Tai Chi and Qigong Gaining Ground in
Chronic Disease Care, Says New Research
A growing wave of international research is shining a bright light on traditional mind-body practices like Taiji (T'ai Chi) and Qigong — especially when it comes to managing chronic health conditions. A new review published in Frontiers in Medicine offers a global analysis of Taiji-related studies from the past two decades, revealing a steady rise in interest across medical, psychological, and rehabilitation fields.
So what’s fueling the momentum? The answer lies in both the growing burden of chronic diseases and the unique strengths of these traditional practices. Taiji and Qigong emphasize gentle, flowing movement, breathing coordination, and mental focus. These qualities are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for improving balance, reducing stress, and enhancing overall health — especially for older adults or those with chronic pain, arthritis, cardiovascular concerns, or diabetes.
The study, led by researchers from institutions in China and Australia, used bibliometric methods to map out how Tai Chi research has evolved globally between 2004 and 2024. Their analysis found a sharp increase in interdisciplinary research involving Taiji, touching on areas such as neurology, gerontology, sports medicine, and even immunology. In recent years, more high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews have focused on measurable outcomes like mobility, pain levels, sleep quality, blood sugar regulation, and fall prevention.
Notably, the United States and China are leading in the volume of research output, followed by countries like South Korea and Australia. Institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the University of Sydney have contributed significantly to this growing body of evidence.
One of the key insights from the review is the broad versatility of Taiji and Qigong. These practices have shown positive effects across a range of conditions — from osteoarthritis and Parkinson’s disease to hypertension and anxiety. Their low-impact nature makes them accessible to people of all fitness levels, and they often carry fewer risks compared to pharmaceutical or surgical interventions.
The article also highlights the importance of integrating traditional mind-body practices into modern health systems. While Taiji and Qigong are not “cures,” they can be powerful complementary therapies. As the global population ages and chronic diseases become more prevalent, many researchers and clinicians are calling for wider adoption of these practices in preventive and primary care settings.
For those who have practiced Taiji or Qigong for years, this may come as no surprise. But the new research provides strong validation — and encourages further studies to continue exploring the science behind these time-honored traditions.
Read the full article here:
🔗 Frontiers in Medicine
