Can Qigong Be the Answer to Depression?

Key Points

• Depression’s Impact and Pathophysiology: Depression is a globally prevalent mental health disorder. It is related to dysfunction in the brain’s limbic system, which links to the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Overactivity in this system releases increased amounts of glucocorticoid, potentially contributing to depression.
• HPA Axis and Immune Response: A hyperactive HPA axis and depression are related to immune system abnormalities, with an observed association between pro-inflammatory cytokine alterations and depression. Furthermore, glucocorticoids play a role in regulating inflammatory responses, which can impact depression.
• Current Treatment and Its Limitations: Antidepressants, specifically SSRIs, are the standard treatment for depression. They have anti-inflammatory properties but also come with various side effects.
• Qigong as a Potential Treatment: Qigong, an ancient Chinese healing practice focusing on mindfulness, physical fitness, and the flow of “qi” (life-force energy), is gaining popularity. It has been found to offer a wide range of physical and mental health benefits, with some studies suggesting its efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms similar to SSRIs.
• Unraveling Qigong’s Mechanism: Despite emerging evidence supporting qigong’s effectiveness against depression, its underlying mechanism remains understudied. Some researchers have begun to explore potential neurobiological and psychological mechanisms, suggesting, for instance, that qigong might modulate stress signals from the limbic system.

Introduction

Role of Qigong on Depression and Its Modern Treatments

Depression is a prevalent and serious mental health disorder, affecting an estimated 350 million people globally.

It is projected to become the second leading cause of overall disease burden by 2030 ^{1 2}.

The urgent need for effective treatment has led researchers to explore the pathophysiological changes in patients with depression, particularly focusing on the endocrine and immune systems.

The Link Between Brain Function and Depression

The limbic system, a crucial part of the brain responsible for emotion regulation, plays a vital role in depression.

Dysfunction in the networks linking the limbic system and cortical regions is commonly observed in depressive symptoms ³.

This system also controls the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which, when hyperactive, releases an increased amount of glucocorticoids, a factor contributing to depression⁴.

Furthermore, impaired glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus disrupt the negative feedback loop necessary for cortisol regulation, further exacerbating depression ^{5 6}.

The Immune System’s Role in Depression

The relationship between the immune system and depression is a significant area of research, with studies showing an overactivation of the innate immune system and an association between pro-inflammatory cytokines and depression. ^{7 8}

These cytokines can induce various neurological changes associated with depression, including decreased neurogenesis and regional brain abnormalities ⁹.

Current Treatments for Depression

The most common treatment for depression is antidepressant medication, specifically serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels and reducing cortisol secretion, thereby alleviating depressive symptoms^{10 11}.

However, these medications come with a range of side effects, including headache, sleep disturbances, and alteration of cardiovascular function ¹².

Qigong: An Alternative Approach to Treating Depression

Recent studies have been investigating the effects of qigong, an ancient Chinese healing art, on depression.

Qigong incorporates mindfulness-based practices and somatic experiences to improve mental health ¹³.

Its components include concentration, relaxation, meditation, breathing regulation, and body posture ¹⁴.

Practiced by approximately 5% of China’s population and growing in popularity worldwide, qigong has shown to improve various aspects of physical and mental health, including quality of life, sleep quality, and stress reduction ^{15 16}.

Notably, qigong has been found to produce similar effects to SSRIs in reducing depressive symptoms, indicating its potential as an evidence-based adjunct intervention that could reduce the need for medication and its associated side effects¹⁷.

The Unraveled Mystery of Qigong’s Anti-Depressive Effects

Despite the positive findings, the underlying mechanisms of qigong’s anti-depressive effects remain unclear.

Some researchers propose that qigong may reduce stressful signals from the limbic system, thus lowering HPA activity, and enhance self-efficacy, a crucial psychological mechanism in regulating depressive symptoms ¹⁸.

However, more comprehensive research is needed to fully understand how qigong affects our physical and mental health, as most studies to date have only focused on specific aspects of the mechanism ^{19 20}.

Depression is a complex mental health disorder with a multifaceted etiology involving the brain, endocrine, and immune systems.

While SSRIs are the most common treatment, their associated side effects necessitate the exploration of alternative treatments.

Qigong, with its holistic approach to mental health, has emerged as a promising alternative, though further research is required to fully elucidate its anti-depressive mechanisms.

Mechanisms of Qigong on Depression

Decoding the Body: Understanding the Effects of Qigong on Depression

Understanding the human body’s response to qigong, a traditional Chinese health practice requires examining various systems within the body.

Let’s dive deep and explore the fascinating world of neuroendocrine systems, neurotransmitters, and more.

Neuroendocrine: Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis and Cortisol Levels

Research has shown the potential of qigong to affect cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone, in the body.

Five studies used saliva samples, while one used urine samples for cortisol analysis ^{21 22}.

Findings indicated lower cortisol levels in the qigong group during post-assessment.

Alongside, two studies also recorded a significant reduction in depression symptoms within the qigong group, showcasing the potential benefits of qigong in mental health ^{23 24}.

Neuroendocrine: Renin-Angiotensin System and Its Role

A study by Cheung et al. ²⁵ focused on aldosterone and renin, two other significant neuroendocrine players.

The results showed no significant difference in aldosterone levels between the groups, but a notable decrease in renin levels was observed.

Yet, depression symptoms remained consistent across both groups.

The Serotonin Connection

When it comes to serotonin, a neurotransmitter often associated with feelings of happiness, a study by Tsang et al. ²⁶ showed no significant changes post-qigong intervention.

However, a noteworthy decrease in depression symptoms was reported, once again reinforcing the potential mental health benefits of qigong.

Autonomic Nervous System and Heart Health

Various studies explored the effects of qigong on blood pressure and heart rate.

The results varied, with some studies recording lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure post-intervention²¹

and others finding no significant changes ^{27 28}.

Meta-analysis highlighted a significant effect of qigong in reducing diastolic blood pressure.

Similarly, for heart rate, results were mixed, with some studies recording a lower rate post-qigong and others finding no significant changes ^{29 30}.

Immune System Boost: Unpacking the Power of Qigong

The immune system was another focal point, with studies exploring the effects of qigong on C-reactive protein (CRP) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels.

Results showed a significant difference in CRP levels, affirming the potential of qigong in boosting immune response^{31 29}.

Additionally, a significant increase in IgA levels was recorded in the qigong group, demonstrating the potential of qigong in enhancing mucosal immunity²³.

Understanding Metabolism’s Response to Qigong

The metabolic system was also put under the lens, with studies analyzing the effects of qigong on cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood lipids.

One study recorded a significant decrease in cholesterol post-qigong, yet other studies found no significant changes in cholesterol, triglycerides, or blood lipids post-intervention ^{25 20}.

The Psychological Benefits of Qigong

Lastly, the psychological impact of qigong was analyzed through self-concept, self-efficacy, and their correlation with depression.

A study by Tsang et al. ²⁶showed a significant increase in self-efficacy and enhancement of self-concept in the qigong group.

Moreover, a positive correlation was found between changes in self-efficacy and reported symptoms of depression, showcasing the profound psychological benefits that qigong can offer.

While results across various systems in the body vary, the potential benefits of qigong in improving mental health, reducing stress, and boosting immune response are evident.

These findings highlight the need for further research to fully understand the impact of qigong on human health, offering promising prospects for those seeking alternative methods to improve their well-being.

Discussion

The article brings to light the global impact of depression and the necessity for effective treatments.

The complexity of depression, as outlined by the interactions between the endocrine and immune systems, emphasizes the need for a holistic treatment approach.

Qigong appears to be a potential candidate for this, given its mind-body holistic healing approach, which aligns well with the interconnected nature of depression’s pathophysiology.

Furthermore, the positive initial findings regarding qigong’s effects on depression are noteworthy.

However, a comprehensive understanding of qigong’s mechanisms requires a multifaceted research approach, including biochemical, psychological, and physiological studies.

Conclusion

With the increasing prevalence of depression and its substantial impact on global health, it is crucial to explore various treatment modalities.

Qigong, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, presents a holistic approach to addressing the complex nature of depression.

Preliminary findings suggest that qigong may modulate factors associated with depression, such as the HPA axis, immune system, and psychological well-being.

However, the intricacies of qigong’s mechanisms are yet to be fully unraveled.

Future research, incorporating diverse methodologies, will be pivotal in comprehensively understanding how qigong can be integrated into mainstream depression treatment protocols, potentially mitigating the adverse effects associated with current antidepressant medications.

Review date not set.