What Is the Scientific Evidence for Qigong?
Mainstream scientists do not accept the concept of “Qi,” but internal Qigong can be seen merely as a form of exercise and studied as such. External Qigong, however, does not strike most scientists as plausible; it has nonetheless undergone some study. To date, all of the research published on either type of Qigong suffers from significant flaws. This is to some extent the fault of researchers who may possess a type of personal devotion to Qigong that impairs scientific objectivity. However, even with the best of intentions and the most implacable dedication to objectivity, a researcher will find it difficult to properly study Qigong. This results from a problem intrinsic to the treatment: it is difficult, if not impossible, to conduct a true double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Qigong. For the results of a study to be truly reliable, some participants must receive real treatment (the “active group”), while others receive placebo treatment (the “control group”). In addition, both p
