Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Qigong) [Preliminary Study]

Objective: The present study was designed to see whether Qigong can improve vegetative functions, perceptions of symptoms, emotional stability, and quality of life, on women that cannot use HRT. Materials and Methods: Out of 68 first appointments from the menopausal department, eleven postmenopausal women, between 36 and 59 years, with menopause syndrome validated by an independent gynaecologist, contraindication to hormone replacement therapy, and written consent, received Qigong specific training during 8 weeks. Assessments were made using the Kupperman index score for clinical manifestations, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life short-version scale. Salivary cortisol levels were additionally determined as an objective parameter for measuring stress. Results: All scores improved over time, showing a significant (p<0,05) reduction in the Kupperman score (44%) and depression (14%), and also an improvement on all quality of life parameters (10%). On a sub-scale level, positive regression of vasomotor symptoms, paraesthesia, insomnia, weakness, arthralgia and myalgia, headaches, palpitations and vertig