Evidence for Taijiquan and
Qigong Continues to Strengthen

A new evidence map of Taijiquan and Qigong research suggests that the scientific foundation for these traditional movement practices has become stronger over the past decade.

The review, published in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, examined systematic reviews published between 2014 and 2024 that evaluated Taijiquan or Qigong for adult health conditions. Instead of looking at one small clinical trial, the authors reviewed 26 systematic reviews covering 21 different health conditions. This kind of “evidence map” is designed to show where the research is strongest, where it is still uncertain, and where better studies are needed.

The findings are encouraging, but they are also more nuanced than a simple claim that “Tai Chi is good for everything.”

Among the reviews included, two reached high-certainty conclusions of benefit. These involved hypertension and postmenopausal bone mineral density. In practical terms, this means researchers found stronger evidence that Taijiquan or Qigong may help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension and may help improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Sixteen additional reviews reported at least one moderate-certainty conclusion of benefit for conditions such as chronic low back pain, diabetes, depression, falls, and knee osteoarthritis.

The review also covered many other conditions, including cancer-related outcomes, chronic neck pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibromyalgia, frailty in older adults, heart failure, insomnia, mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, post-stroke rehabilitation, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcopenia, and schizophrenia.

This is important because Taijiquan and Qigong are often discussed in either exaggerated or dismissive terms. Supporters may describe them as broadly beneficial for nearly everyone, while skeptics may treat the research as too weak to matter. An evidence map allows a more careful middle position. It shows that some areas now have stronger support, some have moderate support, and others still need better research.

The authors also noted that the evidence base has improved since earlier reviews. More high- and moderate-certainty conclusions are now available, suggesting that research quality and quantity have both advanced. At the same time, they emphasized that many conclusions remain based on low or very low certainty evidence, and that more high-quality primary studies are still needed.

For patients, the practical message is cautious but positive. Taijiquan and Qigong are generally low-impact practices that combine movement, posture, breath, attention, balance, and relaxation. They may be especially attractive for people who need gentle exercise but have difficulty with more strenuous activity. However, they should not be treated as substitutes for appropriate medical care, especially for serious or unstable conditions.

For practitioners and healthcare organizations, the review offers a useful guide to where Taijiquan and Qigong may be most evidence-supported. Hypertension, bone health, falls prevention, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, and knee osteoarthritis appear to be among the areas most worth continued clinical attention.

The larger significance of this evidence map is that Taijiquan and Qigong are no longer being evaluated only as cultural practices or general wellness exercises. They are increasingly being studied as structured mind-body interventions with measurable health effects. The evidence is not complete, and it should not be overstated. But the direction is clear: the research foundation is becoming stronger, more organized, and more useful for both patients and clinicians.

Reference: Evidence Map of Tai Chi and Qigong: Update from 2014–2024, Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2026; Veterans Affairs Evidence Synthesis Program.