The therapeutic practice of Tai Ji In a reference service in traditional, complementary and integrative medicine

Abstract

Tai Ji (TJ) is among the most used Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) and, according to the scientific literature, presents clinical evidence for the treatment of various health problems. However, little is known about the development of this modality in the context of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). In this sense, the objective of the article was to understand the therapeutic practice of TJ in a reference service in TCIM in SUS, from a qualitative case study with participant observation and semi-structured interviews with users and therapists. Dissimilarities were observed between the therapeutic practice of Tai Ji and biomedical body practices, as well as the presence of guidelines for SUS care, such as welcoming, qualified listening, therapeutic bonding, and comprehensive care. The prevalence of mental suffering was also identified as a reason for seeking the practice, as well as the need for greater financial support for the service, and the resistance to the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine by some female users’ support networks.