Abstract
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, stiffness, and reduced quality of life, affecting an estimated 2–8% of the global population, with higher prevalence in women. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is often associated with Qi stagnation and deficiencies in the spleen and kidney systems. This article presents a sample protocol developed using artificial intelligence (Grok 4) for treating fibromyalgia with Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades), a lowintensity Qigong practice involving gentle stretching, strengthening, and breathing exercises. The protocol adapts the full set of eight postures to fibromyalgia patients’ needs, emphasizing “Separating Heaven and Earth” for its direct benefits in alleviating torso stiffness and widespread pain, while recommending omission of higher-effort postures such as “Clenching Fists with Fierce Eyes” and “Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Hawk” to minimize fatigue. The adapted routine lasts approximately 15–20 minutes, performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks, with flexible repetitions (4–8 per posture) based on individual tolerance. Supporting evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews indicates that Tai Chi and Qigong interventions, including Ba Duan Jin, can reduce pain (VAS reductions of 15–20 mm), improve function (FIQ reductions of 10–15%), and enhance quality of life. The article also outlines a proposed 8-week randomized controlled trial to evaluate this tailored Ba Duan Jin program, including methodology, outcome measures (e.g., FIQ, VAS, MFI-20, SF-36), and ethical considerations. This AI-assisted approach bridges TCM with modern evidence-based practice, offering a safe, accessible, non-pharmacological option for fibromyalgia management.