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.

Unlike some other types of exercise, Tai Chi is accessible to people of any age and condition -- children, senior citizens, and even those with walkers. Some modified forms of Tai Chi can be practiced by those with limited mobility. In fact, Tai Chi is particularly beneficial to the elderly and those with impaired motor skills. Since Tai Chi emphasizes correct posture and balance, the exercise may be a safer alternative for women with frail bones. Moreover, you need no special clothes or equipment and you can practice at home.

More research needs to be done to determine the specific benefits, but some studies suggest that Tai Chi can help relieve or prevent certain conditions. Among the areas where Tai Chi is considered useful are the following:

• ADHD. During and after five weeks of tai chi lessons, adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) showed less anxiety, daydreaming, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity, according to a study by the Touch Research Institute (TRI).
• Aging. Tai Chi can improve some of the effects of aging. Studies have found that practicing Tai Chi can reduce the risk of falls in the elderly; it helps improves balance and strength. Accordingly, it can also improve confidence. Tai Chi also has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve grip strength in older people. Many of its other benefits -- such as improved cardiopulmonary function, lowered blood pressure and stress reduction-- are of vital importance to the elderly.
• Arthritis, rheumatism and fibromyalgia. Tai Chi helps strengthen the muscles around an arthritic joint; this improves flexibility and range of motion. It may also reduce some joint pain. The low impact and flowing movement can actually counteract the effects of other activities that push joints together.
• Asthma. Regular practice strengthens and improves the body's immune system, and can, over time increase DHEA levels in the body, greatly reducing both asthma and allergy symptoms.
• Back pain. Studies show that Tai Chi helps improve flexibility; this can help ease back pain (at least one study has indicated a reduction in lower-back pain). The practice also is used to help rehabilitate muscle and bone injuries.
• Cardiorespiratory health. At least one study suggests that Tai Chi can slow the decline in respiratory function (a particular problem among the elderly). And the regular exercise afforded by the practice -- comparable to a moderate aerobic workout -- provides cardiorespiratory conditioning.
• Circulation problems. Tai Chi stimulates circulation, improving blood flow to the extremities and its return to the heart.
• Heart attack recovery. Tai Chi is used in cardiac rehabilitation and at least one study indicates it helps speed recovery. One reason seems to be the fact that it can help lower blood pressure and heart rate.
• High blood pressure. Studies indicate that Tai Chi lowers blood pressure, especially in sedentary older adults. Apparently, enhanced blood flow and relaxation through the slow, gentle movements and the meditative aspect of the practice contribute to the lower pressure. The practice may also help lower the resting heart rate.
• Insomnia. While Tai Chi can be practiced to energize the body, it can also be practiced to relax it. Performed just prior to bedtime, Tai Chi can prepare the body for a deep, restful night's sleep.
• Loss of balance. Studies indicate that the practice improves balance and reinforces the gains made in more intensive strength and balance training.
• Multiple sclerosis. Early studies suggest that Tai Chi helps people with MS to increase physical activity/functioning. It may enhance muscle tone, flexibility, coordination and general well being, and some chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society offer Tai Chi classes. (MS appears 50 percent more frequently in women than in men.)
• Osteoporosis. Since Tai Chi is a weight-bearing exercise, it is ideal for women hoping to avoid osteoporosis. Research shows that women who perform weight bearing and resistance-type exercises can slow bone loss, and may, in some cases, help increase bone mass. And since Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise stressing posture and balance, it's probably a viable option if you already have the condition.
• Stress. Tai Chi appears to reduce the amount of stress hormones in the body.

It's important to remember that Tai Chi isn't a cure for anything. You need to continue seeing your regular health care professional if you have underlying health problems. But Tai Chi does offer countless health benefits and no known negative side effects. It's appropriate for virtually any individual of any age. Always check with your health care professional if you've been sedentary or have health problems before beginning a new exercise plan.