healthbrief

Tai Chi Eases the Blues

Helps Depression Sufferers

Flashon Studio/Shutterstock.com

Boston researchers found a reduction in depressive symptoms among people that practice tai chi via 50 Chinese-Americans diagnosed with depression.

They were divided into three groups.

One group participated in tai chi sessions twice a week and were encouraged to practice the movements at home three times a week. Another group attended twice weekly depression education sessions and a third served as the control group.

After 12 weeks, the tai chi group reported significant improvements in depression symptoms, which continued after the study was completed, measured at 24 weeks.