Tai Chi/Qi Gong in Mental Health Treatment and Prevention: A review of Meta-Analytic Evidence and an Analysis of Evidence Congruence with Training Practices

In a review of the literature, Abbot and Lavretsky (2013) concluded that Tai Chi and Qi Gong, two complementary and alternative therapies, improved mental and behavioral healthrelated outcomes. Their review inspired a number of meta-analytical reviews and follow up randomized controlled trials (RCT) that focused on specific outcome categories defined in their paper. My thesis expands Abbot and Lavretsky’s review by examining the results of these posterior meta-analyses and RCT studies. In addition, I replicate the methodological searches provided by each included meta-analysis to bolster their findings with more recent publications. Creating an updated meta-analysis of my own to support or refute Abbot and Lavretsky’s claims, I add to the argument on Tai Chi and Qi Gong’s therapeutic effect on treating mental illness. Tai Chi and Qi Gong appear to be therapeutically beneficial across a range of mental health issues, and are indicated as a safe alternative of treatment. Future studies should include more methodological rigor (blinding, randomization, and reporting) and study these complementary and alternative therapies effect on additional disorders. TAI CHI/QI GONG IN MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT Table of