Qigong as a Complementary Therapy for the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents: An Exploratory Narrative Review of the Evidence

Background: Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and behavioural disorders are increasingly prevalent in children and adolescents. Conventional treatments like pharmacotherapy and CBT have limitations, creating a need for complementary therapies. Qigong, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has shown promise in regulating the autonomic nervous system and improving mental health. Objective: This narrative review examines the potential of Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice, as a complementary therapy for pediatric mental health. Methods: A comprehensive search of major databases was conducted to identify studies on Qigong interventions for children and adolescents. Studies were included if they focused on mental health outcomes and involved Qigong. Results: Eleven studies were included, consisting of 7 experimental studies and 4 systematic reviews. Findings indicate that Qigong can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other behavioural disorders. It may assist in managing autism spectrum disorder, Down’s syndrome, anorexia nervosa, and several other conditions. Qigong was particularly noted for regulating the autonomic nervous system and improving emotional regulation. Qigong interventions were well-received and showed minimal side effects. Conclusion: Qigong shows promise as a safe and feasible complementary therapy for pediatric mental health. Further longitudinal, high-quality studies are necessary to validate these findings and optimize integration into clinical and educational settings.