T'ai chi chih (TCC) is a moving meditation associated with improvements in physiological and psychological conditions, such as immunity to shingles virus, reduction in inflammatory markers, decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity, and reductions in geriatric depression and chronic diseases in cancer survivors. Consisting of 19 repetitive movements and one pose, TCC is easy to learn and particularly accessible to the aging population. It is taught by accredited instructors who have completed an intensive training that is standardized worldwide. This review includes published randomized controlled trials focused on TCC to date. Results are summarized, and methodology is described. Of particular interest are researchers' notes stating why TCC was selected as the control intervention and how the study participants responded. As an accredited teacher of TCC, the author comments on the usefulness of the practice as an evidence-based mindfulness practice. Furthermore, ongoing studies suggest using TCC for quality of life and lifestyle issues; social, emotional and psychological conditions; and research on specific populations that may benefit from TCC.
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