A study out of Arizona State University reports that tai chi and qigong are beneficial to the heart, the immune system and overall quality of life.
"Linda Larkey, PhD, of Arizona State University, and her colleagues combed the medical literature, finding 77 published reports of scientific studies that looked at the two wellness practices and compared them to other exercises or to a sedentary state. The studies, published between 1993 and 2007, looked at tai chi and qigong and their effects on various outcomes, such as health, physical function, falls, quality of life, one's feeling of self-efficacy, immune system functioning, psychological symptoms, and other factors."
The new research reinforces the previous evidence that tai chi and qigong have favorable effects on bone health, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, balance and psychological health.
Tai chi and qigong are believed to activate the natural self-regulating and self-healing abilities within the body. This activation triggers brain hormones and other health-restoring mechanisms.
http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20100702/tai-chi-qigong-good-for-body-mind?ecd=wnl_day_070510