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Anyone can benefit from Tai Chi—like most low-impact exercises, it can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Tai Chi isn't a treatment or a cure, but health care professionals often suggest it as a complementary therapy for many conditions.

Few randomized controlled studies (the scientific standard for determining treatment efficacy) have so far been conducted to establish the direct medical benefits of Tai Chi, however, although some preliminary studies suggest that Tai Chi can help relieve the symptoms of or prevent certain conditions. Tai Chi is considered useful in:

• Reducing the risk of falls in the elderly by improving balance and strength as well as confidence.

• Improving cardiopulmonary function.

• Reducing blood pressure.

• Reducing stress.

• Helping to strengthen the muscles around an arthritic joint, improving flexibility and range of motion while reducing joint pain. Stronger muscles also help protect the joint from soft tissue injuries.

• Easing back pain by improving flexibility.

• Slowing the decline in respiratory function, often a concern among the elderly. Plus, the regular exercise afforded by the practice—comparable to a moderate aerobic workout—provides cardiorespiratory conditioning.

• Stimulating circulation, improving blood flow to the extremities and its return to the heart.

• Helping speed recovery after a heart attack. Tai Chi is sometimes used as an adjunct therapy in cardiac rehabilitation. One reason for its benefit may be its ability to reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

• Helping people with multiple sclerosis increase their physical activity/functioning by enhancing muscle tone, flexibility, coordination and general well being. As a result, some chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society now offer Tai Chi classes.

• Helping to slow or prevent bone loss since it's a weight-bearing exercise.

• Reducing the amount of stress hormones in the body.

It's important to remember, however, that although Tai Chi may help prevent and manage a number of conditions, it isn't a cure for anything. You need to continue seeing your regular health care professional for any underlying health problems. And always check with your health care professional before beginning a new exercise plan.