Medicine Takes On What Makes Tai Chi Tick

Researchers from Harvard Medical School's Osher Institute are seeking experienced BTC students to volunteer for a study that assesses how these Chinese movement arts we’re learning can affect the brain. The study will use a simple, harmless finger sensitivity test to measure tactile acuity in a specialized area of the brain. Osher is Harvard’s center for research and education in complementary and integrative medical therapies.

This is the group that tested experienced meditators, charting increased thickness of the brain’s cortex in some parts. Now they are setting their sights on people who have been practicing tai chi or chi gung for at least three hours a week over the past two years, also investigating whether brain changes happen as a result. If that describes you, please contact the BTC office for more information.

The research is part of a growing trend for Western science to investigate Eastern mindfulness by directly examining experienced practitioners to see how their bodies and minds function. Water Way Arts nonprofit Board member Marie-Helène Jouvin, a researcher at Harvard Medical School, helped set up the collaboration. The study, already begun, is pushing for completion by summer. Volunteers, please call a.s.a.p.