The ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi can help to improve people's health, research suggests.
Doctors in the United States analysed 47 studies looking at the impact Tai Chi had on people with chronic health problems, like heart disease or MS.
They found that it could improve balance control, flexibility and even the health of their heart.
Writing in The Archives of Internal Medicine, they said it also reduced stress, falls, pain and anxiety.
Deep breathing
There is evidence, though sometimes controversial, that exercise improves many aspects of cardiovascular health including reduced incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
J X Li1, Y Hong1, K M Chan2
1 Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
2 Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Tai chi aims to address the body and mind as an interconnected system and to improve mental and physical health while benefiting posture, balance, flexibility and strength.
