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It’s no secret that tai chi and qigong help practitioners stay active, cultivate balance, reduce stress, and enjoy overall good mental health. But did you know that these graceful martial arts can also boost the health and resilience of the nervous system? Tai chi and qigong are forms of “moving meditation” that have been shown to improve quality of life and physical function in patients of all ages with neurological disorders.
How Qigong and Tai Chi Improve Nervous System Health
Tai chi and qigong help increase mind-body awareness, general muscle function, and balance in the autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions, such as your heartbeat). Practicing these arts can be beneficial to people with nervous system disorders and diseases such as:
- Peripheral neuropathy (PN). Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). The peripheral nervous system conveys information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Tai Chi has been shown to improve the speed and function of peripheral nerves in the transmission of sensory signals to the brain and spinal cord.
- Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have found that tai chi can enhance quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease (a neurologic condition caused by dopamine deficiency) and multiple sclerosis (a chronic central nervous system disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the nerves). Tai chi is beneficial for such patients because it improves balance and mobility while reducing the risk of falls and depression.
- Spinal cord injury (SCI). Spinal cord injuries can cause debilitating nerve pain and depression, making it difficult to move, sleep, or enjoy life. Although more studies are needed, research strongly suggests that tai chi and qigong may reduce neuropathic pain. This could allow SCI patients to engage in the physical therapy needed to regain many physical functions.
- Fibromyalgia (FM). Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to process sensory signals and causes increased sensitivity to pain. Research has shown that tai chi and qigong can reduce pain and improve the mental and physical health of people with fibromyalgia.
While extensive research shows that tai chi and qigong can be a great help to many people with neurological disorders, please contact your doctor to find out which program might be best for you.
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Enhance Your Well-Being with the Tai Chi Foundation
Whether you’re a healthy, active adult or facing wellness challenges, you can enhance your quality of life by practicing tai chi and qigong.
Learn more about tai chi by exploring the various offerings of the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF). TCF provides live online courses, allowing you to engage in guided sessions in the comfort of your home. These virtual classes offer unique opportunities to connect with experienced instructors, ensuring that you receive personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, the Tai Chi Foundation offers Teachable on-demand classes, providing a flexible and accessible way to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these online resources present a wealth of knowledge to enhance your tai chi journey. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, be sure to check out the in-person course offerings of TCF’s affiliated local schools.
Be sure to check out the TCF Shop, where you can find our stylish signature tai chi t-shirts!
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TCF is a not-for-profit educational organization that promotes, funds, and teaches programs that enable people to learn tai chi chuan and embody its principles.
By JM Muhlfriedel
© Tai Chi Foundation 2026
Image by DeltaWorks from Pixabay
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