Tai Chi, the Chinese low impact mind-body exercise, has been practiced for centuries for health and fitness in the East and is currently gaining popularity in the West. According to Chenchen Wang, from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, "it is believed to improve mood and enhance overall psychological well being, but convincing evidence has so far been lacking." Researchers searched 8 English-language and 3 Chinese-language databases and were able to identify 40 studies evolving 3,817 participants and reporting on a total of 29 psychological measurements. Of 33 randomized and non-randomized trials, 21 reported significant improvements in psychological well-being, including reduced stress, anxiety, depression, mood disturbance and increased self-esteem, with 1 hour to 1 year of regular Tai Chi. To read more . . .
To learn more about Tai Chi, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
