Tai Chi and Qigong in Integrative Urinary Oncology

December 27, 2022 - Mind-body medicine (MBM) complements somatically oriented medical practice with behavioral and lifestyle-oriented approaches: Thus, health-promoting attitudes and behaviors are strengthened in everyday life. In integrative oncology, it helps promote emotional and physical well-being.

A German study reported by the journal Urologie in December found that during and after completion of primary therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) shows positive effects on anxiety, stress, and fatigue. However, it appears that the offer needs to be better tailored to the needs of prostate cancer patients. The effects of yoga are well documented, especially on fatigue, quality of life, and sexual function. Prostate cancer patients also showed a significantly increased immune response after completing a yoga intervention. Tai Chi/Qigong improves quality of life, fatigue, and other symptoms. Hypnosis-especially in the palliative setting-mitigates anxiety, and relaxation techniques alleviate sleep problems and nausea/vomiting. Multimodal services improve quality of life on numerous levels. Higher resilience correlates with better quality of life and stronger male self-esteem.

MBSR alleviates many symptoms but needs to be adapted to the needs of prostate cancer patients; yoga and Tai Chi/Qigong alleviate fatigue and improve quality of life. Hypnosis and relaxation training reduces nausea/vomiting and improves sleep and anxiety. Resilience promotion is important to support oncological patients.