Tai chi’s slow, sweeping movements, which are frequently observed in parks at dawn and practiced by people seeking balance between body and breath, have always had a subtle mysticism. However, a recent Hong Kong study has given this age-old practice new scientific legitimacy by demonstrating that tai chi may be just as successful in treating chronic insomnia as cognitive treatment.
The study, which was conducted under the direction of Dr. Parco M. Siu and was published in The BMJ, contrasted tai chi with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which has long been regarded as the most effective non-pharmacological sleep aid. 200 persons over 50 who had been experiencing chronic insomnia that had not responded to conventional treatments were used to assess both strategies.
Two groups were formed from the participants. Using the 24-form Yang style, an elegant, low-impact sequence that emphasizes breathing and coordination, one person practiced tai chi twice a week for three months. The other received structured CBT-I sessions aimed at reframing habits and ideas related to sleep. At first, cognitive therapy appeared to be the most effective, reducing insomnia symptoms more quickly.
But as time went on, an interesting thing occurred. Fifteen months later, when the researchers checked in with the participants, the tai chi group had fully caught up. Their gains in mental well-being, energy levels during the day, and the quality of their sleep were statistically identical to those of the cognitive therapy group. The outcomes were very successful, indicating that the benefits of tai chi increase with time, especially if practitioners continue after the planned research phase.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Lead Researcher | Dr. Parco M. Siu, Hong Kong University |
| Study Title | Tai Chi or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treating Insomnia |
| Published In | The BMJ (2025) |
| Participants | 200 adults aged 50+ with chronic insomnia |
| Intervention Period | 3 months (24 one-hour sessions, twice weekly) |
| Follow-Up | 15 months |
| Location | Hong Kong |
| Main Finding | Tai chi achieved sleep improvements comparable to CBT-I over time |
| Research Link | https://www.bmj.com/content/bmj-2025-084320 |
| Funding | Hong Kong University Grants Committee & Seed Fund for Basic Research |
Approximately one-third of the tai chi group continued the practice after the experiment was over. On the other hand, very few CBT participants kept using the skills they had acquired. This distinction suggests something profound: tai chi may be more adaptable since it feels more like a way of life than therapy. Instead of being a treatment, it turns into a daily routine that feeds the body and mind.
The effectiveness of tai chi, according to researchers, is due to its capacity to relax the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate and stress reaction. Tai chi helps the body transition from “fight or flight” to “rest and restore” by coordinating breathing and movement. For people whose sleeplessness is caused by anxiety or hyperactive thought processes, that physiological shift is especially helpful.
The study’s long-term effects are very evident. The benefits of tai chi included accessibility, cost, and emotional engagement in addition to its non-inferiority to CBT-I. In contrast to therapy, which frequently calls for expert supervision, tai chi can be done anyplace, including a quiet office corner, a living room, or a courtyard. Time and perseverance are the only resources needed.
Health care facilities are paying attention. Tai chi dramatically enhanced the quality of sleep for both healthy persons and patients with long-term medical issues, according to Harvard Health. By indicating that structured activity can regulate the biological pattern of sleep equally as successfully as psychological counseling, this study lends quantitative weight to that understanding.
Sleep clinics are just one aspect of the ramifications. Anxiety, burnout, and digital overstimulation have all increased in modern life, which has led to a marked rise in chronic insomnia cases. Although they frequently offer short-term respite, medications can have negative side effects and increase the risk of dependence. In contrast, tai chi provides a very effective, all-natural substitute. Its soft flow retrains the body to relax instead of respond, acting as a kind of moving meditation.
Similar opinions have been expressed by wellness activists and celebrities. Oprah Winfrey, who is well-known for advocating mindfulness, has stated that her favorite daily ritual is being still. Hugh Jackman also attributes mental balance to exercising and meditation. Tai chi is a perfect fit for this expanding movement because, despite its ancient origins, it bridges the gap between psychological healing and physical discipline in a way that feels remarkably modern.
The results of the study further highlight how crucial sustainable health practices are. Tai chi provides something permanent, while therapy sessions come to an end and prescription drugs expire. Its methodical, slow motions promote mindfulness, a behavior that can be applied to other facets of life. The profound integration of this practice into personal well-being is demonstrated by the numerous practitioners’ reports of noticeably better mood, posture, and even patience.
Tai chi has the potential to be especially beneficial for older people, according to public health specialists. In addition to depleting energy, persistent insomnia increases the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular disease. Tai chi is especially helpful for elderly persons because it combines low-impact exercise with mental relaxation, which promotes longevity and sleep.
The study’s upbeat tone is consistent with more general healthcare trends that support preventive, all-encompassing methods. Instead of treating symptoms, tai chi strengthens systems, reducing blood pressure, regulating hormones, and soothing turbulent emotions. In this way, its effectiveness in treating insomnia might only be the beginning of a more profound change.
Tai chi might easily find a home in mainstream wellness programs alongside yoga and mindfulness as the healthcare landscape changes. Imagine tai chi breaks being included into workday schedules to combat burnout or hospitals prescribing it as part of post-treatment recovery. It seems like a remarkably achievable future, especially as studies continue to confirm its quantifiable effects.
