Tai chi and qigong are forms of mind-body exercise and meditation that may help with symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatments.
Tai chi or qigong at a glance
What it is: With slow, graceful sets of body movements and controlled breathing, tai chi and qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”) are practiced to improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength and overall health. The qi (also spelled chi) is “the life energy that flows through the body’s energy pathways.”1Chia K. The difference between tai chi and qigong. Tai Chi Society. October 23, 2011. Viewed May 17, 2021.
Tai chi and qigong both cultivate the qi by combining movement, breathing, and meditation. The forms in qigong are not as intricate as those in tai chi and do not need to be executed as precisely. Qigong forms are freer in movement and can be adapted to your manner of moving. Qigong can be carried out standing, sitting, or lying down. Tai chi involves an advanced and elaborate choreography, and the forms generally take longer to learn and master than in qigong. External qigong is an energy therapy performed on a patient by a trained practitioner, separate from the type of qigong in which you do movements on your own.
How it helps: Tai chi and/or qigong may improve immune system function and are linked to reduced symptoms of depression, fatigue, lymphedema, pain, sleep difficulty, and stress. These practices are also associated with a better quality of life among people with cancer.
Safety: Both tai chi and qigong are generally safe, with only a few restrictions for some medical conditions.
CancerChoices ratings for tai chi or qigong
We rate tai chi or qigong on seven attributes, with 0 the lowest rating and 5 the highest. We rate the strength of the evidence supporting the use of tai chi or qigong for a medical benefit, such as improving treatment outcomes or managing side effects.
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