In the early morning darkness, millions of people gather in parks throughout China to practice an ancient self-healing art called Qi Gong. As the first rays of sun lighten the sky, men and women of all ages begin moving in graceful patterns. Sometimes alone and sometimes in groups, they perform rhythmic, symmetrical motions, accompanied by deep controlled breathing, to center and balance their bodies, connect with their vital energy and direct that energy to achieve maximum health.

Used in China to treat a variety of illnesses including cancer and multiple sclerosis, Qi Gong's effectiveness has never been proven through controlled scientific studies. But an American physician is using a grant from the National Institute of Health's Office of Alternative Medical Practice to research Qi Gong as a treatment for a disabling disease of the nervous system called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD).

"RSD affects mostly young women and there is a small segment who are resistant to treatment," notes Wen-Hsien Wu, chairman of anesthesiology and director of the pain management center at the New Jersey Medical School's University of Medicine and Dentistry. "Since Western medicine has reached its limits for these patients, we decided to look at alternatives." Wu's pilot study showed that one RSD patient's pain and swelling were significantly reduced after Qi Gong training, and he is hopeful that his NIH-funded study will help determine whether the technique can help others with the disease.