Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong as Mind-Body Exercises

摘要

Mind-body interventions or exercises may improve body function and health since nervous system affects endocrine system and immune system while performing these mind-body (MB) exercises. Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong are considered the most popular MB exercises, ranked by the 2002-2012 National Health Interview Surveys as the top three of the 10 most common complementary health approaches in practice. Tai Chi is a healing/martial art combining martial art movement with Qi-vital energy circulation, breathing, and stretching techniques. Tai Chi exercise consists of a series of graceful movements with deep and slow diaphragmatic breathings performed while standing. Tai Chi exercise has been shown to have both physical and psychosocial benefits for the different populations.