Research

Research and Literature in support of our methods:

The evidence for Qigong and Tai Chi is very robust. Following are a selection of significant findings in support of the Mind-Body practice of the Healer Within Foundation’s programs and trainings.

The Consensus Document of the National Expert Meeting on Qigong and Tai Chi
Details the framework for evidence-based Qigong and Tai Chi programs that can be implemented by local organizations nationwide. Published in collaboration with the University of Illinois and the Healer Within Foundation, 2005
Lead Authors: Dr Chodzco-Zycko, Dr Jahnke

The Health Benefits of Tai Chi
“Tai Chi and Qigong are often described as ‘meditation in motion,’ but it might well be called ‘medication in motion.‘ There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems.”
Published in Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 2009

Can Tai Chi and Qigong Postures Shape Our Mood? Toward an Embodied Cognition Framework for Mind-Body Research
A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that Tai Chi and Qigong may be beneficial for psychological health, including management and prevention of depression and anxiety.

Published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2018
Lead Authors: Kamila Osypiuk, Evan Thompson  and Peter M. Wayne

A Comprehensive Review of the Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi
The first and most thorough review of the Qigong and Tai Chi research literature, is widely respected as a source in health care policy.

Published in the American Journal of Health Promotion (AJHP), 2010
Lead Authors: Dr Jahnke, Dr Larkey

Dissemination and Benefits of a Replicable Tai Chi and Qigong Program for Older Adults

The early pilot that led to the funding National Expert Meeting on Qigong and Tai Chi, supported with grant from the National Council on Aging.. 
Published in the  American Journal of Geriatric Nursing, 2010
Lead Authors: Dr Jahnke, Dr Larkey

Additional Literature

A Downside to Tai Chi? None That I See
A very widely read article in the popular press on the benefits of Tai Chi for personal health.
Published in The New York Times, 2010 

Stress Management and Healthy Self-Care in the Prison System
From the date of founding the HWF has provided a free multipage self-care and stress mastery guide with instructions and graphics outlining self-care and stress management practices from the book – The Healer Within. The program provides this as a free service to inmates and receives frequent appreciation in return.

National Expert Meeting on Qi Gong and Tai Chi 
Through funding from the Archstone Foundation – the Healer Within Foundation, the National Blueprint Office at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, the National Council on Aging and the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi collaborated to convene National Expert Meeting on Qigong and Tai Chi to identify the opportunities of integrating Qi Gong and Tai Chi programs into physical activity programs and target the necessary components of an effective program to meet the needs of diverse populations with varying functional abilities. 2005.

Collaboration with the National Council on Aging – National TaiChiEasy™ Diffusion Project 
In twenty pilot locations across the United States including Santa Barbara, CA, The Healer Within Foundation conducted and directed an eight-week national pilot of teaching Tai Chi and Qigong for seniors collaborating with the National Council on Aging (NCOA). University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign assisted with the pre-test assessments and post-test assessment evaluations. 2004.

Integrating Qi Gong and Tai Chi experiences into traditional western physical activity programs in a long-term care retirement community 

Santa Barbara Demonstration Projects on Tai Chi Dissemination. Following the National Expert Meeting on Qi Gong and Tai Chi and in accord with the Archstone Grant, the project team implemented two community demonstration projects – one in IL one in CA. The intent was to explore whether TaiChiEasy™ would be readily accepted and appreciated by residents of retirement communities. The findings were very positive. This paper was presented at the International Congress Physical Activity and Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2006.

Circle of Life Wellness Coaching – Breast Resource Center, Santa Barbara, California 
Rebecca McLean, national trainer of The Circle of Life provided eight Mind-Body Wellness support group sessions for 12 women with cancer at the Breast Resource Center in Santa Barbara, CA. Pre and post medical testing was completed. Two volunteers were trained as Wellness Coaches to facilitate future cancer groups for “no charge.” 2003.