Tai Chi is a practice that originated in China and involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. It is a moving meditation that creates harmony between the mind and body, and the ultimate purpose is to cultivate inner life energy (qi) to flow smoothly and powerfully through the body. Tai Chi is a complete martial art system with a full range of bare-hand movement sets and weapon forms, such as Tai Chi sword and Tai Chi spear, which are based on the dynamic relationship between yin and yang.

Tai Chi is not tied to any religion or dogma, but is available to any interested student. It is gentle and not strenuous, and benefits have been shown to include a positive effect on muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Tai Chi can improve both lower-body strength and upper-body strength, and when practiced regularly, it can also improve balance and flexibility.

A small amount of research suggests that Tai Chi may be helpful in reducing pain in people with low-back pain, fibromyalgia, and knee osteoarthritis. It is unclear whether Tai Chi is beneficial for alleviating pain from rheumatoid arthritis. Tai Chi interventions involved 15- to 60-minute sessions done two to seven times per week for 4 to 24 weeks.

Tai Chi is a subtle blend of the most refined medical, meditative, and martial knowledge combining self-discipline, graceful movement, and effortless power. Practitioners of yoga, dance, or other martial arts often find that the internal and flowing approach of Tai Chi perfectly complements their own training.