Category: Exercise

By Pamela A. Popper, Ph.D., N.D.

Tai Chi means “Grand Ultimate” in Chinese, and the practice is based on the balance between light and dark, stillness and movement, and other phenomena in the natural world.  It is practiced as both a martial art and a form of meditative movement, and the meditative movement type is recommended for healing, stress reduction, and improved quality of life.

One of the best therapeutic uses of Tai Chi is for Parkinson’s patients.  A growing number of studies show that Tai Chi can improve balance and significantly reduce the number of falls with just 3 sessions per week.  Early-stage Parkinson’s patients should start practicing while they are still ambulatory as a means for postponing disability as long as possible.  Combined with dietary change, Parkinson’s patients can remain independent for much longer periods of time, which improves their quality of life and the quality of life of their family members too.

A study of 266 older adults with both hypertension and other risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels showed that participating in Tai Chi classes resulted in several positive changes including reduced blood pressure, lower body mass index, and improved health-related quality of life.   The classes did not improve fasting blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels or metabolic syndrome, and the authors wrote that future research should look at “…a combination of Tai Chi and nutritional intervention to further reduce the level of biomedical risks.”

Another group that benefits from Tai Chi practice is rheumatoid arthritis patients. Several studies have shown benefit, but one study showed that in just 12 weeks, patients had improved lower limb function, improved overall physical function, better balance and less pain during exercise and daily life, lower stress, increased body awareness and more confidence in moving in general.

Tai Chi is an accessible form of exercise for most people, and can be an excellent first step toward becoming physically active (particularly for those who have diseases that have resulted in impaired function), or an excellent addition to an exercise program.

Sun J, Buys N. “Community-Based Mind–Body Meditative Tai Chi Program and Its Effects on Improvement of Blood Pressure, Weight, Renal Function, Serum Lipoprotein, and Quality of Life in Chinese Adults With Hypertension.”  Am J Cardiol October 1 2015;116(7):1076-1081

Gao Q, Leung A, Yang y. et al. “Effects of Tai Chi on balance and fall prevention in Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled trial.”  Clin Rehabil 2014 Feb 11;28(8):748-753

Uhlig T, Fongen C, Steen E, Odegard S. “Exploring Tai Chi in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study.” BMC Fam Prac 2010;11:43