Qigong Exercise in Patients With Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome presents with widespread chronic pain and other symptoms. Approaches in alternative medicine offer promising results in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Qigong exercise is a mind–body therapy originating in Chinese medicine that can benefit patients with fibromyalgia. We report 2 case studies of patients with fibromyalgia who completed a 6-week Qigong exercise program. In both cases, patients’ fibromyalgia symptoms improved after the Qigong exercise program. The patient in case 1 also experienced a drastic decline in the serial measurement of CA-125 (a biomarker for ovarian cancer) after the 6-week Qigong exercise. In case 2, the patient’s uncontrolled crying also significantly improved. These observations indicate that Qigong exercise can bring about wide-ranging benefits to patients with fibromyalgia.