Preprint / Version 1

Can Yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi Breathing Work Support the Psycho-Immune Homeostasis during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Narrative Review

Authors

  • Bruno Mendo ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
  • Mário Gonçalves ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
  • Lara Lopes ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
  • Luís Matos CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
  • Jorge Machado ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal

Keywords:

breathing work, homeostasis, Qigong, Tai Chi, yoga, COVID-19

Abstract

Breathing is crucial in life; nevertheless, the healthcare community often overlooks the health potential of breathing techniques. Conscious manipulation of breathing to achieve specific health goals is found in yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi. This paper reviews the value of breathing exercises as a foremost mechanism for promoting, recuperating and maintaining health. Practices involving breathing techniques are described, and their prophylactic or therapeutic characteristics are explored. The main goals of this review are: (i) to summarize the evidence supporting the hypothesis that breathing practices have a significant beneficial impact on human health; (ii) to provide a deeper understanding of traditional biofeedback practices, particularly yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi, and outline their focus on breathing techniques; (iii) to outline specific immune-related responses, relevant for COVID-19 disorders; and (iv) to call for committed attention and action from the scientific community and health agencies in promoting the implementation of a practical and costless health program based on breathing techniques. This review shows the health potentials of breathing practices and exercises, which, by having a high benefit–cost ratio, could be selected and implemented as a primary standard routine in public health programs. Keywords: breathing work, homeostasis, Qigong, Tai Chi, yoga, COVID-19

Author Biographies

Bruno Mendo, ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal

CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal

Mário Gonçalves, ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal

CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal

Lara Lopes, ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal

CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal

Luís Matos, CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal

CTEC–Centro Transdisciplinar de Estudos da Consciência, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal

Jorge Machado, ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal

LABIOMEP–Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal

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