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Top questions

Tai chi and qigong are forms of mind-body exercise and meditation that may help with symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatments.

Affordability and access

Prescription required?

  • No, but we recommend you inform your oncology team that you are practicing tai chi or qigong

How to access

Other names:

  • Tai chi may also be known as tai chi chuan or taiji
  • Qigong may also be called chi gung, ch’i kung, or qi gong
  • Medical qigong is also known as external qigong or external qi emission therapy

Many individual styles of tai chi and qigong have evolved.1The 5 Family Styles of Tai Chi. CUIHUA Chinese Culture Centre. Viewed June 1, 2022; Qigong. University of Minnesota Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. Viewed June 1, 2022. You may want to try different styles to find one that meets your needs and intent.

Where to access

  • Martial arts studios
  • Hospital integrative programs
  • Fitness and wellness centers, both on-site and online

American Tai Chi and Qigong Association

Find Tai Chi/Qigong Instructors Near You ›

Videos

Kevin Mutschler, LAc

Qigong videos ›

 

The New School at Commonweal

Cynthia Li: Strengthening Personal Immunity and Resilience ›

Affordability 

  • In-person or live online sessions typically cost under $30 US per session, and some may be offered free of charge
  • You can purchase videos for home use at costs similar to other videos

Keep reading about tai chi or qigong

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Author

Nancy Hepp, MS

Lead Researcher
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Ms. Hepp is a researcher and communicator who has been writing and editing educational content on varied health topics for more than 20 years. She serves as lead researcher and writer for CancerChoices and also served as the first program manager. Her graduate work in research and cognitive psychology, her master’s degree in instructional design, and her certificate in web design have all guided her in writing and presenting information for a wide variety of audiences and uses. Nancy’s service as faculty development coordinator in the Department of Family Medicine at Wright State University also provided experience in medical research, plus insights into medical education and medical care from the professional’s perspective.

Nancy Hepp, MS Lead Researcher

Reviewer

Laura Pole, MSN, RN, OCNS

Senior Clinical Consultant
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Laura Pole is senior clinical consultant for CancerChoices. Laura is an oncology clinical nurse specialist who has been providing integrative oncology clinical care, navigation, consultation, and education services for over 40 years. She is the co-creator and co-coordinator of the Integrative Oncology Navigation Training at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC. Laura also manages the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” listserv for Smith Center/Commonweal. In her role as a palliative care educator and consultant, Laura has served as statewide Respecting Choices Faculty for the Virginia POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment) Collaborative as well as provided statewide professional education on palliative and end-of-life care for the Virginia Association for Hospices and Palliative Care.

For CancerChoices, Laura curates content and research, networks with clinical and organizational partners, brings awareness and education of integrative oncology at professional and patient conferences and programs, and translates research into information relevant to the patient experience as well as clinical practice.

Laura sees her work with CancerChoices as a perfect alignment of all her passions, knowledge and skills in integrative oncology care. She is honored to serve you.

Laura Pole, MSN, RN, OCNS Senior Clinical Consultant

Last update: August 28, 2024

Last full literature review: June 2024

CancerChoices provides information about integrative in cancer care, a patient-centered approach combining the best of conventional care, self care and evidence-informed complementary care in an integrated plan cancer care. We review complementaryin cancer care, complementary care involves the use of therapies intended to enhance or add to standard conventional treatments; examples include supplements, mind-body approaches such as yoga or psychosocial therapy, and acupuncture therapies and self-care lifestyle actions and behaviors that may impact cancer outcomes; examples include eating health-promoting foods, limiting alcohol, increasing physical activity, and managing stress practices to help patients and professionals explore and integrate the best combination of conventionalthe cancer care offered by conventionally trained physicians and most hospitals; examples are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy and complementary therapies and practices for each person.

Our staff have no financial conflicts of interest to declare. We receive no funds from any manufacturers or retailers gaining financial profit by promoting or discouraging therapies mentioned on this site.

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