Tai Chi for Psychological Disorders

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Learn about Tai Chi for mental and physical health. Tai Chi may help alleviate depression, anxiety, confusion, anger, fatigue, mood disturbances and pain perception.

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

Background

Tai chi aims to address the body and mind as an interconnected system and to improve mental and physical health while benefiting posture, balance, flexibility and strength.

Tai chi includes sequences of slow movements coordinated with deep breathing and mental focus. Tai chi can be practiced alone or with a group of people in a class. Practitioners guide pupils through movements, encouraging them to keep their bodies stable and upright while shifting weight.

Theory

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed 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. In the 13th century, Taoist priest Chang San Fang observed a crane fighting with a snake and compared their movements to yin and yang. Some tai chi movements are said to mimic those of the animals.

Preliminary evidence suggests that when practiced regularly, tai chi may increase muscle strength and improve cardiovascular health, coordination and balance. Additional studies are necessary before firm conclusions can be reached.

Evidence

Scientists have studied tai chi for the following health problems:

Falls in the elderly, postural stability
Several studies have examined the effects of tai chi on balance and on the risk of falls in older people. Most studies have been poorly designed, and results are inconsistent. Further research is needed to determine if tai chi is safer or more effective than other forms of exercise in the elderly.

Balance and strength
Early data suggest that tai chi may improve balance and maintain physical strength. These benefits may be similar to those of other forms of exercise. Better research is necessary before a definitive conclusion can be reached.

Depression, anger, fatigue, anxiety
Preliminary scientific study reports that tai chi may help to alleviate depression, anxiety, confusion, anger, fatigue, mood disturbances and pain perception. Additional research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be reached.

Breathing, fitness, physical functioning and well-being in the elderly
Studies suggest that tai chi may improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, handgrip strength, flexibility, gait, coordination and sleep and may decrease osteoporosis risk. It is not clear if any of these benefits are different from those offered through other forms of exercise. Nearly all of the studies that exist in these areas compare tai chi programs with a sedentary lifestyle, not with another form of exercise. Tai chi has been found to be of low to moderate intensity in the cardiovascular studies thus far, which makes tai chi a candidate for certain rehabilitation programs. Further research is needed before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

Chickenpox, shingles (varicella-zoster)
A small placebo-controlled trial showed 15-week treatment with tai chi may increase immunity to the virus that causes shingles. This may suggest the use of tai chi in the prevention of chickenpox and shingles, but further well-designed large studies must be done before a recommendation can be made.

Osteoarthritis
A small, randomized, controlled trial in women with osteoarthritis reported that 12-week treatment with tai chi significantly decreased pain and stiffness compared with a sedentary lifestyle. Women in the tai chi group also reported fewer perceptions of difficulties in physical functioning.

Osteoporosis
Preliminary research suggests that tai chi may be beneficial in delaying early bone loss in postmenopausal women. Additional evidence and long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these results.

Exercise tolerance
Several studies suggest that tai chi is a form of aerobic exercise that can improve aerobic capacity. In particular, a benefit has been reported with the classical Yang style.

Cardiovascular disease
There is evidence that suggests tai chi decreases blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as enhances quality of life, in patients with chronic heart failure. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.