P Henry
Tai Chi & Qigong (TCQ[1]) and Yoga are popular body-mind low impact physical movements applicable to cancer treatment. In this very brief outline, reference is mainly to TCQ, but research overlaps.
TCQ can be used as a comprehensive physical exercise. In simple practice the body is moved through detailed focusing of the mind. You can build muscle strength, increase balance and burn calories[2]. It can do much more. You can re-educate your body structure, cognitive processes and energetic patterns, have more neuroplasticity than other exercises[3].
Sensing your entire being, body and mind as whole, has been practised by TCQ and Yoga for over two thousand years. Understanding these exercises requires learning to experience a somatic sense of attention. This involves using your five senses plus the less used interoceptive, kinaesthetic and proprioceptive senses with other experiences[4]. Active participation is essential, benefits are a more accessible sensorium and improved health[5].
While the body can be defined by biomechanical explanations of interconnected physiological systems[6], or measured by its elements’ masses, etc. [7] The body-mind practices of TCQ and Yoga emphasise qualities and qualia called Qi or Prana energy[8].
These exercises encourage sleep[9] (essential for sustaining health), reducing stress, improving QoL, and lowering inflammation (all indicators of successful cancer outcomes and survival rates[10]).
TCQ exercises rebalance one’s energy. Its comprehensive biophysical exercises use low impact movements with great effect. Using focused intention, breath regulation and detailed sensing of all parts of one’s physical positions is meditative and improves resistance to cancer[11]. It invigorates one’s vital energy (Qi). For TCQ the physical and mental are seen as a function of Qi[12].
While TCQ styles, forms and teachers vary, there are common principles. Find instructors that can help direct your intentions and Qi to your health[13]. These teachings can help you scrutinise your postures and cultivate the energy. Once learnt, you can self-practise the movements and continue gaining insights while making micro-adjustments.
Processes that help bring your movement alive and discover your energy include ‘freeing, aligning, focusing, sensing and being’[14], using your body-mind to understand. As you become more grounded, focus your attention with mindfulness (section 6) to sensing Qi’s deep rejuvenation and harmony of thoughts. Experience tingling and warmth in your body, and a soft weight (like moving through wool or molasses)[15] in your movement. Have awareness of your body and intentions with this imagery. Aims are becoming structurally integrated, active with a centred balance and reliable relaxation. Social supports help you feel secure as while you’re integrating body-mind-spirit to prepare your embodied spirituality[16].
You move towards a sense of a deeper meaning of being.
It is important that you have sensitivity and experience rapport with your surroundings – a coexistence. These exercises intentions are to deeply relax, allowing grounding, acknowledging energy present and be integrated[17]. This facilitates Qi flowing throughout the body.
Numerous RCT & CT cancer trials show TCG[18] (or Yoga[19]) providing clear clinical gains. These include an enhanced immune system, regulated hormones, reduced CRF and improved cancer presentation and outcome[20]. Elevated levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, often accompaning CRF, are reduced. In turn, there is a reduction in inflammation markers such as C-reactive, cytokines, telomerase activity, β-endorphins, immunoglobulin An, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor[21].
Ongoing practice[22] is required to modulate hormone levels, moderate stress and maintain a healthy homeostasis.
[1] Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ) are used together here, as their similarities greater than differences and in practice there are overlapping variations. Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong as Mind-Body Exercises (5Jan17) Yong Tai Wang et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. An Introduction to Tai Chi. (2018) Harvard Med School Pubs.
[2] Effects of individualized Tai-Chi on balance and lower-limb strength …. (27Aug19) I-Wen Penn et al., BMC Geriatr 19(1). Tai Chi Can Reduce Waist Circumference | Just Breathe Tai Chi, The Health Benefits of Tai Chi – Harvard Health Publishing – Harvard Health, Tai Chi for Weight Loss: A Gentle Path to Strength, Balance, and Better Health
[3] Tai Chi Chuan vs General Aerobic Exercise in Brain Plasticity…. (21Nov19) Lei Cui et al. Sci Rep (9). Brain Functional Specialization Is Enhanced Among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners. (Jul20) Li-Zhen Chen et al. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 101(7). Revealing the Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Tai Chi…. (2018) A P Yu et al. Am J Chin Med 46(2).
[4] Qi Experience and the Learning of a Somatic Mode of Attention. (8Jul22) A Lazzarelli. Anthro of Consciousness 34 (1). Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. (4Feb19) P Payne et al. Front Psychol. 6(93). Beyond attentional strategies: cognitive-perceptual model of somatic interpretation. (Jan1999) D Cioffi. Psychol Bull 109(1).
[5] Participating varies effects. Evidence Base of Clinical Studies on Tai Chi… (16Mar15) Guo-Yan Yang et al. PLoS One 10(3).
[6] Measurement systems vary. i.e. Skeletal, neuron and myofascial Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal System | Weybridge Physiotherapy
[7] Multiple descriptive ontology taxonomies are possible. i.e. mass: 65% oxygen, 18.5% carbon etc. The essential metals for humans…. (June 2019) M A Zoroddu etal. ” J of Inorganic Biochem.195. Cell count: e. 84% red blood cells. Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body. (2016) R Sender et al. PLoS Biol.14(8). The human cell count and size distribution. (26Sep23) I A Hatton et al. Pro of the Nat Acad of Sci.120 (39)i. etc. or a There is no single comprehensive measurement: it depends on what research wants to measure, the targeted audience, the cultural foundations. Measurement Methods for Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure. (28Apr17) D Ndahimana et al. Clin Nutr Res.6(2). Can there be a single best measure of reported physical activity? (28Jan09) R P Troiano. Am J Clin Nutr. 89(3).
[8] Qi descriptions approximate understanding. A Comprehensive Rev of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi. (Jul-Aug2010) R Jahnke et al. Am J Health Promo. 24(6). Prana and Qi.… (31Mar25) R Peng and R Jahnke. Omega Inst. https://yosan.edu/what-is-qi/ Yo San Univ. The scientific hypothesis of an “energy system” in the human body. (1Jan18) Tianjun Liu. J of Trad Chinese Med Sci 5(1).
[9] Qigong or Tai Chi in Cancer Care… (6Apr19) Yingchun Zeng et al. Curr Oncol Rep. 21(6). ….Exercise medicine in cancer management. (Nov19) Hayes et al. J of Sci and Medin Sport 22(11)
[10] Effect of qigong for sleep disturbance-related symptom clusters in cancer…. (Jun21) D Shuk Ting Cheung et al. Sleep Med.85. The relationship between fatigue and sleep in cancer patients…. (8Oct10) S Ancoli-Israel et al. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl)10(4). Marked 24-h Rest/Activity Rhythms Are Associated with Better Quality of Life, Better Response, and Longer Survival in Patients …. (Aug 2000) M-C Mormont et al. Clin Can Res 6. Yoga’s Impact on Inflammation, Mood, and Fatigue …. (10Apr14) J K. Kiecolt-Glaser et al. Amer Soc of Clin Oncol.
[11] Effect of Meditative Movement on Affect and Flow in Qigong Practitioners. (22Oct19) P Pölönen et al. Front Psychol.10. Qigong in cancer care…. (5Apr16) P J Klein et al. Sup Care Can. 24. Interventions for the prevention of falls in older adults…. (20Mar04) John T Chang et al. BMJ 328
[12] A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi. (2010) R Jahnke et al. Am J of Health Prom.
[13] T’ai Chi Classics …. (2023) Liao, Waysun. Important points on Yi and Intent in Tai Chi and IMA. https://taichithoughts.wordpress.com/2015/08/20/important-points-on-yi-and-intent-in-tai-chi-and-ima/
Qi Follows Yi – The Power of Imagination and Intention. https://bozemantaichi.com/qi-follows-yi/
[14] Tai Chi. (2001) & Qigong (2006) A Clark. & his site living movement – LIVING MOVEMENT
[15] This is different than M Csikszentmihalyi (1990) Flow: the psychology of optimal experience. Is the Qi experience related to the flow experience? …. (4Jan21) Shih-Han Hung et al. PLoS One16(1). Radical Taiji Energetics. (8Sept12) S Meredith.
[16] An Introduction to Tai Chi. (2018) Harvard Medical School Publications.
[17] The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi : 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart, and Sharp Mind (2013) Peter Wayne.
Evidence for Choosing Qigong as an Integrated Intervention in Cancer Care [meta-study of 574 RCT, 60 CT/x ]. (12Feb23) K Mazzocco et al. Cancers (Basel).15(4). Qigong Exercise and Tai Chi in Cancer Care [1282]. (Oct-Dec19) Pei-Shiun Chang et al. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs. 6(4). The effect of t’ai chi exercise on immunity and infections. [16 RCT/CT]. (May13) Ho et al. J Altern Comp Med. 9(5). Health benefits of qigong or tai chi for cancer patients.… [40 trials/ 3694 adults]. (Feb14) Yingchun Zeng et al. Com Ther in Med. A systematic review of the effectiveness of qigong exercise in supportive cancer care. [8 RCTs &15 CCT] (Jun2012) C L W. Chan et al. Support Care Cancer.20(6). Review of Clinical Trials of Tai Chi and Qigong in Older Adults [3,799]. (Mar09) Carol Rogers et al. West J Nurs Res. 31(2). A Review of Qigong Therapy for Cancer Treatment [19 RCT/CTs]. (2002) Kevin Chen & R Yeung. J of Intern Soc of Life Info Sci (ISLIS). Vol 20 (2).
[19] YOGA [trial numbers]
Yoga as a Comprehensive Therapy for Reducing Cancer- Related Fatigue….[lit review]. (28Nov23) A Krishna et al. Asian Pac J of Can Care. 9(1). Health benefits of yoga for cancer survivors…. [34 RCTs]. (10Feb24) N Niu. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs.11(3). Physical and psychosocial benefits of yoga in cancer patients and survivors…. [13 RCTs] (2012) L M Buffart, et al. BMC 12. The Tree of Yoga (2013) & Light on Yoga. (1997) B K S Iyengar.
[20] Yoga as a Comprehensive Therapy for Reducing Cancer- Related Fatigue…. (18Nov23 ) Anantha Krishna B S et al. Asia Pac J of Cancer Care. Qigong Exercise and Tai Chi in Cancer Care. (Oct-Dec 2019) Pei-Shiun Chang et al. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 6(4). Qigong Exercise and Tai Chi in Cancer Care. (Oct-Dec 2019) Pei-Shiun Chang et al. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 6(4). Qigong or Tai Chi in Cancer Care… (6Apr19) Yingchun Zeng et al. Curr Oncol Rep. 21(6). Tai Chi and Qigong for cancer-related symptoms and quality of life…. (Apr18) P M Wayne et al. J Cancer Surviv. 12(2).
[21] Effects of yoga interventions on fatigue in cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. (2013) J Sadja et al. Explore N.Y. 9 (4). The role of yoga in inflammatory markers. (2020) Estevao C. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity Health 20. Inflammation and cancer-related fatigue: mechanisms, contributing factors, and treatment implications. (2013) J E Bower, et al. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 30.
[22] Evidence for Choosing Qigong as an Integrated Intervention in Cancer Care…. (12Feb23) K Mazzocco et al. Cancer (Basel).
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