Tinnitus and T’ai Chi | British Tinnitus Association
Name of treatment |
Tai chi (T’ai chi ch’üan, Tàijí quán) |
Type of treatment |
Chinese martial art/system of movement |
Claims for treatment |
Improves general health. Removes focus from tinnitus, brings calm and mental clarity. |
How treatment is delivered |
A sequence of flowing movements |
Potential negative consequences |
Cost |
Evidence offered: |
|
Papers available |
There have been no papers published on T’ai chi as a treatment for tinnitus[1]. |
Conclusions drawn |
Two systematic reviews have suggested that T’ai chi has health benefits for a number of physical and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety and general stress management. No adverse effects were reported [2],[3]
|
Quality of evidence[4] |
A (where it exists) |
Does the BTA recommend this treatment? |
Current tinnitus management guidelines suggest the use of relaxation strategies to help manage tinnitus. T’ai chi may be considered as a way to improve relaxation. |
BTA opinion on this treatment: |
There is no evidence to support the use of T’ai chi over other relaxation strategies, but some people may find it useful. |
Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment? |
Yes |
Verdict: Safety – is this treatment harmful? |
Generally regarded as safe |
Verdict: Efficacy – does this treatment work? |
No evidence that it is effective |
Date completed |
February 2020 |
Date for revision |
February 2023 |
We welcome feedback on all our information. Please send any corrections or updates for consideration to Nic Wray, Communications Manager on [email protected]
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[1] Pubmed search by author 10 February 2020
[2] Huston P, McFarlane B. (2016) Health Benefits of Tai Chi: What is the Evidence? Canadian Family Physician. 62 (11) 881-890. Available from https://www.cfp.ca/content/62/11/881.long [accessed 10 February 2020]
[3] Wang F, Lee E-K O, Wu T, Benson H et al. (2014) The Effects of Tai Chi on Depression, Anxiety, and Psychological Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Behavioural Medicine. 21 (4) 605-617. DOI: 10.1007/s12529-013-9351-9
[4] A = Systematic review/meta analysis. B = Randomised control studies. C = Cohort studies. D = Case control studies. E = case studies/reports. +/- to be used to indicate quality within bands
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Page updated 10 February 2020