Qigong, an opportunity for integrating health practices in West Africa

Evelyne Micollier, of Université Montpellier 1, has shown that qigong can serve as an opportunity for integrating traditional and modern health practices in West Africa. This research, conducted under a Franco-African joint supervision agreement, underscores the importance of this discipline in a context of economic reform and globalization.

Evelyne Micollier's research explores qigong as a therapeutic and social practice in China, revealing its role beyond individual wellbeing. This discipline, which combines physical exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation, is rooted in a rich cultural framework. It illustrates how traditional knowledge can coexist with modern approaches to health, while raising questions about the legitimacy of such knowledge.

The findings show that qigong stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, incorporating elements of biomedicine while preserving its ancestral roots. The therapeutic pluralism highlighted in this thesis underscores the importance of the master-disciple relationship in the transmission of knowledge, essential for preserving and enriching the techniques of this practice.

For policymakers, qigong represents a strategic opportunity to integrate traditional and modern health practices. Investors must act quickly to capitalize on the growth of the alternative medicine market, by supporting initiatives that foster the acceptance and legitimization of traditional health practices in West Africa.

« "Qigong is a mirror of cultural dynamics in China, illustrating how traditional knowledge can adapt to contemporary demands." - Evelyne Micollier »

« "Research on qigong opens up interesting perspectives for policymakers, underscoring the importance of integrating traditional health practices into modern health systems." - the Lektaris team »