Both Tai Chi and Qigong have documented, meaningful benefits for people living with cancer that go well beyond gentle movement. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Tai Chi improves quality of life in cancer survivors, and multiple studies have shown improvements in fatigue, stress, cognitive function, and sleep quality. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that Tai Chi was comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy for treating insomnia in breast cancer survivors — a striking finding that reflects how substantive these benefits can be. An umbrella review of Qigong in cancer care similarly found evidence supporting its use as an integrative intervention for people living with cancer. Wellspring offers these practices through three programs — Chi Life (a combined program), Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ), and Qigong — each led by experienced instructors with a cancer wellness focus — each led by experienced instructors with a cancer wellness focus.
Each of Wellspring’s gentle movement programs draws from the same tradition of mind-body practice but offers a slightly different format and emphasis, so the right choice depends on your goals and preferences. Chi Life is Wellspring’s combined program that blends warmups, Qigong, Tai Chi, and meditation into one-hour sessions — designed so that participants can experience the benefits of both practices more quickly and in a harmonized format. Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) was originally developed for the MATCH Research Study conducted by the University of Calgary and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; each one-hour class begins with a 20-minute Qigong warm-up, moves into simplified Tai Chi movements, and concludes with seated meditation — with intentional repetition week to week to deepen practice. Qigong focuses specifically on the 5,000-year-old Chinese energy practice, combining breathing, gentle movement, visualization, sound, and meditation in sessions that can be done standing or seated. All three are suitable for any fitness level and require no prior experience.
Tai Chi, Qigong, and Chi Life are specifically well-suited for people experiencing cancer-related fatigue — and research suggests they may actively help reduce it. Unlike higher-intensity exercise, these practices work with the body’s current capacity rather than pushing against it, making them accessible even on lower-energy days. Studies have found that both Tai Chi and Qigong can improve fatigue, sleep quality, and cognitive function in cancer survivors, and Chi Life participants at Wellspring specifically describe the program as helping them increase energy and strengthen the body during recovery. All of Wellspring’s gentle movement programs can be modified for seated participation if standing is difficult, and the meditative component means you benefit even when your physical output is minimal. Visit the Wellspring Gentle Movement page to find out when the next sessions are running and how to register.
In a Chi Life session, you can expect one hour of guided movement that flows from warmup exercises through Qigong practice, Tai Chi sequences, and closing meditation — all at a gentle, intentional pace that prioritizes awareness, breath, and inner calm over exertion. In a Qigong session specifically, class begins with light bouncing, tapping, and cupping of energy points in the body to stimulate energy flow, moves into approximately 30 minutes of mindful movement practice, and concludes with a 10 to 15-minute guided seated meditation. In Tai Chi/Qigong, the structure is similar — a 20-minute Qigong warm-up, simplified Tai Chi movements, and time in seated meditation, with content intentionally repeated week to week to allow for deeper learning and flow. All programs can be done standing or seated, require only comfortable clothing and enough space to move in all directions, and are available both online and in person.
Yes, sleep disruption and anxiety are two of the areas where the research on Tai Chi and Qigong is particularly compelling. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that Tai Chi was non-inferior to cognitive behavioral therapy — the gold standard treatment — for insomnia in breast cancer survivors, which is a remarkable finding for a gentle movement practice. Additional studies have found that both Tai Chi and Qigong can reduce stress and improve sleep quality in cancer patients, and a study specifically examining online-delivered Tai Chi found reductions in stress among cancer participants — relevant for those accessing Wellspring’s virtual programs. Chi Life, Wellspring’s combined program, is designed specifically to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit and improve relaxation, circulation, and overall calm — benefits that directly address the anxiety and sleep difficulties that so commonly accompany a cancer diagnosis.
No prior experience with Tai Chi, Qigong, or meditation of any kind is required for any of Wellspring’s gentle movement programs — all three are designed to be accessible to complete beginners as well as those with some prior practice, and instructors are experienced in working with cancer patients at all fitness and ability levels. For the online format, you simply need a space in your home where you can move comfortably in all directions, and comfortable clothing that allows free movement. All programs can be modified for seated participation if standing is not comfortable or possible.