Health benefits of tai chi: potential mechanisms of action

Abstract

was first described in the scientific literature in 1981. 2 TC emphasized an alert, yet relaxed mind, and a strong, yet supple body. Traditional Chinese Medicine distinguished TC as a holistic exercise with strong preventative elements. It was considered ideal for balancing one's mind and body, creating an overall sense of peace and harmony and naturally inspiring longevity. 3 The Chinese proclaimed TC as a spiritual exercise beneficial for mental health (psychological well-being) and physical health by decreasing blood pressure, providing mild aerobic exercise, improving flexibility (particularly spinal mobility) and promoting the conservation of energy (Qi) through efficient and effective (i.e. functional) movements. 2,3 Modern medicine describes TC is a meditative movement therapy 4 that fosters functional movement patterns addressing the strength, endurance, mobility and balance impairments frequently seen in the aging population. 1-5 Today, the health benefits of TC are renowned and address many of the mortality and morbidity factors associated with lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases and conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis, heart disease, cognitive impairment and dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke) seen it the 21 st century. 6-9 The rising burden of chronic disease poses a challenge for the health system and requires innovative approaches to optimize aging and wellness. 6-9 Community-based and individual practice of TC holds promise as a health promotion and wellness exercise as well as an intervention for a variety of chronic health conditions afflicting older adults. 1-9 But how exactly does TC work to achieve these many health benefits; what is its mechanism of action? A linear rise in psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) publications (N=1104 articles since 2000) reflects the growing suspicion that a disease-oriented biomedical model is insufficient in addressing the chronic health conditions facing aging adults in the 21 st century. 10 The field of PNI seeks to understand the mechanisms by which both drug and non-drug interventions such as TC, yoga and mindfulness-based meditation promote health. 10,11 The intent of this paper is to evaluate Chinese mind-body principles and guidelines of TC practice in an effort to comprehend how TC is able to impact multiple dimensions of wellness within the human experience (Figure 1).