Tai Chi Shows Health Benefits for Cancer Patients (Post-Treatment)

Tai Chi is shown repeatedly in clinical studies and in real world examples to produce a broad array of health benefits in participants.  Researchers from the University of Missouri recently conducted a small pilot study evaluating these benefits in women who had recently had treatment for cancer.

Following cancer treatment many have problems such as fatigue, neuropathy, muscle weakness, depression, poor appetite, and various other health issues ranging from relatively mild to near debilitating.  Researchers in this study evaluated the psychological and physical changes from a 10 week Tai Chi program.  They recruited 12 women with a cancer treatment history and enrolled them in 60 minute tai chi classes twice weekly for 10 weeks.

After 10 weeks the participants were evaluated using a variety of health related measures.  Participants reported few emotional, psychological, neurological complaints along with better balance.

Other studies have shown positive changes in immunity, inflammation, and circulation.  Taken in whole while Tai Chi alone would not be a treatment for cancer there is considerable evidence that it can help strengthen those recovering from cancer and many chronic illnesses and may offer a protective effect with regards to avoidance and/or recurrence.