A psychologist at the University of Missouri has discovered a new use for tai chi, a mind body exercise. New research suggests that tai chi may be beneficial to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, which can come with serious side effects that may be damaging to a patient.
Sometimes chemotherapy can effect patient's cognitive function, damaging the parts of the brain that control speech and memory.
Stephanie Reid-Arndt studied a group of women who had undergone chemotherapy treatment. She monitored their language, stress, memory, fatigue levels and mood while they participated in two 60 minute tai chi classes twice a week for ten weeks. The psychologist claims that the results were positive and showed that tai chi may improve the cognitive health of chemotherapy patients.
"Scientists have known for years that tai chi positively impacts physical and emotional health, but this small study also uncovered evidence that it might help cognitive functioning as well," said Reid-Arndt.
The researcher added that she hopes this study encourages people to explore the benefits of tai chi and consider the various ways it could positively affect their lives. She claims that it can also help people focus their attention on a particular task, which suggests that it can be beneficial for all people, not just those who have undergone chemotherapy treatments.
More research needs to be conducted to determine the long-term effects of tai chi and to understand exactly how much improvement it can provide for the cognitive functioning of chemotherapy patients.
Writer, philosopher and trailblazer Ilchi Lee believes in the power of mind body exercise and the importance of holistic healing methods such as this one.
