Tai chi, a traditional Chinese martial art, has been found to have numerous health benefits. It improves flexibility, reduces stress, and can lower blood pressure. In fact, new research suggests that tai chi is better than more vigorous aerobic exercises for lowering blood pressure in individuals with prehypertension. Prehypertension is when blood pressure is higher than normal but does not reach the level of high blood pressure. The study found that after 12 months, those who practiced tai chi experienced bigger drops in blood pressure compared to those who did aerobic exercise. Additionally, more individuals in the tai chi group saw their blood pressure fall to within the normal range compared to the aerobic exercise group. Tai chi elicits a response from the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to relax the body and lower blood pressure. The practice is appealing because it is low impact, requires little space or equipment, and can be done anywhere. Other research has also shown that tai chi can reduce the risk of falls, improve balance, walking speed, and mental health, and even help protect against cognitive decline. However, consistent practice is essential to reap the most benefits from tai chi.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/02/14/1231232197/tai-chi-aerobics-exercise-blood-pressure-hypertension-mindfulness