Medical Textbook Article

Taiji (T’ai Chi) Medical Benefits and Modalities

Dr. Donald Novey, M.D. was creating a comprehensive guide to Complimentary and Alternative Medicine for mainstream medical practitioners in the US and Canada. He provided editorial guidelines for each practitioner to explain their modality in language familiar to medical practitioners and in it’s own terms.

My writing contribution was in two parts. First, I prepared the full English text, along with references to published research. Second, I translated (Mandarin/Simplified-English) two original research studies conducted by Prof. Liu Yuzeng in China and summarized his findings.

Throughout the project, keeping open communication between myself and my co-author in China, Prof. Liu, was essential as was keeping Dr. Novey updated on our progress.

The completed book (~855pp.) was published by Elsevier in 2000.

View a PDF of the Tai Chi section of the book

Skills:

Translation (Mandarin/Simplified-English), Technical Writing (Medical), Project Management

3.1 Biologic Mechanism of Action… Besides being able to increase the strength of the outer body mass, taijiquan practice can be a good method to assist in the treatment of high blood pressure, heart disease (Lai, 1998), pulmonary tuberculosis, dyspepsia, ulcer disease, and furthermore, it is especially beneficial in treating the liver, kidneys, spleen and stomach. The relaxed and gentle movements of taijiquan strengthen the body in accord with regular physiological patterns, encouraging regular functioning of the internal organs. Taiji practice has a very good influence on the functions of the central nervous system. It increases the strength of the heart, blood vessels and respiratory functions, can decrease static blood in the body, and can improve digestive actions and metabolic processes. (Liu, 1994) The cycle of contraction and expansion in the skeletal muscles can strengthen and calm arterial blood circulation. Respiratory movement equally can accelerate the returning flow of blood in the veins. When breathing in, the volume by which the chest expands is extended and internal negative pressure rises. Consequently, venous pressure in the upper and lower cavities is reduced and the return flow in the veins accelerates.