American Tai Chi & Qigong Association

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Tai Chi’s Emotional Edge in Post-Cancer Recovery: A New Study Reveals Where It Shines

Jun 23, 2025

We’ve long known that Tai Chi helps people feel more centered, more relaxed, and more emotionally balanced. But what happens when we put it head-to-head against another gold-standard therapy—one that’s already a staple in oncology care?

A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2025 did exactly that. It compared Tai Chi/Qigong with Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)—a widely used, research-backed program in cancer centers around the world.

And the results?

Tai Chi reduced depression scores more than MBCR.
It helped cancer survivors release anger more effectively.
It boosted energy and vitality—something MBCR alone often can’t touch.

And here’s the kicker: these benefits held strong even for people who didn’t choose Tai Chi—proving it works regardless of initial preference.

Whether you’re a teacher seeking evidence to share with hospitals and support groups, or a serious student recovering from illness or caregiving, this study offers both validation and insight.

It’s not about which practice is “better”—it’s about understanding where Tai Chi excels and how to bring those strengths to the people who need them most.

Curious to know which groups benefited the most?

Wondering how to adapt your class structure to align with this clinical model?

👉 Read the full article here.

By Tai Chi

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