Tai Chi: Placebo – Dodo – Hawthorne Effect?

When I started Tai Chi in 1987 there was little scientific research of it that I was aware of.

Now there are more scientific studies which tend to show at least a correlation between Tai Chi and good health.

Currently I’m gathering scientific studies on Tai Chi and health and will create a section with links on this blog.

As I’ve been doing this I came across three psychological terms that are used by some sceptics about the validity of Tai Chi.

Here is my explanation of these terms in laymans language in regards to Tai Chi.

A placebo effect in a Tai Chi sense is where one believes in the benefits and and therefore experiences benefits.

The dodo bird verdict is where one gains a positive benefit because of a positive relationship between the student and the teacher.

The ‘hawthorne effect is where a teacher has shown an interest in the student which causes an improvement in the student.

Here’s my answer to the sceptics.

So what.

Not a scientifc term but in abscene of ‘proof’ it will do me.

I don’t mind taking my daily Tai Chi ‘placebo’ pill if it makes me feel good just because I feel good about it.

I don’t mind being a ‘dodo’ and having a positive relationship with my teacher which makes me feel good.

And I certainly don’t mind the ‘hawthorne effect’ where a teacher shows interest in me and I improve.

I’m sure, give it time, that science will catch up with what has been known and experienced for centuries.

That Tai Chi is an excellent discipline for improving ones health and wellbeing.

But then again I can’t ‘prove’ that.