The Mechanisms of Qigong in Cancer Care: A Review of Its Benefits for Women with Breast Cancer
The integration of mind-body practices into oncological care has become increasingly recognized as a vital component in enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients. Among these practices, Qigong — a traditional Chinese mind-body discipline — has gained significant attention for its potential to improve both physical and psychological outcomes in breast cancer survivors. The article titled "Evidence on the benefits of mind-body Qigong exercise in women with breast cancer" by Dalmedico et al. (2025) presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials, synthesizing the current evidence on how Qigong may help mitigate the physical and emotional challenges faced by women with breast cancer.
Qigong: A Biopsychosocial Intervention
Qigong integrates four key elements: intentional movement, breathing techniques, mental focus, and regulation of internal energy (qi). This makes it uniquely suited to the multifaceted challenges of cancer survivorship. Unlike conventional exercise, Qigong targets physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual well-being simultaneously. According to the reviewed studies, these integrative features contribute to improved fatigue levels, cognitive function, emotional regulation, physical strength, and sleep quality.
Mechanism 1: Reducing Cancer-Related Fatigue
One of the most frequently reported and debilitating symptoms among breast cancer survivors is fatigue, often lasting months or even years after treatment has ended. Qigong has demonstrated measurable effects in reducing fatigue through its capacity to modulate the autonomic nervous system and balance stress-related hormones. For example, Larkey et al. (2015) reported significant reductions in cancer-related fatigue after 12 weeks of Qigong/Tai Chi Easy intervention. The fatigue reduction was not only immediate but sustained over a 3-month follow-up period.
These effects may be mediated by Qigong’s ability to reduce circulating cortisol and pro-inflammatory markers such as IL-6, both of which are associated with chronic fatigue, depression, and sleep disruption in cancer patients. Through gentle movements and controlled breathing, Qigong lowers sympathetic nervous system activation and promotes parasympathetic tone — supporting physical relaxation and biological restoration.
Mechanism 2: Improving Sleep and Restorative Physiology
Closely linked with fatigue is the issue of sleep disturbance. Up to 50% of breast cancer patients experience poor sleep quality, which exacerbates psychological stress and impairs healing. Qigong exercises, especially those emphasizing rhythmic breath control and mindfulness (such as Baduanjin and the Six Healing Sounds), have been found to significantly improve sleep parameters. For instance, Liao et al. (2022) found that patients who practiced Baduanjin Qigong had better sleep quality and enhanced physical functioning when compared to a waiting list control group.
This improvement in sleep may be partly due to reductions in arousal-related neurotransmitters, improved melatonin regulation, and reduced systemic inflammation. Furthermore, Qigong's meditative elements help shift cognitive and emotional processing, allowing for improved stress management and emotional recovery during sleep.
Mechanism 3: Enhancing Cognitive Function and Reducing “Chemo Brain”
Cognitive impairment, often termed “chemo brain,” affects attention, memory, and executive functioning in many breast cancer survivors. These deficits not only interfere with daily functioning but also contribute to long-term distress. Myers et al. (2019) demonstrated that an 8-week Qigong program resulted in statistically significant improvements in self-reported cognitive function and reduced distress compared to both support groups and light exercise controls.
Mechanistically, this may result from Qigong’s effects on increasing cerebral oxygenation and blood flow, particularly to the prefrontal cortex, a region critical for cognitive regulation. In addition, Qigong may upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis — essential for cognitive repair following chemotherapy.
Mechanism 4: Emotional Regulation and Depression Alleviation
Qigong also positively influences mood and emotional health. Multiple trials included in the review showed improvements in measures of depression, anxiety, and emotional well-being. Liu et al. (2017), in a study comparing Guolin-Qigong to a physical stretching program, found superior outcomes for emotional stability and breast cancer-specific quality of life in the Qigong group.
These emotional benefits may stem from several physiological and psychological mechanisms. Qigong reduces cortisol and increases heart rate variability — both indicators of emotional resilience and autonomic flexibility. It also activates reward pathways through the gentle stimulation of endogenous opioids and serotonin, leading to elevated mood and decreased perception of stress.
Mechanism 5: Enhancing Physical Capacity and Body Awareness
Cancer treatment often leaves patients with impaired physical function, reduced mobility, and weakness. Qigong addresses these issues through low-impact, joint-friendly movements that increase circulation, improve muscle tone, and restore range of motion. Ying et al. (2019) reported improved shoulder mobility and heart rate variability in patients practicing Baduanjin Qigong. Similarly, Quixadá et al. (2022) found that Eight Brocades Qigong reduced post-surgical pain and improved body posture in women with persistent pain following surgery.
The physical training involved in Qigong helps restore proprioceptive function and neuromuscular coordination. Furthermore, the use of slow, repetitive movements may enhance postural stability and balance by activating the cerebellum and vestibular system. This is particularly important in older breast cancer survivors who are at higher risk of falls and frailty.
Mechanism 6: Psychospiritual Integration and Social Engagement
Beyond measurable physiological outcomes, Qigong fosters a sense of purpose, inner peace, and spiritual clarity. While difficult to quantify, these effects are not insignificant in the recovery process. Many survivors describe Qigong as offering an “embodied” sense of healing — a reintegration of body and spirit that was fragmented during illness and treatment.
This may be one reason why Qigong also improves social functioning and perceived well-being. Its group-based structure and emphasis on gentle communal movement promote social interaction and reduce feelings of isolation, which are common among cancer patients.
Methodological Considerations and Need for Standardization
While the findings are promising, the review by Dalmedico et al. (2025) emphasizes the need for standardization in future Qigong trials. The studies analyzed used different styles (e.g., Baduanjin, Guolin-Qigong, Tai Chi Qigong, Eight Brocades), frequencies (ranging from twice weekly to daily), and durations (from 8 to 24 weeks), making direct comparison difficult and preventing meta-analysis.
Moreover, outcome measures varied widely — some relied on self-reported scales, while others included physiological assessments. This heterogeneity underscores the need for rigorously designed studies with clearly defined intervention protocols, larger sample sizes, and objective biomarkers such as inflammatory cytokines, HRV, cortisol, and brain imaging.
Implications for Integrative Oncology
Despite methodological limitations, the data strongly support Qigong as a promising adjunct to standard cancer care. It addresses the triad of mind, body, and spirit in a way that conventional biomedical approaches often cannot. Given its low cost, accessibility, and minimal risk, Qigong may be especially beneficial in low- and middle-income countries where access to psychosocial services is limited.
In integrative oncology frameworks, Qigong can be introduced during rehabilitation phases, survivorship clinics, or even incorporated into group therapy programs. Ideally, certified instructors should guide the sessions, and health practitioners should be educated on its evidence base so they can appropriately recommend it to patients.
Conclusion
The systematic review by Dalmedico et al. (2025) provides a valuable contribution to the growing body of literature on the role of Qigong in cancer care. The synthesis of eight randomized controlled trials reveals that Qigong can significantly improve quality of life for breast cancer patients through mechanisms including autonomic regulation, neuroendocrine balance, improved sleep and fatigue, enhanced cognitive and emotional function, and physical rehabilitation.
Although further high-quality research is needed to standardize protocols and validate mechanisms, current evidence suggests that Qigong is an effective, holistic, and well-tolerated complementary therapy for breast cancer survivors. Its integration into clinical oncology practice could mark a meaningful shift toward more comprehensive, person-centered cancer care.
Reference
Dalmedico, M. M., Ribeiro, J. A. C., Avila, J. L. S., de Oliveira, P. P., Hembecker, P. K., & Ioshii, S. O. (2025). Evidence on the benefits of mind-body Qigong exercise in women with breast cancer. Fisioterapia em Movimento, 38, e38205.
Like what you read? Keep exploring…
If this post resonated with you, you’ll love my book:
An Uncarved Life: A Daoist Guide to Struggle, Harmony, and Potential
This book blends timeless Daoist wisdom with real-world insight into how we can navigate struggle, cultivate inner peace, and live in alignment with our deeper potential. Drawing from classical texts like the Dao De Jing and integrating modern psychology and neuroscience, An Uncarved Life offers a grounded, poetic, and deeply personal guide to living well in a chaotic world.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, calm, or a more meaningful path forward, this book is a companion for anyone who wants to walk the Way with sincerity and strength.
Available now in print, Kindle, and audiobook formats.
Click here to get your copy on Amazon