Chinese medicine and its role in psychiatry; second, there is a review of the literature published
on Qigong deviations and Qigong-induced mental disorders; and third, there is a discussion on
the aetiological role of Qigong in these conditions. Conclusions: Qigong remained veiled in
secrecy and available only to the elite until the early 1980s. Despite the widespread use of
Qigong, there is a conspicuous lack of controlled data regarding its effects on mental health.
Qigong, when practised inappropriately, may induce abnormal psychosomatic responses and even
mental disorders. However, the ties between Qigong and mental disorders are manifold, and a
causal relationship is difficult to establish. Many so-called “Qigong-induced psychoses” may be
more appropriately labelled “Qigong-precipitated psychoses,” where the practice of Qigong acts
as a stressor in vulnerable individuals.
Norton, G. R., and W. E. Johnson. A comparison of two relaxation procedures for reducing
cognitive and somatic anxiety. Journal of Behav. Ther. Exp. Psychiatry, 1983, 14(3):209-214.
Paluska, S. A., and T. L. Schwenk. Physical activity and mental health: Current concepts.
Sports Medicine, Mar 2000, 29(3):167-180. Author email: [email protected]. PMID:
10739267.
Abstract: Physical activity may play an important role in the management of mild-to-moderate
mental health diseases, especially depression and anxiety. Although people with depression tend
to be less physically active than non-depressed individuals, increased aerobic exercise or strength
training has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms significantly. However, habitual physical
activity has not been shown to prevent the onset of depression. Anxiety symptoms and panic
disorder also improve with regular exercise, and beneficial effects appear to equal meditation or
relaxation. In general, acute anxiety responds better to exercise than chronic anxiety. Studies of
older adults and adolescents with depression or anxiety have been limited, but physical activity
appears beneficial to these populations as well. Excessive physical activity may lead to
overtraining and generate psychological symptoms that mimic depression. Several differing
psychological and physiological mechanisms have been proposed to explain the effect of physical
activity on mental health disorders. Well controlled studies are needed to clarify the mental health
benefits of exercise among various populations and to address directly processes underlying the
benefits of exercise on mental health.
Payne, I. R., A. E. Bergin, and P. E. Loftus. A review of attempts to integrate spiritual and
standard psychotherapy techniques. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 1992, 2:171-192.
Pelham, T. W., and P. D. Campagna. Benefits of exercise in psychiatric rehabilitation of
persons with schizophrenia. Canadian Journal of Rehabilitation, 1991, 4:159-168.
Phillips, Adam. Equals. New York: Basic Books, 2002.
From a review by Andrew Goodwin in Tricycle, Winter 2002, p. 87: “[The author’s] passages on
the therapist-patient dynamic will remind many Buddhist readers of th debate concerning teachers
of dharma. By whose authority does a teacher teach? How is the teacher to know the truth
concerning the authenticity of a student’s experience? Phillips asks the same questions of the
analyst...
“‘The aim of psychoanalysis, one could say, might be the precondition for democracy; that a
person be able to more than bear conflict, and be able to see and enjoy the value of differing
voices and alternative positions.’ Replace the word psychoanalysis with meditation and you have