The Story of the Evolution of a Unique Tai Chi Form

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to introduce a unique tai chi form that has been successfully implemented in two large randomized clinical trials. The intervention is composed of a series of tai chi movements chosen for their particular meanings, thus adding a cognitive component to the practice of a moving meditation. Over the last decade, the intervention has continued to evolve as it has been used in different populations. Most recently, medical qigong has been integrated to strengthen its potential impact on a variety of biobehavioral measures associated with cardiometabolic risk in women. Following an appraisal of the authors’ process as well as the philosophy, practice, and research of tai chi and qigong, the authors share the story of their intervention to contribute to the evolving research of these safe, well-received, low-cost, and beneficial practices.

The Effects of Tai Chi on Cardiovascular Risk in Women

“…For example, the Five Elements emphasizes the universal human experience of ongoing cycles of change in life, recognizing that change presents the opportunity for growth and transformation and that we have the ability to successfully navigate these changes. Consistent with our prior work 1,2 participants voiced that while finding time to practice during the week was challenging, they consistently remembered the meanings of the movements when dealing with situations in their daily lives, which helped them reframe thoughts in different, more successful ways. Additionally, based on the biological contributors to CVD, medical qigong (a specific type of tai chi and an integral component of traditional Chinese medicine) movements were chosen that purportedly address these biological contributors.…”

“…From prior studies and a review of the literature, an 8-week, focused, short form of tai chi was developed for this study. 2 Each of eight weekly, 60-minute instructor-led group classes began with a focus on breathing and balance, both key elements in tai chi. A sequence of movements was taught focused on developing each individual's skills in balancing, focused breathing, gentle physical posturing and movement, and the active use of consciousness for relaxation.…”

“…A unique psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)-based biobehavioral model of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been developed wherein modifiable risk factors related to stress and inflammatory processes are hypothesized to influence the eventual development of CVD in women. Building on our prior research, 1,2 the current study examined the effects of a specific tai chi (TC) intervention designed to reduce stressrelated psychosocial and inflammatory risk factors in women with early indicators of CVD risk. In a sample of 63 premenopausal women with abdominal adiposity who had a family history of CVD, the intervention was tested by using a wait-list, pretest-posttest design with repeated measures of potential indicators of intervention effectiveness derived from the research model.…”

Psychoneuroimmunology-Based Stress Management during Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Early Breast Cancer

“…Participants were required to attend a minimum of 8 sessions to remain in the study. Based on prior research and in consideration of the potential physical limitations of our participants, a focused short form of tai chi training (TCHI) involving eight movements was used in this study [28]. The sequence of movements was focused on developing each individual's skills in balancing, focused breathing, gentle physical posturing and movement, and the active use of consciousness for relaxation.…”

Self‐Administered Mind‐Body Practices for Reducing Health Disparities: An Interprofessional Opinion and Call to Action

“…Further, self-administered MBP may help participants manage acute or chronic conditions. In particular, trials of yoga, tai chi, and mindfulness meditation have been shown to decrease physical and psychological symptoms associated with the following conditions: depression [ 23 – 25 ], hypertension [ 26 ], cardiometabolic conditions [ 27 ], chronic inflammatory conditions [ 28 , 29 ], PTSD [ 30 ], menopause [ 31 ], chronic pain [ 32 – 35 ], and substance abuse [ 36 ], among others.…”