What Is Tai Chi, and How Does It Benefit Your Health?
Originating in China, Tai Chi is a set of exercises involving a combination of slow movements, meditation, and deep breathing, allowing for less stress, mood boosts, and overall better health. At first glance, Tai Chi can seem slow or boring; however, it has proven beneficial in numerous studies. The College of Family Physicians of Canada published an article of more than 500 studies regarding the benefits of Tai Chi in certain health issues. These include increased falls in the elderly population, Parkinson's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more.
Exactly What Should I Expect?
Tai Chi exercises focus on breathing, movement, and complete focus on yourself.
Breathing exercises focus on breathing in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth as you focus on the expansion and contraction of your lungs.
Movements consist of slow but meaningful motions while being intentional about keeping good form.
Meditation—or the act of giving your attention to only one thing—allows your complete focus to be on your body, giving your mind a break from the cares of life.
Above are only a few examples of what Tai Chi consists of. If you’re a beginner, there are many exercises you can learn at home to get started.
Common Health Issues Tai Chi Can Help
According to the CDC, three out of four adults have at least one chronic illness. Chronic illnesses are often linked to diet and lack of physical exercise. Yes, genetics can play a factor in different disease processes; nevertheless, incorporating exercises like Tai Chi can improve health over time.
Stress: Incorporating movement and physical activity into your everyday life alone can improve your stress levels. Exercise causes hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to decrease, which can boost your mood and make you feel happy. Tai Chi focuses on stress reduction by allowing you to become in tune with your senses and feelings.
Loss of Balance and Chronic Pain: With consistency and over time, your balance will improve, which is a benefit to those who struggle with balance issues. Some causes of balance issues are aging, strokes, and Parkinson's disease. Tai Chi can also help those who suffer from chronic pain by relieving tension in muscles, joints, and ligaments. It can create a distraction, which can be beneficial in a pain crisis.
Heart Health: Tai Chi provides light cardio. Any type of cardio has heart benefits, allowing increased perfusion and oxygenated blood to flow through the body. Practicing slow, steady movements with deep breathing allows this process to occur without overstraining your body.
Tai Chi, though an ancient Chinese practice, has gained popularity due to the benefits that it provides to our health. Regardless of whether you plan on trying Tai Chi for fun or for health benefits, always remember to consult with your physician to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, May 28). Slow and steady: The health benefits of Tai Chi. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
Huston, P., & McFarlane, B. (2016). Health benefits of tai chi. Canadian Family Physician, 62(11), 881–890.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9844554/
TaiChiInsights. (2025, June 22). Tai Chi for beginners: 2025 complete guide to getting started. https://taichiinsights.com/tai-chi-for-beginners/
TaichiMind. (2025, July 27). Tai Chi health benefits chronic conditions evidence. https://taichimind.com/tai-chi-for-health/
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 4). Chronic disease: About chronic diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/about/index.html