Tai Chi Practice Has Multiple Therapeutic Benefits

By Shirley Archer-Eichenberger, JD, MA
Jan 31, 2005

Updated on: August 12, 2008

A growing body of knowledge supports the health benefits of regular tai chi practice. Evidence from a comprehensive review of more than 200 studies confirms the therapeutic value of tai chi practice for improving quality of life, pain management and physical function (including activity tolerance and cardiovascular function); reducing the risk of falls; enhancing immune response; and increasing flexibility, strength, balance and kinesthetic awareness. The review was published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2004; 83, 735–45).

February, 2005

Shirley Archer-Eichenberger, JD, MA

Shirley Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.

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