Gentle Chinese martial arts such as Tai Chi may improve mental health, according to a recent assessment.

The slow, meditative physical exercise of Tai Chi is designed to aid relaxation and provide a balance to health. Combined with concentration and rhythmical dance-like movements, the martial art can increase life force energy (known as ‘Chi’) and have benefits to mental wellbeing.

A team of researchers at Tuft University School of Medicine in Massachusetts gathered results from 40 studies into the mental health effects of Tai Chi.

Low-impact mind-body exercises have been practised for centuries in the East to aid health and fitness and the activity is gaining popularity in the West. Tai Chi is believed to improve mood and enhance mental wellbeing although scientific evidence into its effects has been lacking.

Researchers found that practising Tai Chi had an association to reducing stress, anxiety, depression and mood disturbance as well as increasing self-esteem.

Understanding the physical and psychological effects of Tai Chi could lead to new approaches in treating chronic conditions and promoting health.

In a similar study carried out at the Arizona State University, researchers looked into studies of two Chinese practices (Tai Chi and Gigong) and compared them to other physical exercises.

The 77 studies were published between 1993 and 2007 and included over 6,000 participants. The studies provided information on factors such as health, quality of life and psychological symptoms.

Results showed a ‘strong evidence base’ for the positive effects both practices had on bone health, cardio-respiratory fitness, quality of life and psychological health

Researchers stated that the combination of self-awareness, breath control, mindfulness, posture and movement are thought to activate the body’s natural healing capacity.

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