Abstract
Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is among the most used Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (PICS) 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 practice 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 TCC in a reference service in PICS 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 TCC and biomedical body practices, as well as the presence of guidelines for SUS care, such as welcoming, qualified listening, therapeutic connection, and comprehensive care. The prevalence of mental distress 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 network.
Keywords:
Traditional Chinese Medicine; Tai Chi; Complementary Therapies; Brazilian National Health System