Dao Yin (a.k.a. Qigong): Origin, Development, Potential Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications

Xiaorong Chen; Jiabao Cui; Ru Li; Richard Norton; Joel Park; Jian Kong; Albert Yeung

doi:10.1155/2019/3705120

Dao Yin (a.k.a. Qigong): Origin, Development, Potential Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Oct 21:2019:3705120. doi: 10.1155/2019/3705120. eCollection 2019.

Authors

Xiaorong Chen¹, Jiabao Cui², Ru Li¹, Richard Norton³, Joel Park⁴, Jian Kong⁴, Albert Yeung^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
² South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
³ Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
⁴ Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Abstract

Dao Yin is a form of exercise combining physical movements, mental focus, and breathing originated in ancient China. In this review, we introduce the history in the development and the scope of Dao Yin, the relationship between Dao Yin with Taoist culture and Qigong, and the potential mechanisms of how Dao Yin promotes health and alleviate illnesses. Empirical research studies using Dao Yin for treatment of lumbar spondylosis, peripheral musculoskeletal diseases, cervical spondylosis, heart diseases, central nervous system disorders, immunological dysfunction, and psychological disorders are detailed.

Publication types

Review