The Impact of Internal Nourishing Qigong Combined with Acupoint Application on Anxiety and Depression in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Objective: To explore the intervention effect of internal nourishing qigong combined with acupoint application on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing chemotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors. Methods: A total of 144 patients with gastrointestinal tumors, admitted to the oncology and gastrointestinal surgery departments of a tertiary hospital from October 2023 to May 2024, were conveniently selected and randomly divided into four groups using a random number table: the internal nourishing qigong group (36 cases), the acupoint application group (36 cases), the combined group (36 cases), and the control group (36 cases). The anxiety (SAS) and depression (SDS) scores of the four groups were assessed at four time points: before the intervention, after one cycle (21 days per cycle), after two cycles, and after three cycles. Results: Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline data, SAS, and SDS scores among the four groups (P > 0.05). After one, two, and three cycles of intervention, the RPFS, SAS, and SDS scores of the intervention groups were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The SAS and SDS scores of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the internal nourishing qigong group and the acupoint application group (P < 0.05). The SAS and SDS scores of the internal nourishing qigong group were significantly lower than those of the acupoint application group (P < 0.05). The main effects of the intervention and time on anxiety and depression were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Internal nourishing qigong combined with acupoint application can effectively improve anxiety and depression levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer.