Qi Gong Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Qi Gong interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Qi Gong is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Qi Gong is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Qi Gong against your medication
Add one medicationDrugs that interact with Qi Gong
0 medications have a known interaction with Qi Gong, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Qi Gong. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Qi Gong combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Qi Gong: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Qi Gong is a gentle Chinese mind-body practice that combines slow movement, breathing, and focused attention rather than a pill or herb you swallow. It is generally safe for most people and may help with stress, balance, and overall well-being, though the research is mixed and often low quality. It is best used alongside, not instead of, standard medical care.
- Part used
- Not applicable (a mind-body practice, not a plant or supplement)
- Common forms
- Guided classes, video and online courses, one-on-one instruction, group practice
- Stress and relaxation
- Balance and fall prevention
- Chronic pain
- General fitness and energy
- Quality of life in chronic illness
- Sleep support
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
For most people, gentle Qi Gong is low-risk when practiced sensibly.
Insufficient reliable information available. Pregnant patients should be advised to consult with their personal healthcare provider before initiating...
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available. Pregnant patients should be advised to consult with their personal healthcare provider before initiating...
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Qi Gong (also spelled Qigong) is a traditional Chinese mind-body practice. The name roughly means "working with vital energy" or "life force." It combines slow, flowing body movements, controlled breathing, and a calm, focused mind.
Unlike most items on this site, Qi Gong is not an herb, plant, or pill. There is nothing to swallow. Instead, it is a practice you do, somewhat like yoga or tai chi. In fact, tai chi is sometimes described as a form of moving Qi Gong.
People practice Qi Gong in classes, with a teacher, or by following videos at home. Sessions can be done standing, sitting, or even lying down, which makes it accessible to many people, including older adults and those with limited mobility.
How it works
In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi Gong is said to move and balance qi (vital energy) through pathways in the body. This idea comes from tradition, not from modern science, and "qi" has not been measured by research.
From a modern viewpoint, the likely benefits come from things we can understand: gentle exercise, slow deep breathing, stretching, and relaxation. These may calm the nervous system, lower stress responses, improve flexibility and balance, and encourage mindfulness.
Because Qi Gong is not a substance, there are no active chemical compounds, and its effects are thought to come from the combination of movement, breath, and focused attention rather than any drug-like action.
Does Qi Gong work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
Possibly Effective Cancer-related fatigue
Practicing Qi gong may reduce cancer-related fatigue.
Possibly Effective Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Meta-analyses of small clinical studies suggest that practicing Qi gong modestly improves lung function, walking distance, quality of life, and dyspnea in patients with COPD.
Possibly Effective Hypertension
A meta-analysis of several small clinical studies suggests that practicing Qi gong may reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
Also studied for 33 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Ankylosing spondylitis
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in patients with asthma.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atrial fibrillation
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Autism spectrum disorder
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Back pain
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing Qi gong may slightly improve low back pain, although it does not seem to improve back pain when compared with exercise programs targeting back pain.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Breast cancer
Several small, low-quality clinical studies suggest that practicing Qi gong may improve quality of life and mood in patients with breast cancer.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong shortens the duration of leukopenia in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing Qi gong may modestly reduce symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and depression in patients with CFS.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cocaine dependence
It is unclear if Qi gong is beneficial in patients with cocaine dependence.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cognitive impairment
It is unclear if Qi gong is beneficial in patients with cognitive impairment.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Complex regional pain syndrome
It is unclear if Qi gong is beneficial in patients with complex regional pain syndrome.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Qi gong has only been evaluated in combination with acupressure; its effect when practiced alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Depression
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing Qi gong may modestly improve symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Several small, low-quality clinical studies suggest that practicing Qi gong may modestly improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fibromyalgia
Several small clinical studies suggest that practicing Qi gong may be modestly beneficial in patients with fibromyalgia, although it does not appear to be superior to other active treatments.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Gastritis
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in patients with gastritis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Heart failure
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing Qi gong may modestly improve quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with compensated heart failure.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Lung cancer
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial for improving lung function in patients with lung cancer.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Menopausal symptoms
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in patients with menopausal symptoms.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscular dystrophy
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in patients with muscular dystrophy.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Neck pain
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial for neck pain.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Opioid withdrawal
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in adults with heroin use disorder.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoarthritis
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoporosis
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in females with osteoporosis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pain (chronic)
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial for relieving chronic pain.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Parkinson disease
Several small clinical studies suggest that practicing Qi gong may be modestly beneficial in adults with Parkinson disease; however, it may be no better than other forms of low-impact exercise.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Physical performance
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong can improve physical performance in older adults.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing external Qi gong may not improve pain associated with PMS.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psychological well-being
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial for improving psychological well-being in otherwise healthy adolescents.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Quality of life
Several small clinical studies suggest that practicing internal Qi gong may modestly improve quality of life in older adults with chronic disease.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Sleep apnea
Qi gong has only been evaluated in combination with tai chi; its effect when practiced alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stress
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial for reducing stress in otherwise healthy adults.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stroke
It is unclear if practicing Qi gong is beneficial in patients recovering from a stroke.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
Gentle Qi Gong is considered low-risk for most people. Because the movements are usually slow and soft, the chance of injury is small compared with vigorous exercise.
Still, use common sense. If you have a heart condition, severe osteoporosis, recent surgery, joint problems, dizziness, or a fall risk, talk with your doctor or physical therapist first and consider a class designed for your needs. Practice on stable footing and avoid pushing into pain.
During pregnancy, gentle practice may be acceptable, but you should check with your doctor and avoid strenuous moves, deep twists, or positions that strain balance. While breastfeeding, Qi Gong as a movement practice poses little known risk. As with any new activity, start slowly and listen to your body.
Side effects
Serious side effects are uncommon. Some people may notice mild muscle soreness, fatigue, or lightheadedness, especially when first starting or when standing for long periods.
Rarely, people with certain mental health conditions may find that very intense or prolonged meditative practice triggers anxiety or unusual experiences. If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or have chest pain during practice, stop and seek medical advice.
Qi Gong: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Qi Gong from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Practicing internal and external Qi gong is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Dizziness. Also, muscle soreness, muscle tension, and pain have been reported at similar or lower rates to other types of exercise.
Back pain Musculoskeletal
Practicing Qi gong has been associated with muscle soreness, muscle tension, and pain. In one clinical study, muscle soreness was reported in around 16% of individuals practicing Qi gong, while 30% of individuals following an exercise program reported this adverse effect. Muscle tension and pain (back pain or non-specific pain) were reported in 11% and 12% of Qi gong practitioners, respectively. Practicing Qi gong has been rarely associated with shoulder pain and plantar fasciitis.
- Blödt S, Pach D, Kaster T, Lüdtke R, Icke K, Reisshauer A, Witt CM. Qigong versus exercise therapy for chronic low back pain in adults--a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Eur J Pain. 2015;19(1):123-31.
- Lauche R, Cramer H, Häuser W, Dobos G, Langhorst J. A systematic review and meta-analysis of qigong for the fibromyalgia syndrome. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:635182.
Vertigo Neurologic/CNS
Practicing Qi gong has been associated with dizziness. In one clinical study, dizziness was reported in around 19% of individuals practicing Qi gong, while only 5% of individuals following an exercise program reported this adverse effect.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no standardized "dose" for Qi Gong because it is a practice, not a supplement. Many programs and studies use sessions of roughly 20 to 60 minutes, done several times a week, but the right amount varies from person to person.
A reasonable approach is to start with short, gentle sessions and build up slowly as you feel comfortable. Learning from a qualified instructor, at least at first, helps you use good form. If you have health concerns, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or physical therapist before starting.
Qi Gong & Pregnancy
Qi Gong & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 2 references that drive our Qi Gong monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Lauche R, Cramer H, Häuser W, Dobos G, Langhorst J. A systematic review and meta-analysis of qigong for the fibromyalgia syndrome. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:635182. PubMed
- Blödt S, Pach D, Kaster T, Lüdtke R, Icke K, Reisshauer A, Witt CM. Qigong versus exercise therapy for chronic low back pain in adults--a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Eur J Pain. 2015;19(1):123-31. PubMed
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Qi Gong: Common Questions
What is Qi Gong used for, and does it work?
Does Qi Gong interact with prescription medications?
How are Qi Gong interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Qi Gong with my medications?
Where does this Qi Gong interaction information come from?
What is Qi Gong used for?
Is Qi Gong safe?
How is Qi Gong different from tai chi or yoga?
Do I need a teacher to start?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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