Compiled by Joseph Brady MSTCM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM

Contact: taichiproj@earthlink.net | joe.brady@faculty.ccmu.edu

1529 York Street, Denver, CO 80206

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Cheryl Wheeler and Jacqui Shumway for their invaluable assistance in verifying and formatting references. Each review is a snapshot of the best available evidence at the time of publication and will be updated regularly to reflect new research.

Author’s Note on AI Use

Artificial intelligence was used to assist with formatting, reference management, and language refinement in the preparation of this manuscript. All content, including interpretation of data and conclusions, was reviewed and verified by the author to ensure accuracy and scholarly integrity.

Tai Chi and Whole Person Health: An Integrative Mind-Body Practice

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese mind-body discipline that integrates physical movement, breath work, meditation, and mindfulness to support whole person health—a comprehensive framework that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing simultaneously. This integrative approach aligns seamlessly with the whole person health paradigm, which emphasizes interconnected systems and the promotion of wellness beyond the mere absence of disease (Russell, 2016; Yeh et al., 2023).

Physical Health Benefits

Numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews demonstrate Tai Chi’s positive impact on physical function, particularly in older adults. Research shows it improves balance, reduces fall risk, and enhances functional mobility, with expert practitioners displaying balance performance comparable to younger adults (Lan et al., 2013; Science of Tai Chi, 2023). Cardiovascular health benefits include improved blood pressure regulation, heart rate variability, and enhanced cardiopulmonary function in patients with chronic heart failure and other chronic conditions (Mahalakshmi & Shaji, 2024; Wang et al., 2017).

 

Cognitive and Mental Health Outcomes

Tai Chi has significant cognitive benefits, particularly in older adults and those at risk for dementia. Studies using neuroimaging and cognitive assessments report enhanced executive function, memory, and attention, accompanied by increased brain connectivity and neuroplasticity (Laird et al., 2018; Science of Tai Chi, 2023). Mental health benefits include reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, with improvements attributed to Tai Chi’s effects on emotional regulation and self-efficacy (Valdesalici et al., 2024; Mahalakshmi & Shaji, 2024).

Mind-Body Integration Mechanisms

Tai Chi’s mind-body integration is facilitated through improved interoception, regulation of the autonomic nervous system, and anti-inflammatory effects. The practice enhances parasympathetic activity, reduces sympathetic overactivation, and lowers inflammatory markers, supporting both mental and physical health (Lan et al., 2013; Wang et al., 2017). Tai Chi practitioners develop heightened body awareness, enabling better attention regulation and stress resilience (Science of Tai Chi, 2023).

 

Spiritual and Emotional Dimensions

Tai Chi’s spiritual component fosters a sense of inner peace, mindfulness, and holistic harmony. The practice is rooted in Taoist philosophy, encouraging practitioners to cultivate present-moment awareness and emotional balance, which enhances spiritual wellbeing and long-term resilience (Cocchiara et al., 2020; Integrative Body–Mind–Spirit, 2022).

Critical Evaluation of the Evidence

The evidence quality supporting Tai Chi’s benefits for balance, fall prevention, and mental health is moderate to high, based on robust systematic reviews (Lan et al., 2013; Science of Tai Chi, 2023). However, challenges include variability in Tai Chi styles, limited protocol standardization, and difficulty isolating specific mechanisms in multi-component interventions (Kosasih & Jurisic, 2017).

Implications for Healthcare and Community Settings

Tai Chi is increasingly incorporated into clinical care and community health programs, including the Veterans Health Administration’s wellness initiatives (Flanigan & Salm Ward, 2017). Its safety, accessibility, and multidimensional benefits make it an ideal intervention for chronic pain, cognitive decline, and emotional health (Yeh et al., 2023). Integration models emphasize patient-centered care and demonstrate reductions in healthcare costs through improved quality of life.

References (APA Style)

Cocchiara, R. A., et al. (2020). Tai Chi and workplace wellness for health care workers: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 343. https://doi.org/10.3390/IJERPH17010343

Flanigan, A., & Salm Ward, T. C. (2017). Evidence and feasibility of implementing an integrated wellness program. Health & Social Work, 42(3), 143–150. https://doi.org/10.1093/HSW/HLX021

Russell G. Holism and holistic BMJ 2016; 353 :i1884 doi:10.1136/bmj.i1884

Integrative Body–Mind–Spirit Social Work Practice. (2022). Encyclopedia of Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1282

Lan, C., et al. (2013). Tai chi chuan in medicine and health promotion. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 502131. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/502131

Laird, K. T., et al. (2018). Mind-body therapies for late-life mental and cognitive health. Current Psychiatry Reports, 20(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11920-018-0864-4

Mahalakshmi, A. L., & Shaji, J. C. H. (2024). Tai Chi and its impact on health. Journal of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University, 19(3), 109–124. https://doi.org/10.4103/jdmimsu.jdmimsu_109_24

Science of Tai Chi & Qigong as Whole–Person Health Conference Abstract Supplement. (2023). Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 29(S2). https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2023.29125.abstracts

Valdesalici, A., et al. (2024). Promoting workplace psychological wellbeing through Yoga and Tai Chi. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1502426. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1502426

Wang, Y. T., et al. (2017). Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong as mind-body exercises. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 8763915. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8763915

Yeh, G. Y., Wayne, P. M., & Mehta, D. H. (2023). Tai Chi and whole-person health. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 29(9), 531–535. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2023.0426