Suggestions to Lead TCC into the Future

The inaugural Science of T’ai Chi & Qigong as Whole Person Health Conference brought together a diverse community of international scholars, practitioners, healthcare administrators, and policymakers to help shape the future of mind-body practices such as our own T’ai Chi Chih (TCC). We learned about the state of the evidence and therapeutic benefits of T’ai Chi and Qigong (TCQ), the emerging role of these practices related to whole person health, and barriers to integration and implementation into the modern health care system. About 300 were in attendance.

We heard from many Asian, Asian American leaders, and researchers from other countries who have studied T’ai Chi Chuan in the context of health benefits. There were many references to “the simplified practices,” but only one simplified practice was highlighted in the talks of plenary speakers. Only T’ai Chi Chih was prominently mentioned by Drs. Helen Lavretsky and Michael Irwin who spoke during opening and closing plenaries.

The agenda was packed with detailed synopses of TCQ studies by well-published medical researchers. There were several experiential sessions, most being 20 minutes, by practitioners of different forms of Tai Chi and Qigong. Our presentation was one of these. In addition, there were more than 50 posters on many diverse topics and oral abstract sessions all going on simultaneously. 

What is recommended for the future success of TCQ and how can we do our part as TCC teachers and practitioners? 

Not surprisingly, more research was recommended and more publications. Presenters suggest that students do these and dissertations, and anyone can publish a white paper. We don’t need a randomized controlled trial to publish an article in a journal.

In addition to more research and publications, there is a strong need for TCQ in diverse populations. Diversity, equity and inclusion was one of the four objectives for the conference. If we offer classes only to people in our own neighborhoods, we cannot expect to find teacher candidates who represent the diverse population of the world.

Education and marketing directed to the public, stakeholders, and policymakers is needed from all corners. We cannot keep TCC a hidden treasure. 

The first day of conference we were shocked to learn that the top researcher of TCC, Dr. Helen Lavretsky, said she was looking for a TCC teacher for a current study and could not find one. She was frustrated with the website and unable to find the annual teacher directory. Dr. Lavretsky has published more papers using TCC for psychological conditions than anyone in the world. The community does not want to turn researchers away for lack of an open access directory.

We ran into a barrier when several participants at our session asked how they could learn TCC. A search of teachers in Massachusetts showed no teachers on the “Find a Teacher” feature although we know there are. Same with teachers in Florida and Pennsylvania showing none when searching by state. 

To position TCC as a major player, all teachers need to be easily found by anyone. Not just teachers who have a listing on the website, but all accredited teachers. Most TCQ organizations with teachers offering their services have a complete and updated directory. We need one that is kept current. 

If anyone is interested in designing a simple study and/or wants to write an article for publication in a scientific journal, I am happy to help mentor you through it, or perhaps co-author with you. We’re all fully aware of the valuable benefits of TCC and wholeheartedly believe that TCC is a service to mankind. Don’t we owe it to the world to share?

To sum it up, our communal next steps need to be visibility of all teachers, expanded focus on diversity (racial, socio-economic, gender), research, articles and connection with medical practitioners about benefits.