For cancer survivors, tai chi can ease sleep problems, fatigue and pain, study finds

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-17T11:05:53.933Z • Permanent link

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have discovered that tai chi, a traditional Chinese exercise, can significantly alleviate the symptoms of cancer survivors. Led by Dr. Ming-Hui Zhang, a renowned expert in mind-body therapies, the study analyzed the effects of tai chi on 120 patients who had undergone cancer treatment. The results, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, revealed that tai chi reduced fatigue, pain, and sleep problems in cancer survivors by 30%, 25%, and 40%, respectively.

According to Dr. Zhang, "Tai chi is a low-impact, accessible exercise that can be tailored to individual needs, making it an ideal therapy for cancer survivors." The study also found that tai chi improved patients' quality of life, allowing them to resume daily activities and social interactions with greater ease. The research team, comprised of experts from the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Michigan, aimed to explore the benefits of mind-body therapies in managing the side effects of cancer treatment.

The findings of this study are particularly significant, given the growing number of cancer survivors worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, over 18 million people in the United States alone have been diagnosed with cancer since 2010. As cancer treatment becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need for effective therapies to manage side effects has never been greater. Dr. Zhang's team hopes that their research will pave the way for further investigation into the potential of mind-body therapies in cancer care.

The implications of this study are far-reaching, with significant consequences for companies, research communities, and markets. Mind-body therapies, such as tai chi, are increasingly being recognized as a valuable adjunct to conventional cancer treatment. As a result, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and health insurance providers are investing heavily in research and development of mind-body therapies. For example, the National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to several research institutions to study the effects of tai chi on cancer survivors.

The study's findings also have important implications for the research community. As cancer treatment becomes more personalized, researchers are increasingly seeking to understand the complex interplay between physical, psychological, and social factors that influence patient outcomes. The discovery of tai chi's benefits for cancer survivors highlights the need for further investigation into the role of mind-body therapies in cancer care. Moreover, the study's results have the potential to inform the development of new treatments and therapies, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and increased quality of life.

The discovery of tai chi's benefits for cancer survivors is part of a larger trend towards increased recognition of the importance of mind-body therapies in healthcare. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of mind-body therapies, such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi, to manage chronic diseases, including cancer. This shift is driven by a growing body of evidence that highlights the benefits of mind-body therapies in reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing overall well-being.