Stress management by psychosomatic training: effects ofChunDoSunBup Qi-training on symptoms of stress: a cross-sectional study

We examined the effects of ChunDoSunBup (CDSB) Qi-training, one of Korea's traditional forms of psychosomatic training, on stress coping ability by cross-sectional investigation using the Symptoms of Stress (SOS) inventory. Four types of groups—normal health (n=74) and three groups of Qi-trainees (group Q1: subjects with CDSB Qi-training for 1–4 months, n=64; Q2: 5–12 months, n=50; Q3: more than 13 months, n=66)—participated in this study. Qi-trainees with over 13 months training had significantly lower scores in all the SOS subscales compared to the controls. A significant negative correlation was found between the Qi-training period and all SOS subscales. The total stress scores of the Qi-trainee groups were substantially lower than those of the controls and there was further reduction with longer training periods. These results suggest CDSB Qi-training is effective in stress management and in decreasing symptoms of stress.