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Tai chi and qi gong are related mind and body practices that originated in China. Both involve specific postures and gentle movements with mental focus, breathing and relaxation.
Research findings suggest that practicing tai chi may improve balance and stability in older people and those with Parkinson’s disease, help people cope with fibromyalgia and back pain, and promote quality of life and mood in people with chronic illnesses. Less research has been done on qi gong.
NCCIH-funded research has contributed to the understanding of the health effects of tai chi. For example, one study showed that tai chi and physical therapy were equally helpful for knee osteoarthritis and another showed that tai chi has benefits for fibromyalgia symptoms that are similar to or greater than those of aerobic exercise.
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