Tinnitus and T'ai Chi

Name of treatment

Tai chi (T’ai chi ch’üan, Tàijí quán)

Type of treatment

Chinese martial art/system of movement

Claims for treatment

Improves general health. Removes focus from tinnitus, brings calm and mental clarity.

How treatment is delivered

A sequence of flowing movements

Potential negative consequences

Cost

Evidence offered:

Papers available

There have been no papers published on T’ai chi as a treatment for tinnitus[1].

Conclusions drawn

Two systematic reviews have suggested that T’ai chi has health benefits for a number of physical and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety and general stress management. No adverse effects were reported [2]^,[3]

Quality of evidence[4]

A (where it exists)

Does the BTA recommend this treatment?

Current tinnitus management guidelines suggest the use of relaxation strategies to help manage tinnitus. T’ai chi may be considered as a way to improve relaxation.

BTA opinion on this treatment:

There is no evidence to support the use of T’ai chi over other relaxation strategies, but some people may find it useful.

Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment?

Yes

Verdict: Safety - is this treatment harmful?

   Generally regarded as safe

Verdict: Efficacy - does this treatment work?

   No evidence that it is effective

Date completed

February 2020

Date for revision

February 2023