Qigong for Heart Health: What Post-Surgery Patients Are Teaching Us About
Cardiovascular Recovery
For decades, cardiac rehabilitation after heart surgery has followed a predictable protocol: medications, supervised exercise programs, dietary changes, and regular monitoring.
The outcomes? Inconsistent at best.
Despite following medical advice, many patients continue to struggle with chest pain, limited exercise capacity, anxiety, and significantly reduced quality of life. Within the first year after a heart attack, more than half of survivors require hospitalization.
Something is missing from the standard approach.
Now, a comprehensive systematic review published in Medicine is shedding light on an intervention that's producing remarkable results in post-surgical cardiac patients. The practice is called Qigong, and the data is compelling enough that cardiologists and rehabilitation specialists are taking notice.
The Research: 1,384 Patients, Measurable Results
Researchers analyzed 15 studies involving 1,384 patients with coronary heart disease who had undergone cardiac surgery. These weren't minor interventions. The patient population included individuals recovering from coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), two of the most common cardiac procedures performed worldwide.
The intervention group practiced a specific form of Qigong called Baduanjin, which translates to "Eight Section Brocades." This practice consists of eight distinct movements performed in sequence, emphasizing coordinated postures, controlled breathing, and mindful attention.
The control groups received standard care, which varied across studies but generally included conventional rehabilitation therapy, walking exercise, or pharmaceutical management alone.
The Results Were Striking
Quality of Life Improvements
Using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), a validated instrument for measuring health-related quality of life, researchers found that Qigong practitioners showed significant improvements across all eight measured domains:
Physical functioning
Role limitations due to physical health
Bodily pain
General health perception
Vitality
Social functioning
Role limitations due to emotional problems
Mental health
This wasn't selective improvement in one or two areas. Every single category showed statistically significant enhancement.
The Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), which specifically assesses angina-related quality of life, revealed improvements in physical limitation and angina stability. Patients were able to perform daily activities with less chest pain and experienced more predictable, manageable symptoms.
Cardiac Function Enhancement
Perhaps most importantly, cardiac function itself improved.
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the gold standard measurement of how effectively the heart pumps blood, showed significant improvement in the Qigong group compared to standard care alone. LVEF is a critical indicator of heart health and a strong predictor of cardiovascular outcomes.
Dramatic Reduction in Adverse Events
The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was 78% lower in patients practicing Qigong compared to control groups.
Major adverse cardiovascular events include:
Nonfatal myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Target vessel revascularization (need for repeat procedures)
Recurrent angina
Congestive heart failure
Severe arrhythmias
This reduction in adverse events is particularly significant because it demonstrates not just symptomatic improvement, but actual protective effects on cardiovascular health.
Understanding Qigong: Beyond the Mysticism
If you're unfamiliar with Qigong, you might picture something mystical or esoteric. Let's clarify what it actually is.
Qigong is a traditional Chinese movement practice that integrates three core elements:
Coordinated postures - Specific body positions and movements
Controlled breathing - Natural, rhythmic breathing patterns
Focused attention - Mindful awareness of movement and breath
Think of it as a sophisticated form of movement therapy that combines elements of physical therapy, breathwork, and mindfulness training. The practice has been refined over thousands of years, but its benefits are grounded in measurable physiological mechanisms.
Unlike high-intensity cardiac rehabilitation exercises such as treadmill walking or stationary cycling, Qigong movements are slow, gentle, and low-intensity. This makes the practice accessible to individuals with limited exercise tolerance, which is common in post-surgical cardiac patients.
The specific form studied in this research, Baduanjin, consists of eight movements performed in sequence. Each movement targets different muscle groups and is believed to influence specific organ systems while emphasizing natural breathing patterns and postural alignment.
Importantly, you don't need to believe in traditional Chinese medicine concepts like "qi" or energy meridians to benefit from the practice. The mechanisms are physiological and measurable.
The Physiological Mechanisms: Why Qigong Works
The researchers identified several key mechanisms that explain Qigong's cardiovascular benefits.
Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
Cardiovascular disease isn't solely about blocked arteries or damaged heart muscle. It's fundamentally about a dysregulated stress response.
Your autonomic nervous system controls heart rate, blood pressure, vascular tone, and numerous other cardiovascular functions. When this system is chronically imbalanced, which commonly occurs after cardiac events and surgery, recovery is impaired.
Qigong practice has been shown to help restore autonomic nervous system balance. The combination of slow, deliberate movement, controlled breathing, and focused attention activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" mode) while reducing excessive sympathetic activation (the "fight or flight" response).
This shift is critical for cardiovascular recovery and long-term heart health.
Improved Circulation and Microvascular Function
The gentle, flowing movements of Qigong promote blood circulation without placing excessive metabolic demands on a recovering heart.
Research indicates that regular Qigong practice promotes microvascular regeneration. In practical terms, this means your body develops new small blood vessels, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues throughout the body.
This enhanced microvascular function supports not just cardiac recovery, but overall metabolic health and tissue repair.
Reduced Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, damages cells and impairs recovery processes.
Studies have demonstrated that Qigong practice increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduces markers of oxidative damage. This is particularly important for cardiovascular health, as oxidative stress is a major driver of continued decline after cardiac events.
Mitochondrial Support
Your mitochondria are the energy-producing structures within your cells. When mitochondrial function declines, so does your capacity for physical activity, mental clarity, and cellular repair.
The metabolic demands of Qigong practice appear to support mitochondrial health without overtaxing an already compromised system. You're essentially giving your cells a manageable workout that promotes adaptation and improved function.
What This Means for Prevention
You might be thinking, "I haven't had heart surgery. Is this relevant to me?"
Absolutely.
If Qigong can improve cardiac function in people recovering from major surgery, consider what it might do for prevention.
Cardiovascular disease doesn't appear suddenly. It develops gradually over years through accumulated stress, chronic inflammation, impaired circulation, and declining mitochondrial function.
The same mechanisms that facilitate recovery in post-surgical patients are the mechanisms that prevent disease progression in the first place:
Autonomic nervous system balance
Enhanced circulation
Reduced oxidative stress
Improved mitochondrial function
Lower systemic inflammation
You don't need to wait for a cardiovascular event to benefit from these adaptations.
Early Warning Signs of Cardiovascular Decline
Declining cardiovascular health doesn't always announce itself with chest pain or obvious symptoms. Often, the signals are more subtle:
Reduced exercise tolerance (you used to walk further without becoming winded)
Poor recovery from physical activity
Feeling simultaneously wired and tired (a sign of autonomic imbalance)
Cold hands and feet (indicating circulation issues)
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating (reduced cerebral blood flow)
Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep
Elevated resting heart rate
Heightened stress reactivity
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, your cardiovascular system may be under strain even if standard medical tests show normal results.
Qigong addresses the functional decline that precedes measurable disease, making it a valuable preventive practice.
The Accessibility Advantage
One significant challenge with traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs is poor adherence. Studies show that many patients don't complete recommended programs.
Why? Traditional cardiac rehab is often:
Expensive
Time-consuming
Requires travel to specialized facilities
Depends on equipment and supervision
Inaccessible for people with mobility limitations or those in underserved areas
Qigong eliminates these barriers.
No equipment required. You don't need a gym membership, specialized machines, or any gear beyond comfortable clothing.
No travel necessary. You can practice in your living room, in a park, or anywhere you have a few feet of space.
Highly adaptable. If you can't stand for extended periods, many movements can be performed seated. If you have limited range of motion, the movements can be modified to accommodate your current capacity.
Minimal time commitment. Most Qigong routines can be completed in 20-30 minutes.
This accessibility is why researchers are increasingly interested in Qigong as a scalable public health intervention, particularly for underserved populations.
Practical Considerations
If you're interested in exploring Qigong for cardiovascular health, here are some important considerations:
Qigong is complementary, not alternative. If you have cardiovascular disease or have undergone cardiac surgery, you need appropriate medical care. Qigong should be viewed as a complementary practice that enhances, rather than replaces, medical treatment.
Start gently. Even though Qigong is low-intensity, if you're new to the practice or have significant health concerns, start slowly and pay attention to how your body responds.
Consistency matters more than intensity. The research shows benefits from regular practice over time. A gentle 20-minute daily practice is more beneficial than sporadic intense sessions.
Proper instruction is valuable. While Qigong is accessible, learning proper form and technique from a qualified instructor can enhance your practice and ensure you're performing movements safely and effectively.
The Bottom Line
The research is unambiguous:
Qigong significantly improves quality of life in post-surgical cardiac patients across all measured domains
It enhances cardiac function as measured by left ventricular ejection fraction
It reduces adverse cardiovascular events by 78%
The practice regulates autonomic nervous system balance
It supports mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress
It improves circulation and promotes microvascular health
It's safe, accessible, and requires no special equipment
For individuals looking to prevent cardiovascular decline, the same physiological mechanisms apply. You're supporting the systems that maintain heart health before disease develops.
The question isn't whether Qigong works for cardiovascular health. The data clearly demonstrates its efficacy.
The question is whether you're willing to invest 20 minutes a day in a practice that could fundamentally alter your cardiovascular trajectory.
In a healthcare landscape increasingly focused on prevention and patient empowerment, Qigong represents an evidence-based, accessible intervention that puts control back in your hands.
Study Reference: Liu X, Hao X, Zhang W, Zhang F, Liu H. Baduanjin sequential therapy's effects on quality of life and cardiac function in post-cardiac surgery heart disease patients: A systematic review. Medicine . 2026;105:1(e46855). (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12778147/)
How To Do What You Want For As Long As Your Want
I have friends and colleagues in their 50's and 60's who move and feel better than some of my clients in their 20's and 30's. Here’s what they do different.
In fitness these days most people think exercise means going as hard, fast and intense as possible.
The "No Pain, No Gain!" mentality.
The fixation on burning calories or pushing yourself beyond measure tends to damage and deplete the body and organs in ways that aren’t always so obvious.
And most think that feeling sore, tight and achy is “normal” - it’s what it takes to be “healthy”.
But unless you’re a competitive athlete, it’s a short sighted way of staying fit for most adults.
You really need to ask yourself what’s your end goal?
Is it simply to live in a state of pain and discomfort just to look good, or is it to be able to do what you want, when you want for as long as you want?
The older people I train with who display power, control, balance and agility work out hard sometimes, but mostly they focus on refined strength that’s built over time.
They’re training for today but considering how they’ll feel tomorrow and decades from now.
Refined strength and freedom of movement is something that’s cultivated using focus, patience and consistency.
They’re not just focused on their body and how it looks but how it’s connected to every other aspect of their life experience.
They’re aware that how they move is a reflection of their mental state, and how their mental state also reflects how they move.
They study the relationship and harmony of their body mind & spirit, everyday.
The latest and greatest exercise routines out there are oftentimes not a recipe for longevity and true health and fitness.
Taking some time out to consider what you truly want for your future self is worthwhile investment of your time.
Because having a body mind that functions and performs well, and with more control and freedom into your 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond is done in a nurturing way, not a violent and aggressive way.
Here are a few things to consider as you go into your next workout or activity:
Can you feel your whole body contribute to the movement/exercise you’re performing. (This will require focus and global awareness of your body)
See if you can perform the movement while keeping the breath slow, deep, even and without force.
Look for quality and precision over quantity and intensity.
If you apply these ideas consistently, and observe your results, you’ll find clarity on how to make the movement better, and you’ll experience more longevity and comfort as you continue to move forward in your life!
The path to true health and vitality lies not in pushing our bodies to the limit, but in nurturing them with mindful, balanced practices that serve us today and preserve our well-being for the years to come.
Listening to the Body: Embracing Modern Approaches in Ancient Arts
Within the world of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Nei Gong, and Ba Gua Zhang, there are lots of traditional styles and lineages that exist.
And having trained in authentic Qi Gong, Nei Gong, and Ba Gua Zhang since 2010 and taught professionally since 2016, I understand the importance of maintaining the authenticity of your lineage.
It's from this position of understanding and respect for the traditions that I've sometimes found it cringe-worthy to see people on the internet modify or fuse these arts and market them under their traditional names.
When I’d see someone seemingly just swing their arms around and label it Tai Chi, devoid of any authentic connection, it was hard to stomach.
But hearing a personal experience of a new client recently, led me to having a profound epiphany.
This person, plagued by various physical ailments, got tremendous value from a fairly popular online Tai Chi youtube page.
To me, sure, this account seemed to be 'Tai Chi-ish'.
Their method took Tai Chi movements and made them more accessible to the masses, without delving deep into the principles and alignments of the art, which in my understandting is what makes the internal arts unique.
But with these videos, the focus was less on correct form and internal alignments, and more on simplistic follow-along routines.
Now, even though I might have criticized this before, hearing about its value firsthand changed my perspective.
My client, after following along with these videos for the past few months, felt real relief for a few hours after he’d practice. But then, on a friend's recommendation to switch to a more 'authentic' teacher, he began to experience discomfort and lost that sense of relief.
I told him, "Forget what your friend said. Your body is the most honest critic. Listen to it."
My client's main goal wasn’t about attaining mastery as a martial artist, it’s just to live with more comfort and improve his quality of life. So, while the teachings might not be 100% traditional, what truly matters is the persons intentions, goals, and how they resonate with the practice.
I've come to realize that much of the criticism towards more accessible teaching styles might stem from a place of competition.
As skilled practitioners, especially those from renowned lineages like the one I come from, in my humble opinion, we need to rise above such sentiments.
Embracing different methods will not only enrich our understanding but also help us attract students genuinely meant for our teachings.
With all of that benign said and just to be clear, I do not condone people taking a few classes or workshops and then going out and trying to teach the masses. But when a dedicated practitioner chooses to modify what they’ve learned, I’ve come full circle and can see the value.
Does Your Back Hurt Because You’re Getting Old?
I just had a long talk with my barber about how his back has been hurting for the past few years, and he doesn't know why.
He tells me, "Jonathan," (in an Italian accent, he's from Sicily), "I used to play soccer every week, I used to go to the gym, then during COVID, I gained about 15 lbs, and now I'm in my mid-50s, and at the end of the day, my back is in pain."
He says it's not that bad, but it does hurt.
I said, "Anthony, this ain't rocket science. You used to do all those things, and now you don’t, and now your back hurts. Do you think if maybe you got back to being more active and lost a few pounds, things might start to feel differently?"
In my experience, people love to blame age. Maybe because it's convenient. But if age were the reason, then literally everyone would have the same issues as they got older.
And even if it seems like everyone over 40 that you know is struggling with something physically, it's not everyone.
But staying out of pain is not always convenient, although with practices like Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and Ba Gua, it can be.
It takes a committed effort to start something new. And then to keep it going!
The key is to find something that's enjoyable for you, so at least on those days you REALLY don't want to do it, once you get started it's not so bad.
It's also helpful to find something that can check off several boxes at once. It should be efficient and convenient.
That's why I love the internal arts like Qi Gong and Ba Gua.
I think a few of the main reasons why a lot of my clients love it are: you don't need to go anywhere to practice, you don’t need any equipment, you can knock out your daily session in under 20 min if that's all the time you have, it integrates with the rest of your life so normal activities become opportunities for therapy, it feels good and makes you feel more balanced, aligned, and decompressed, it both energizes me and calms you down, it helps improve physical aptitude, increases agility and sharpens your mental focus to name a few.
It's hard to find another physical therapy approach that even comes close to that. And those aren't even all of the benefits.
If you’re thinking you're getting old and that's the reason you're experiencing orthopedic pain, you're mistaken. I mean, age is a factor, but it's literally the only one you can't control.
There are a plethora of other things you CAN control, and I highly recommend getting started on them so the next 10, 20, 30 years plus of your life aren't riddled with more discomfort.
If you want more information on a movement therapy approach like Qi Gong in New York City, Ba Gua in NYC, or Tai Chi in NYC, or if you're interested in online training, schedule a call to speak with us today.
Qi Gong: A Vital Practice for Professionals Who Depend on Their Bodies
As someone who worked in a physically demanding job for years as an electrician, I get it. Over time, your body begins to protest. You wonder - is this just a function of aging?
I thought so too, until my own journey led me to discover a unique practice known as Qi Gong (pronounced 'chee gong').
If aging were the only culprit, everyone growing older would be in constant pain, right? But that's not the case. Not everyone in a physically demanding job lives with pain. A secret to this? Good body mechanics combined with a balanced and aligned skeleton.
A few years ago, I was introduced to Qi Gong, a practice that forever changed my understanding of the body and my approach to physical well-being.
This practice not only gave me a unique perspective on how I was holding and moving myself throughout the day but also helped me suss out the root of my chronic wrist pain.
Qi Gong creates a new level of awareness that helps you identify what's misaligned before it turns into pain.
And if you're already struggling with unresolved pain - be it back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, or wrist pain like me - it can be a game-changer.
Most people living with chronic pain don't get the lasting relief they hope for from conventional therapies like physical therapy, cortisone injections, chiropractic adjustments or even surgery. It's because these modalities don't always educate the person about the origin of the issue.
Building strength and creating space are essential, sure, but without understanding why things have become weak or imbalanced in the first place, it's a band-aid solution.
This is where Qi Gong shines.
It's not just a practice; it's a daily ritual for self-calibration and rebalancing. A timeless technique that's been evolving for thousands of years, Qi Gong brings your body back to a state that feels familiar, one you might have lost due to years of injury, bad habits, and lack of awareness.
Qi Gong shows you how to move in accordance with your body's natural design.
Most tension and pain result from muscles not firing sequentially in the right order. Qi Gong helps you reconnect with the different areas of your body and understand how they should connect.
It's as simple as it sounds and feels like a massage from the inside out. It doesn't need to take long. I noticed significant improvements in a few weeks, and you could too.
If you're like me, having tried everything but still not where you want to be, Qi Gong could be your missing link.
As a professional instructor and coach now, my greatest joy is empowering others to take control of their physical well-being, just like Qi Gong did for me.
Say Hello to Qi Gong: Your New Best Friend for Pain-Free Living
Qi Gong: Your New Best Friend for Pain-Free Living
Life sure is a crazy ride, isn't it? Between juggling work, family, and everything in between, our health sometimes takes a backseat. If you're in your 30's, 40’s or 50’s, chances are you've had a run-in or two with annoying orthopedic pain. And, let's face it, the thought of popping pills or going under the knife doesn't exactly sound like a fun day at the beach. But guess what? There's another way to kick that pain to the curb – and it's called Qi Gong (sounds like Chee Gung).
The Struggle:
Ladies, we hear you. Between raising the kids and running the world, who has time to focus on their own health? But neglecting ourselves can lead to nasty issues like neck, shoulder, and back pain. And it's pretty hard to strut your stuff in Zumba class when your back is killing you. Fellas, we haven't forgotten you. We know it's frustrating when pain gets in the way of hitting that perfect golf swing or romping around with the kids.
Meet Qi Gong - Your Pain Buster:
Now, you might be scratching your head and thinking, "Qi Gong? What's that? Isn’t that for old people?" Let's break it down. Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese practice that's all about slow, deliberate movements, deep breathing, and focusing the mind. The goal is to balance your body and mind - from head to toe.
In essence, Qi Gong is like your body's personal energy factory and self-applied massage and chiropractic treatment from inside out. It works to amp up your body's natural healing abilities, balance and aligns the musculoskeletal system, physiology, body’s natural rhythms.
Why Qi Gong Beats Other Options:
Sure, physical therapy and other treatments have their perks. But Qi Gong takes things a step further. It's not just about curing what ails you physically - it's about getting your mind and spirit in on the action too. By unlocking your body's 'Qi' or 'life energy', Qi Gong helps you kickstart your body's self-healing process, alleviate pain, improve your posture, and boost your flexibility.
Also, it’s not about just resolving the issues you’re dealing with today, it’s about preventing future problems as well. Qi gong helps to reprogram the way you move through life. It restores the natural, intrinsic movement you likely once had but los, so that you approach the activities of your life with more stability, agility and ability.
Qi Gong – A Long-Term Buddy:
Here's the best part – Qi Gong is sustainable. You can take things at your own pace and still reap the benefits. Whether you're an athlete, performer or a newbie, Qi Gong is your ticket to managing orthopedic pain naturally and long-term. Regular practice is incredibly empowering and can help you take charge of your life and get back to doing what you love – pain-free!
Wrap Up:
So, there you have it. Beating orthopedic pain doesn't have to mean a trip to the operating room, reliance on doctors and therapists or a lifetime prescription. With Qi Gong, you can live a healthier lifestyle, manage pain naturally, stay more focused and energized and regain your confidence.
If you want to learn more or you’re ready to start your journey to managing pain yourself then get ready to experience the Qi Gong transformation. Get in touch with us and let’s see if Qi Gong can help you.
Keywords: Qi Gong, orthopedic pain, natural remedy, life energy, body and mind balance, chronic pain relief, improved posture, flexibility, overall health, drug-free approach.