Evidence-based medicine in traditional Chinese medicine: collision and combination.

Qigong is a subtle energy-based practice for healing and preventing diseases and improving the quality of practi-tioners' lives. The fundamental qigong practice is the activation , development, and application of " qi. " Qi is bio-energy in different subtle energy forms such as electricity, magnetic force, far-infrared radiation, etc. 1,2 These forms of subtle energies function through an energetic network in the body for coherent communication between all the body's organs, tissues , and cells; between the mind and the body; as well as between the body and the living environment. The increased subtle energy strength through qigong practice 2 plays an important role in restoring the functions of the body and in addressing the miscommunications between the internal organs , tissues, and cells, thereby preventing and healing diseases and promoting the health and quality of practi-tioners' lives. In a recent editorial, Shinnick wanted to create a new " –ol-ogy " such as " qigongology " with the specific purpose of studying qigong. 1 In another Letter to the Editor, Hankey suggested using the term " qi-ology " as a new science of life instead of qigongology. 3 It is essential to develop a basic concept for scientific qigong study. In the perspective of Shinnick, " at its core qigong is the manipulation of the regulation of the body, breath, and mind into an integrative whole, with the breath as the key regulator practice to make this happen. " 1 Following Shin-nick's definition of qigong, qigong could be viewed as " breathing therapy. " Hankey stresses the broad meaning of qi and defines qigong as " a multifaceted Chinese system of sitting and moving meditation practices, aiming to improve every aspect of a person's life, including health, by increasing the flow of qi through the body. " 3 One might ask, what is the difference between qigong and yoga, between qigong and relaxation techniques, or between qigong and conventional low-impact exercise? Qigong consists primarily of internal energy activating and developing exercises, breathing exercises , meditation, stretching, and physical movements, all pursued with a heightened sense of feeling, focus, and awareness of qi-subtle energy. This is what differentiates qigong from the other abovementioned modalities. This state of being present with the qi, in turn, plays a key role in healing and health care. Because the most unique aspect of qigong practice is the activation, development, and application of " qi, " …