Some Beneficial Health Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong

Abstract

Tai chi and qigong are tools in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) toolkit. In recent decades, their use in the West has increased, often as an adjunct to traditional western medicine. The present paper summarizes some recent studies involving the use of tai chi and qigong as a means of treating a wide range of ailments, including musculoskeletal pain, Parkinson's disease, stress reduction, strengthening the immune system, cancer, quality of life, fatigue, metabolism, inflammation, improving sleep quality, cognition and mental health. Baduanjin, a set of qigong exercises, is a particularly popular treatment method for these and other ailments.