Effects of Qi therapy (external Qigong) on symptoms of advanced cancer: a single case study

  1. M.S. LEE phd 1,*,
  2. S.H. YANG md, phd 2,
  3. K.K. LEE md, phd 3,
  4. S.-R. MOON md, phd4

Article first published online: 18 JUL 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2005.00599.x

Issue

European Journal of Cancer Care

European Journal of Cancer Care

Volume 14, Issue 5, pages 457–462, December 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

LEE, M., YANG, S., LEE, K. and MOON, S.-R. (2005), Effects of Qi therapy (external Qigong) on symptoms of advanced cancer: a single case study. European Journal of Cancer Care, 14: 457–462. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2005.00599.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan

  2. 2

    Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan

  3. 3

    Department of Radiation Oncology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan

  4. 4

    Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Wonkwang University; Department of Radiation Oncology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea

*Myeong Soo Lee, PhD, Complementary Medicine, Peninsular Medical School, Universities Exeter & Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, UK (e-mail: drmslee@gmail.com; integmed@chol.com).

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 18 JUL 2005
  2. Article first published online: 18 JUL 2005
  3. Accepted 3 June 2005

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Keywords:

  • Qi therapy;
  • Qigong;
  • cancer;
  • pain;
  • fatigue;
  • dyspnoea;
  • insomnia;
  • vomiting

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Qi therapy (external Qigong) in the management of symptoms of advanced cancer in a man. We used a single case study design to evaluate the effectiveness of Qi therapy (external Qigong) in a 35-year-old man with advanced cancer (Stage IV) involving metastases in the stomach, lung and bone (Karnofsky performance scale: KPS, 40: requires special care and assistance, disabled). Treatment involved six days of pre-assessment, eight treatment sessions on alternate days over 16 days, and a two-week follow-up phase. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the patient's self-reported symptoms of cancer over the intervention and follow-up periods. Following treatment, VAS scores’ analysis revealed beneficial effects on pain, vomiting, dyspnoea, fatigue, anorexia, insomnia, daily activity and psychological calmness. These improvements were maintained over the two-week follow-up phase. After the first Qi therapy session, the patient discontinued medication and could sit by himself; after the fourth session, the patient was able to walk and use the toilet without assistance (improvement in KPS: 70: care for self, unable to perform normal activity or to do active work). Although limited by the single case study approach, our results support previous studies on this topic and provide reasons to conduct controlled clinical trials.

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