Tai Chi & Qigong Boost Physical & Psychological Health

Tai Chi and Qigong, two Chinese wellness practices, have been previously associated with a variety of physical and mental health benefits.  Linda Larkey, of Arizona State University (Arizona, USA), and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 77 peer-reviewed journal articles that reported on the results of Tai Chi and Qigong interventions.   Assessing data on the 6,410 men and women involved in the 77 studies, the team found that subjects were significantly improved on the health parameters of cardiopulmonary fitness, immune function, bone density, and quality of life, as compared to sedentary counterparts. The researchers write that: “Research has demonstrated consistent, significant results for a number of health benefits in [clinical trials], evidencing progress toward recognizing the similarity and equivalence of Qigong and Tai Chi.”