Mechanistic Insights into YiJinJing Qigong for Symptom Rehabilitation into Opioid Dependence

Abstract

Opioid dependence, characterized by high relapse rates and substantial social harm, represents a major global public health challenge. Grounded in the traditional Chinese medicine concept towards the integrated unity of “body, qi, and mind” and the holistic regulatory principles for health Qigong, this study adopts a perspective of non-pharmacological intervention to systematically investigate the integrative intervention mechanisms towards YiJinJing, a traditional Qigong practice. The rehabilitation of opioid dependence is first summarized from its current landscape, prevailing paradigms, and unresolved challenges. Subsequently, YiJinJing is introduced as a structured practice in which the bodily movement, breath regulation, and muscle stretching are integrated, combined with the core principles of regulating the body, breath, and mind, as well as its systemic regulatory effects towards blood function, internal organ function, and meridian pathways. Finally, the feasibility and potential therapeutic relevance of the YiJinJing training as a rehabilitative approach for opioid dependence are examined from physiological, psychological, and neuroscientific perspectives. On this basis, a multi-target, multi-level theoretical model towards YiJinJing interventions was proposed. At the physiological level, the guiding movements of Yijinjing may alleviate somatic withdrawal symptoms, stabilize autonomic function, and regulate immune endocrine function. At the psychological behavior level, reducing cravings and negative emotions through meditation and focused training can enhance self-regulation and psychological resilience. From the levels of neural mechanisms, it is speculated that YiJinJing may influence the dopaminergic signaling and endogenous opioid peptide system, thereby facilitating the adaptive restructuring towards the reward loop and the neural plasticity. As an integrated physical and mental training, YiJinJing exhibits potential views in improving the physical and psychological state of dependent individuals, enhancing life quality, and reducing the risk of relapse, thereby serving as a complementary component within existing intervention frameworks. This work provides a theoretical basis for the scientific translation of traditional mind-body exercise into substance-dependence rehabilitation and informs future mechanistic investigations and clinical applications.