Qigong, practiced correctly, stimulates the collagen fibers in the body's fascial system, producing a piezoelectric effect. That effect produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide, along with hydrogen sulfide and a few others, are inflammatory gases in the body that behave like neurotransmitters. These are called gasotransmitters, and in Chinese medicine we use the word "qi." Hence, "qigong." Literally, "gas-work."
By using internal structure, the body's natural pressure and pulley systems, working together with specialized breathing and movement, we flush this qi through the body. This has a regulatory effect on oxidative stress in the brain and nervous system, the viscera, and more.
This is an important, often overlooked pillar in symptom reduction and remission for chronic illness and neurological disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, IBS, Tourette syndrome, depression, the list goes on. Mechanistically, many of these illnesses and disorders fall back on, at least in part, the body's ability (or lack thereof) to produce and regulate these gases.
I teach an introductory class inside Gut-Brain Synchrony, a good starting point to feel this for yourself. One-on-one work goes considerably deeper.