Qigong as an Alternative and Complimentary Treatment for Depression: A Preliminary Study Applying Spring Forest Qigong to Depression As an Alternative and Complementary Treatment

Is it possible to cure depression without the use of anti-depressants and counseling? This dissertation pilot study sought to determine the efficacy of the qigong exercise as a treatment for depression, since it is known to raise serotonin levels for an extended period of time after practice and builds over time. Three qualified qigong masters provided a "qi energy treatment" to the subjects who did a daily 40-minute exercise of Spring Forest Qigong for a brief, two-month period. No counseling was provided. Some of the subjects were on medication, and some were not. The significance of the study indicates that qigong was more effective than medication in reducing DSM IV criteria symptoms and may be considered as a curative for depression. The results (.0000 Beck?s Depression Index) far exceeded the expectations of the researcher and the participants. The results strongly indicate that qigong should become a standard part of treatment planning for those who suffer from depression.