Effects of Qigong on immune cells.
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of two acute Qigong interventions (Qi-training and Qi-therapy) on immune cells. The Qigong interventions were compared with placebo training and placebo therapy in which no attempt was made to gather or move Qi. Immune cell numbers were measured pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and 1 or 2 hours post-intervention. White blood cells increased significantly 2 hours after actual Qi-training (p < 0.05) but not sham training compared with pre-intervention There were significant increases in lymphocytes 2 hours after actual but not sham Qi-training (p < 0.05) and monocyte numbers were significantly increased immediately after both actual Qi-training (p < 0.01) and sham training (p < 0.05). NK cell numbers decreased significantly both immediately after Qi-training and after sham movements done without concomitant Qi-training (p < 0.01). There were no significant effects on neutrophils. Actual Qi-therapy but not sham therapy increased monocyte numbers immediately after Qi-therapy, and lymphocytes increased more after real than after sham therapy. Neutrophils were again little changed The data indicate that a single Qigong intervention can increase the monocyte and lymphocyte numbers.
Lee
Myeong Soo
MS
Department of Qi-Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea.
Huh
Hwa Jeong
HJ
Jeong
Seong Min
SM
Lee
Hye-Sook
HS
Ryu
Hoon
H
Park
Jae-Hwang
JH
Chung
Hun-Taeg
HT
Woo
Won-Hong
WH
D001945:Breathing Exercises; D002452:Cell Count; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000502:physiology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D009000:Monocytes / Q000502:physiology