Improve Well-Being with Tai Chi and Qigong While Living with Blood Cancer

Tai Chi and Qigong (pronounced chee-gung) (TCQ) are mind-body practices that can improve well-being for people with blood cancer.  Recently, HealthTree hosted a webinar with Qun-Bin Xiong.  Qun-Bin is a blood cancer survivor and tai chi instructor who has been in remission since August 2022.  Studies have shown that tai chi can help to reduce stress, support emotional resilience, and improve physical strength and balance, which makes it a great tool for those navigating a blood cancer diagnosis.

Understanding the mind-body connection

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more aware of your internal state and surroundings. For people with cancer, mindfulness can be helpful to people in coping with and managing side effects. It is one of several mind-body therapies (MBTs) that use awareness and movement to support emotional and physical well-being.  

The mind-body connection is the link between a person’s mental and emotional well-being and physical health. For people with blood cancer, anxiety and depression can increase fatigue and reduce sleep quality, which can have a significant impact on overall well-being. Practicing mind-body therapies can help to relieve negative feelings that can come with living with blood cancer.  

Some common mind-body therapies are: 

• Acupuncture 
• Massage therapy
• Meditation
• Relaxation techniques
• Yoga
• Tai Chi

These practices are often used alongside traditional cancer treatments to support overall health. 

Tai Chi and Qigong can improve emotional and physical health

Tai Chi and Qigong are ancient practices that began in China. They consist of a series of slow and mindful movements, deep breathing, and meditation. There are many different forms of TCQ practiced throughout the world today.

A recent study looked at the benefits of TCQ and mindfulness-based cancer recovery (MBCR), a mindfulness training program developed for people with cancer, their care partners, and their support systems. This program, created by oncology psychologists, focuses on stress reduction through mindfulness, meditation, and yoga.  

The study's goal was to determine the effectiveness of MBCR and a combination of techniques from TCQ for people with cancer. When compared to other mindfulness techniques, people who practiced TCQ saw improvements in their experience of anger, depression, and vigor.  

You can get started with tai chi or mindfulness today

Qun-Bin guided webinar participants through a tai chi practice and emphasized the benefits of a holistic approach to managing the side effects of treatment, which includes nutrition, exercise, meditation, and good sleep. You can learn more about the foundation of tai chi and watch the webinar here. 

You can also follow along with this tai chi series, which walks you through warm-up exercises, individual movements, full form, and a cool-down. Additionally, free guided tai chi resources are available on YouTube, and your local fitness center or cancer center may also offer guided classes.  

Qun Bin discussed that your practice does not have to be complicated to be effective.  You can start with just a few minutes a day and build your practice over time.  

“Before you know it, you will feel better.” -Qun-bin Xiong

Better Outcomes Through Mind Body Therapies

Living with blood cancer can be overwhelming. Feeling anxious or depressed is not uncommon when a person is experiencing the initial shock of diagnosis, challenges adjusting to treatment and lifestyle changes, and uncertainty about the future. These feelings can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. Engaging in mindfulness and MBTs like TCQ can help improve side effects and symptoms and support better overall health outcomes.  

HealthTree Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people with blood cancer. You can contribute to the mission today by participating in short surveys about your experience. 

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Sources: 

• Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) Study
• Qigong: What You Need To Know 
• What Is Qigong? 
• Tai Chi: What You Need To Know 
• Tai Chi Smithsonian
• Mind and Body Practices 
• Mindfulness 
• Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery
• HealthTree Tai Chi Webinar