Program Leader: Jill Heath Chi Life is a gentle exercise routine that combines warmups, Qi Gong (chee gong), Tai chi, and meditation to ease pain, fatigue, and other cancer-related symptoms,
Program Leader: Jill Heath
Chi Life is a gentle exercise routine that combines warmups, Qi Gong (chee gong), Tai chi, and meditation to ease pain, fatigue, and other cancer-related symptoms, while helping participants sleep better, and improving their quality of life. Chi Life harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit, improving circulation, balance, immune function, energy, and relaxation for a host of common benefits, listed below.
Wellspring has offered Tai Chi and Qi Gong (chee gong) as separate programs and has now combined them so that individuals can achieve the benefits of both programs more quickly.
Tai chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for self-defence and health. Known for its slow, intentional movements, tai chi has practitioners worldwide and is particularly popular as a form of gentle exercise and moving meditation, with benefits to mental and physical health.
Qi Gong is a Chinese system of health preservation and enhancement. It takes the form of simple, gentle, exercise specifically designed to improve energy balance and flow among various body organs.
“Chi Life really help me in my recovery phase. The exercise is appropriate to increase my energy and strengthen my body."
“Chi Life has given me confidence to listen to my senior body when it comes to specific exercises – now choosing tai chi and yoga over regular gym exercises.” - Sandra Benns
What to expect
The sessions in Chi Life are one hour long.
This program is based on exercise and meditation, so you are required to wear comfortable clothes that will allow you to move freely.
This program is normally done in a standing position but can be modified if you prefer to sit.
Common benefits
- Reduced cancer-related fatigue
- Improved quality of life
- Cognitive improvement (clearer thinking)
- Strengthened immune system
- Restored and improved energy flow
- Improved balance and coordination
- Relaxed body and mind
- Achieve a sense of calm and improve overall well-being
- Physical benefits of flexibility, balance and range of motion
Related research
- Irwin MR, Olmstead R, Carrillo C, et al. Tai Chi Chih Compared With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Insomnia in Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Randomized, Partially Blinded, Noninferiority Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 10;35(23):2656-2665.
- Mazzocco K, Milani A, Ciccarelli C, Marzorati C, Pravettoni G. Evidence for Choosing Qigong as an Integrated Intervention in Cancer Care: An Umbrella Review. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Feb 12;15(4):1176. doi: 10.3390/cancers15041176. PMID: 36831519; PMCID: PMC9954038.
- Ni X, Chan RJ, Yates P, et al. The effects of Tai Chi on quality of life of cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer. Oct 2019;27(10):3701-3716.
- Yao LQ, Kwok SWH, Tan JB, et al. The effect of an evidence-based Tai chi intervention on the fatigue-sleep disturbance-depression symptom cluster in breast cancer patients: A preliminary randomised controlled trial. Eur J Oncol Nurs. Sep 28 2022;61:102202.
- Zeng Y, Luo T, Xie H, Huang M, Cheng AS. Health benefits of qigong or tai chi for cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2014 Feb;22(1):173-86. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.11.010