An exploratory pilot study of Qi-therapy (External Qi Healing) on symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of Qi therapy (QT) on premenstrual symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Forty-six college women were randomly allocated to receive QT (QT group: n=23) or complete diary of PMS (control group: n=22, 1 was dropped out). The experimental group receives 12 minutes Qi therapy for 5 times (7, 4, 1 day before and 7, 14 day after menstruation), and control group relaxed in the same procedure with experimental group. We measured pain, depression and anxiety level with visual analogue scale (VAS) to investigate participants responses. There were significant reductions on pain, depression and anxiety in QT group compared with control. These findings suggest that Qi therapy may have a role in helping the women with PMS to cope with their pain, depression and anxiety symptoms.