Tai chi is included in this discussion because of its roots in Traditional Chinese medicine. Because of such, alternative medicine proponents may over-promote its value.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that is part of Qigong. It is a mind-body, self-healing system that uses movement, meditation, and breathing to improve health and well being.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that illness is a result of imbalance between two opposing life forces, yin and yang. Tai chi aims to reestablish balance, create harmony between body and mind and connect an individual with the outside world.
Numerous anecdotes and preliminary scientific studies report health benefits of tai chi, however, effectiveness and safety of tai chi were not proven over other forms of exercise.
A review of 4 RCTs looking at the effects of tai chi in the senior population concluded that there was a significant reduction in the risk of falling, a reduction in the rate of functional limitations and dependency and more enjoyment than with traditional exercises.
Summary:
There is some evidence that tai chi may be of value in several conditions. Its use as part of a general healthy lifestyle may be appropriate.
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