Chronic pain is a pervasive global health issue with complex origins, profoundly affecting individuals' quality of life. Conventional biomedical treatments often fall short in effectively managing chronic pain, highlighting a need for holistic alternatives. Non-pharmacological strategies, particularly rooted in ancient mind-body practices from Traditional Medicine, provide promising avenues for exploration. Techniques such as Tai Chi, Qigong, and therapeutic Wuqinxi are embedded in a holistic approach, emphasizing the synergy of physical movement, mindfulness, and breath regulation to foster balance and activate the body's inherent healing abilities. Recent studies point to these exercises' potential to alter pain perception, decrease inflammation, and enhance psychological well-being, cementing their status as complementary tools for preventing and managing chronic pain within a biopsychosocial framework.

This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap in high-quality mechanistic evidence concerning the efficacy of Traditional Complementary Mind-Body Exercises (TCMBEs) for chronic pain conditions. Although practices like Tai Chi and Qigong have demonstrated potential benefits, a deeper understanding of their therapeutic mechanisms remains elusive. Our goal is not only to document clinical outcomes but also to prioritize uncovering the biological and psychological pathways through which these interventions exert their effects. This collection aspires to advance insights into the neurophysiological, inflammatory, immunological, and psychosocial mechanisms of TCMBEs, ultimately consolidating a robust foundation for their validation as non-pharmacological strategies in chronic pain management.

The scope of this Research Topic is focused on exploring the underlying mechanisms through which TCMBEs influence chronic pain, shedding light on their non-pharmacological benefits. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Neurophysiological modulation of central pain processing

o Alterations in inflammatory biomarker profiles (e.g., cytokines)

o Regulation of the stress response system (e.g., HPA axis)

o Enhancements in emotional and cognitive regulation

o Applications of TCMBEs in diverse chronic pain conditions, including chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and tension-type headaches

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Holistic Mind-Body Regulation: Traditional Exercise Therapies in Chronic Pain Prevention and Management