The BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal reports that while Tai Chi is a good form of physical activity, it can improve symptoms that are associated with chronic mood disorders. According to the most recent statistics, more than 15 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with a form of depression.
A team of researchers collected data from 40 studies conducted nationwide and observed how Tai Chi affected participants who had been diagnosed with depression, stress, anxiety and other mood illnesses.
The investigators found a connection between patients who practiced this form of martial arts and a reduction of their mental health symptoms. They also determined that these individuals also had an increase in self-esteem and an enhancement in mood.
The conclusion of this study stated that while there is a confirmed association, further research will be needed in order to find what all the health benefits are of practicing Tai Chi.
Associate professor at Tufts University School of Medicine noted, “[Tai Chi] is believed to improve mood and enhance overall psychological wellbeing, but convincing evidence has so far been lacking.”He added that, this discovery, “may lead to new approaches to promote health, treat chronic medical conditions, better inform clinical decisions and further explicate the mechanisms of successful mind-body medicine.”
Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20056221?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1