Breast Cancer & Tai Chi

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Certain holistic and alternative health practices, such as tai chi, may be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms or improving the overall quality of life among women suffering from breast cancer, according to BreastCancer.org. Always consult your doctor before using holistic and alternative healing remedies.

Features of Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art and healing system consisting of slow, meditative bodily motions combined with an attention and focus on the breath. It offers a means for dealing with and releasing tension and stress. Unlike many other martial art forms, it focuses on slow, flowing yet precise motions that help promote and restore your natural flow of energy. According to MayoClinic.com, each posture or pose in tai chi flows into the next one, so your body is in a state of constant yet gradual motion, which is said to help restore a sense of peace and serenity to your mind and body.

History of Tai Chi

Tai chi has been passed down from generation to generation in Chinese culture for thousands of years. It was originally developed by Taoist master Chang San-Feng during the Sung Dynasty, which lasted from 960 to 1279 C.E. According to Patience Tai Chi Association, tai chi is said to have originated when Tai Chi master Chang saw a snake and a crane fighting, and he attempted to copy their precise, coiled and flowing motions. The 13 postures he developed corresponded to the eight triagrams of the I Ching, an ancient Chinese divination text.

Tai Chi and Breast Cancer Research

According to BreastCancer.org, several small studies have shown that tai chi can potentially increase heart and lung function, self-esteem, strength, and flexibility among women suffering from breast cancer. In 2004, 21 women with breast cancer were studied to determine the benefits of tai chi. In this study, the women were divided into groups. One group received 12 weeks of tai chi and the other group received traditional psychosocial support group therapy. The study, performed by researchers at the Behavioral Medicine Unit, Department of Radiation Oncology of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester, showed that the women who participated in tai chi showed a significant improvement in their overall symptomatology and quality of life as compared to the women who received only the support group therapy.

Considerations

You can find tai chi programs offered at many martial arts studios and community centers. Although you can also learn tai chi from DVDs, it's a good idea to learn the basics from a qualified teacher, especially if you've never done tai chi before. According to BreastCancer.org, overdoing it or improperly performing the motions can lead to muscle strain or sprain.

Warning

Alternative treatments and holistic health practices should never be used in place of or as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. According to BreastCancer.org, it's especially important to tell your doctor that you're planning to start a tai chi program if you've recently had surgery, are new to exercise or have joint problems.