benefits of tai chi, from improved balance and pain relief to better sleep, mood and cardiovascular health.
Read the articleTai Chi 'more effective' for reducing blood pressure than jogging or cycling
A Telegraph news report on a major Chinese study suggesting tai chi may outperform aerobic exercise for lowering blood pressure in some adults.
Read the articleMy first time doing tai chi: 'It feels like my brain is solving a Rubik's Cube'
A Guardian writer tries tai chi for the first time and describes the mental and physical surprise of slow, low-impact movement done with full attention. I love the Rubik's Cube reference!
Read the articleTai chi for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Pooled analysis shows tai chi can improve pain, sleep quality and quality of life for people with fibromyalgia, with longer programmes producing larger gains.
Read the articlePodcasts and interviews
If you'd rather listen than read, these episodes cover qigong for stress, energy and the nervous system - plus one on the science behind tai chi.
How Qigong Can Calm Your Mind and Body
A guest tries a short qigong practice for a week while the hosts unpack the science of why slow movement and breath settle the nervous system.
Listen to the episodeThe 5000 year old practise that will boost your strength
A short BBC Radio 4 episode on why interest in qigong is growing alongside yoga and mindfulness, and how this ancient practice can build strength.
Listen to the episodeHow Qigong Helps Reduce Chronic Stress
A trauma-informed qigong trainer on why gentle, self-paced movement suits people carrying long-term stress or trauma.
Listen to the episodeDr. Shin Lin: The Science of Tai Chi & Qigong
A biophysicist explains what he has measured in practitioners — circulation, brainwave changes and relaxation responses — in accessible language.
Listen to the episodeThese links are shared for general interest. Qigong sits alongside — not instead of — medical care. If you have a health condition, please check with your GP before starting, and tell me about it so I can adapt the practice for you.
Try it for yourself
The research is encouraging, but the real test is how you feel after forty minutes of slow movement and breath. Classes start from £5 a session, and beginners are genuinely welcome.