The Healing Powers of Tai Chi and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Breast Cancer Survivors
According to new research led by UCLA Health, both Tai Chi and cognitive behavioral therapy have been found to not only reduce insomnia in breast cancer survivors but also offer additional health benefits by decreasing inflammation and strengthening anti-viral defenses. This groundbreaking study sheds light on the potential of these therapies in improving the overall well-being of cancer survivors.
Chronic insomnia is a prevalent issue among cancer survivors, with about 30% of breast cancer survivors experiencing this troubling symptom. This rate is twice as high as the general population, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions. While previous studies have shown the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy and mind-body practices like Tai Chi in addressing insomnia among cancer survivors, their impact on reducing inflammation caused by insomnia has not been thoroughly explored.
The recent study, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, followed 90 breast cancer survivors over 15 months to compare the effects of Tai Chi and cognitive behavioral therapy on inflammation biomarkers. The results revealed that Tai Chi led to a more significant and sustained reduction in inflammation, while cognitive behavioral therapy enhanced anti-viral defenses, potentially boosting the body’s ability to fight infections.
Dr. Michael Irwin, the lead author of the study and a professor at UCLA Health’s Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, emphasized the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of Tai Chi as a therapeutic option for cancer survivors. He highlighted Tai Chi’s unique advantage in reducing inflammation, making it a promising intervention for this population.
The Study Design and Findings
The study utilized blood samples collected from a previous study conducted in 2017, which compared the effects of Tai Chi and cognitive behavioral therapy on insomnia treatment and remission in breast cancer survivors. Participants were assigned to either weekly Tai Chi sessions or cognitive behavioral therapy sessions for a three-month period. Blood samples were taken at various intervals to analyze changes in inflammatory markers.
Analysis of the blood samples at the 15-month mark revealed that Tai Chi participants exhibited reduced markers of inflammation, including plasma interleukin-6 and inflammatory transcriptional profiles. In contrast, cognitive behavioral therapy participants showed increased anti-viral gene transcripts, indicating improved immune responses to infections.
Dr. Irwin emphasized the profound impact of treating insomnia on the immune system, with Tai Chi demonstrating a preference for reducing inflammation, while cognitive behavioral therapy focused on enhancing antiviral immunity. The study underscored the potential for combining these therapies to maximize their benefits for cancer survivors.
Limitations and Future Directions
Despite the promising findings, the study had several limitations that warrant further investigation. The participants were predominantly white, older individuals with higher education levels, raising questions about the generalizability of the results to diverse populations. Additionally, the study excluded participants with coexisting medical conditions, limiting the applicability of the findings.
Future research will explore the impact of these therapies on inflammatory activation and aging in breast cancer survivors compared to non-cancer control groups. The goal is to identify key behavioral and biological targets for preventing depression and other health concerns in cancer survivors.
In conclusion, the research led by UCLA Health offers valuable insights into the potential of Tai Chi and cognitive behavioral therapy in improving the health outcomes of breast cancer survivors. By addressing insomnia and reducing inflammation, these therapies hold promise for enhancing the overall well-being of individuals who have overcome the challenges of cancer.
