Qigong alleviates depression

A new study shows that a regular practice of qigong helps to alleviate the symptoms of depression among elderly people.

In the study, 82 seniors were randomly placed into either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group practiced qigong with a teacher three times per week for 16 weeks for 30 to 45 minutes, and was asked to practice privately for 15 minutes daily.  The control group read newspapers in a group in the presence of a therapist.

Midway through the study, the intervention group already showed improved mood, self-confidence, self-esteem, personal well-being and physical health compared to the control group.

“Our research shows that qigong practice can reduce depression and disability while increasing psychosocial resources, such as self-confidence and a sense of well-being,” said lead author Professor Hector W.H. Tsang, at the department of rehabilitation sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Source: Healthnotes Newswire