Tai Chi Qigong Therapy in a Cost-Effective Manner, Research Paper Example

To Understand How Tai Chi Qigong Benefit Adult with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and To Determine If Current Interventions Can Improve With the Addition of Tai Chi Qigong Therapy in A Cost-Effective Manner

Introduction

A mild traumatic brain injury is a form of loss of consciousness that lasts for less than an hour. During its occurrence, the patient is disoriented exhibits characteristics of a confused person. There are several implications of its occurrence at a high frequency to an individual. The indications of mild distressing brain damage can last for close to a year or extend in some cases. The common symptoms associated with mild TBI include frequent headaches, common feeling of fatigue, memory lapses, loss of concentration, poor sleeping patterns, dizziness, depression, as well as seizures (Barea, 2011).

These symptoms are just but a section of the symptoms associated with mild TBI. It is pertinent to note that their occurrence and variance in an individual are influenced by a range of factors. To some individuals their sensitivity to some of the aspects is high compared to others. The loss of memory of an individual can be manifested in different ways (Zhou, 2009). Moreover, individuals with the problem can exhibit inhibited thinking and absence of logical presentation of ideas in their conversations. The disease can be devastating to the wellbeing of an individual as well as their interactions with other people in the society. This leads to a personality disintegration that has enormous negative implications (Popovic, 2004). Moreover, such individuals end up exhibiting total social withdrawal. Isolation complicates the process of treating and supporting the patient since they tend to be highly secretive and nonresponsive to offers from concern people. Based on the World Health Organization statistics the most devastating mental problem is schizophrenia. The mental conditions affect a significant proportion of the worlds’ population. According to past statistics the ratio in the world is about one in every a hundred people is affected by the condition (Gualtieri, 2002).

Available interventions

Over the years, the treatment interventions available have undergone various changes as the studies conducted to investigate their efficacy revealing comprehensive details. The psychological interventions involved in assisting the patients to manage their condition (Zhang et al 2012). However, psychosocial interventions are considered expensive due to their intensive nature. Moreover, they demand trained personnel to for their effective implementation. Over the years, there has been a rise in alternative and cost effective interventions. The use of antipsychotic medications is becoming popular with the rise of the alternative interventions (Yang, 1996).

Tai Chi Qigong

This creative process engages various functionalities of the human body. Through the therapy, it is possible to attain high levels of the harmony between the mental, physical, as well as, the emotional wellbeing. The creative process of a human being is instrumental at ensuring that the there is a balance in the diverse aspects of human existence. Through enhanced interpersonal skills, it is possible to manage behavior, increase self-awareness, as well as self-esteem (Hanche, 2002).

This therapy provides a non-verbal communication link for human interactions. Moreover, through the therapy individuals are able to align awareness, body movement and their breath. This is instrumental in supporting the healing process and the physical comfort of a person. The use of rhythmic breathing is an excellent meditative practice. The human potential is also enhanced through this practice (Yang, 1996).

The broad Chinese approach to healing and health care is based on diverse theoretical concepts. Most of the theoretical concepts are deep rooted in traditions. The theoretical concepts justify a number of assumptions used in the treatment of the body (Zhou, 2009).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of mild brain injury is a complicated process. This is because the symptoms exhibited by patients are many. The diversity in the symptoms displayed complicates the diagnosis process. Moreover, the modifications that arise in the brain composition are extremely hard to capture with a magnetic resonance imaging procedure as well as the CT scan. The difficulty in detection in these two approaches forming the basis for many diagnoses in the medical field has resulted to multiple assumptions (Zhou, 2009). The absence of physical evidence in diagnosis inhibits conclusion-basing treatment on a number of assumptions. An injury in the brain requires a close examination before planning of any treatment procedure. The close examination can be offered through neuropsychological assessments (Hanche, 2002).

These assessments provide factual information about a patient. Moreover, it is possible to analyze the implications of injury to the patient’s functionality. After the assessment, a recovery plan designed incorporating the facts collected from the assessment should be developed. The family members of a patient should be informed of their role in assisting the patient in their recovery path (Barea, 2011).

Consequences of brain injury

Brain injuries in male have multiple consequences. Brain injuries considered as mild usually end up untreated, but the patient suffers silently as the consequences of the injury affect multiple aspects of their lives. However, proper medial attention and monitoring can reduce the intensity of the implications faced (Zhou, 2009).

Cognitive deficits are some of the consequences of brain injuries. These deficits are incorporated but limited to a short memory span and attention span. This is where an individual is unable to focus on a precise activity or process for a long time. These reduce the analytical thinking capabilities of an individual (Jahnke, et al 2010). Moreover, cognitive deficits such as decreased self-awareness and ability to solve complex concepts are consequences. The loss of the sense of time is another outcome that has an impact in the status of the individual. It is also pertinent to note that these individuals cannot be able to multitask. When implementing a task they need to be guided through systematic instructions (Connor & Wells, 1989).

Motor deficits that are consequences of brain injuries vary from one individual to another. Most of the motor deficits occur in extreme conditions. These deficits include poor balance, tremors, as well as swallowing issues. These situations are because of coordination of the nervous system. The individual can also exhibit challenges motor movement, and their endurance levels are low (Gualtieri, 2002).

Another category of deficits that are consequences of brain injury is perceptual deficits. These deficits include issues related to the eyesight, taste, touch as well as the taste of an individual. The difficulty in acknowledging different senses are associated with different functions of the brain (Jahnke, et al 2010; Kemp, 2004). An individual with an injury can have challenges in explaining the perceptions regarding different sense of the human body. Because of poor control of the muscles linked to the mouth and the breathing patterns of the individuals, there can be impaired speech. Language difficulties incorporate the inability to express thoughts in a systematic and orderly manner (Hanche, 2002).

Social difficulties that are an outcome of brain injury vary from one person to another. Individuals suffering from the conditions at times exhibit self-centered behavior. The loss of social interactions capabilities, as well as interpersonal skills, inhibits the social life of the individual (Yang, 1996).

The neuropsychiatric consequences

Traumatic brain injury has a number of neuropsychiatric consequences. The disorders can be classified broadly as those visible in patients with or without a brain damage. However, it is pertinent to note that, for patients with brain injury, the psychiatric disorder cover the entire spectrum (Popovic, 2004).

Neurological literature materials provide an insight in the clinical explanation of the behavioral abnormalities associated with traumatic brain injury. The description offered in these materials elaborate that, for acute situations, there can be incidences of irritability, agitation, restlessness as well as personality change (Gualtieri, 2002).

Coping and management of traumatic brain injury

After diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, patients should learn to cope with the condition. Based on past research work, it is evident that emotional adjustment involved in the recovery process after a traumatic brain injury is linked to the coping strategy adopted. However, the development of coping style various aspects of the condition must be assessed (Vasterling, 2012). An enhancement of the emotional adjustment used increases the adaptability of the coping strategy used. Interventions are developed after a critical analysis of the situation providing a guiding framework for the patient (Yang, 1996). Coping is considered continuous change in the cognitive as well as the behaviors of individuals in order to meet demand from within the body or outside. However, after evaluations of different interventions used for patients with traumatic brain injury it was revealed that emotional distress plays a role in their efficacy. The long-term solution to emotional adjustments because of the traumatic brain injury is based on the intensive research and combination of the results to provide appropriate solutions (Hanche, 2002).

For patients with mild TBI, they are not incorporated in the available medical treatment procedures. As a result, they are sent home with their problems. The absence of treatment procedures for handling mild TBI in the mainstream health facilities leads to consideration of alternative methods. In the health systems, the patient is given an appointment after probably three to six weeks. The follow up session can be inconsequential since the patient is in a state of confusion with their condition not fully described. Neurologists should monitor the progress of the patient on a regular basis. The monitoring process is also costly and has a significance influence on the lading factor of health care facilities (Barea, 2011).

The Tai Chi Qigong Intervention

This is a combination of Chinese theoretical concepts of healing. Tai Chi is a physical activity that incorporates martial arts. The motor movements in the concept are highly controlled to ensure that benefits that are gained from the entire experience are optimum. The focus on slow motor movements that are aligned with some breathing patterns helps in developing a peaceful mental status. The therapy incorporates a series of activities that are interrelated and enhance different aspects of the mind. On the other hand, Qigong is closely associated with Tai Chi apart from the fact that it is not a form of martial arts but pure physical activity for human well being enhancement. The authenticity of the intervention in TMI has been investigated by many researchers over the last two decades (Vasterling, 2012).

Significance of Tai Chi Qigong therapy

This therapy incorporates many motor movements. Research findings indicate that the therapy is instrumental in enhancing the well-being of an individual. This is achieved through a holistic approach where the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of the human body are merged harmoniously (Zhou, 2009). The therapy offers physical relaxation of the human body creating a fertile environment for the cultivation of positive thoughts in the human mind. The balance between the mental and the physical being is achieved through effective strategies (Zhang et al 2012). The Chinese theoretical concepts of the healing process require intensive mastery for effectiveness in patients of traumatic mental injuries. The cultivation of energy for the human being helps in speeding up the healing process (Popovic, 2004).

Stability of the human body is another aspect incorporated in the therapy. Through an intrinsic balancing of the human body energies, it is possible to enhance the well-being of patients. The gentle exercise included in the exercise helps in stretching the body muscles that provide an enriched environment for the self-healing (Sbordone, Saul, & Purisch, 2007). Apart from the self-healing process, the therapy is instrumental in providing preventive support to the human body. Although the Chinese culture accords some spiritual significance, its application outside the Chinese culture is purely for health purposes (Jahnke, et al 2010). Moreover, they believe that a peaceful mental attention is instrumental in providing solutions to various problems. The enhancement process of interpersonal skills in a human being can benefit from the therapy and also help in reducing stress (Connor & Wells, 1989).

The therapy is instrumental in receipting the events that might have contributed to the mild TMI. The receipting involves the destruction of past negative meanings and replacement with positive perspectives of the same aspect. After the therapy, the patient can easily interpret experiences they face in life differently. The sequence of events that led to the injury is also reorganized, and the individual is freed from consequential outcome of the past (Hanche, 2002). The therapy also plays a role in developing adaptive coping skills due to the enhancement of the positive mentality. Through the therapy, a spirit of positivity is encouraged in the patient with acceptance being a key ingredient in therapy. Development of a renewed optimistic perspective in an individual helps in living a fulfilling life regardless of the condition (Sbordone, Saul, & Purisch, 2007).

The Tai Chi Qigong therapy applies a holistic approach towards treatment of patients with the mild TBI. The approach presents a number of benefits to the patient. However, its efficacy requires a comprehensive investigation through quantities research strategies (Yang, 1996).

The effects of tai Chi

A study conducted by Chenchen (2004) revealed that Tai Chi has psychosocial as well as physiological benefits. The ability of therapy to strike a balance within the human body is the central aspect of the therapy. Moreover, the flexibility as well as the cardiovascular wellbeing of the human body contributes enormously to the healing process (Zhou, 2009). The study incorporated random and non-random data sources. After the data was collected, it was analyzed, and conclusion on the effectiveness of the therapy was drawn. However, the major concern of the study was the absence of scientific and theoretical evidence to support the efficacy of the therapy (Barea, 2011).

The systematic review provides an intensive insight on the physiological benefits of the therapy. The studies available are mostly from china where the concept is deep rooted. The lack of the scientific methodologies of research in studies associated with Tai Chi introduces doubts in the effectiveness of the studies and their conclusions (Zhou, 2009).

Past application of Tai Chi Qigong

In several regions within Asia and other parts of the world, Tai Chi has been used to make significance life differences to the masses. Recovery from illness is considered a holistic process. Patients who have undergone trauma are encouraged to participate in activities that help in the healing process. The application of therapy in accelerating the healing of physical organs of human beings is valuable (Vasterling, 2012).

In mild TBI, the position of the concussion has an influence at the symptoms that will be displayed by the individual. The symptoms displayed by individuals with the condition are affected by the movement of concussion. There is a marked progressive development of symptoms in patients with the mild TBI condition. The therapy is instrumental in softening the brain and help in creating focus in an individual. Optimism is vital for the overall well being of a person (Sbordone, Saul, & Purisch, 2007).

The advantages of Tai Chi Qigong to adults with the mild traumatic brain injury stems from the inability of the mainstream healthcare system to offer effective solutions to these patients. The current interventions do not effectively cater for this patient. Moreover, the cost effectiveness of the therapy compared to other interventions available in the health facilities. The therapy enhances the mental control of an individual. Mental control is helpful in supporting the process of healing and the entire body coordination. The immune capacity is boosted through multiple physiological processes that are triggered by the therapy (Vasterling, 2012). Flexibility of the human mental status allows adaptability to diverse conditions. The ability to develop an enhanced and balanced control of the human body is another key aspect of the therapy. Moreover, individuals who engage in the therapy stand a chance of improving their wellbeing (Connor & Wells, 1989).

The muscle strength is enhanced throughout the body. The physical wellbeing of an individual contributes significantly to the mental condition at all times. With a high muscle, strength people reduce the risk of looking older than they are. Moreover, it is pertinent to note that total body control functionality is determined by the psychological status of the individual (Popovic, 2004). In order to enhance the mood of an individual, the Qigong can be helpful in enhancing the mood of a patient. This is achieved through interventions designed based on the Chinese theoretical concept (Yang, 1996).

Conclusion

Based on the reviews provided above, it is evident that there are multiple benefits of the Tai Chi Qigong to adults with the mild traumatic brain injury. The cost effectiveness of the approach towards providing interventions to patients are justified based the simplicity of the approach. Moreover, individuals engaging in the therapy enhance their immunity level thus evading the occurrence of diseases. However, the absence of scientifically investigated cases of the Tai Chi Qigong application casts some doubts on its efficacy. As a result, it would be encouraged to incorporate the conventional approaches of managing mild TBI alongside the therapy (Sbordone, Saul, & Purisch, 2007).

References

Barea, C. J. (2011). Qigong illustrated. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Connor, D., & Wells, M. (1989). Tai chi. London: Stanley Paul.

Gualtieri, C. T. (2002). Brain injury and mental retardation: psychopharmacology and neuropsychiatry. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Hanche, C. F. (2002). Tai chi. London: New Holland.

Jahnke, R. et al (2010). A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi. Am J Health 24(6): e1–e25.

Kemp CA. (2004). Qigong as a therapeutic intervention with older adults. Journal of Holistic Nursing. 22:351–373. [PubMed]

Popovic, A. (2004). Tai chi. London: Lorenz.

Sbordone, R. J., Saul, R. E., & Purisch, A. D. (2007). Neuropsychology for psychologists, health care professionals, and attorneys (3. ed.). Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press.

Vasterling, J. J. (2012). PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury. New York: Guilford Publications.

Yang, J. (1996). Tai Chi theory & martial power: advanced Yang style Tai Chi (2nd ed.). Jamaica Plain, Mass.: YMAA Publication Center.

Zhang, L. et al. (2012). A Review Focused on the Psychological Effectiveness of Tai Chi on Different Populations. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2012 Article ID 678107, 9 pages doi:10.1155/2012/678107

Zhou, Q. (2009). Qigong. Beijing: Foreign Languages Press.