TAI CHI & QIGONG

The key to an active ageing population?

As the ukgrows older, an ancient, low-impact practice is 󹀼nding new relevance in modern health, wellbeing and activity settings

Slow, deliberate and almost meditative in appearance, Tai Chi and Qigong are a world away from some of the high-intensity, “time is of the essence” fitness trends that dominate the wellness landscape. Yet, as the UK faces the twin challenges of an ageing population and rising inactivity among older adults, this ancient practice of cultivating energy (Qi) is quietly positioning itself as one of the most accessible and sustainable forms of movement available.

ANCIENT ORIGINS, ENDURING PRINCIPLES Rooted in centuries of Chinese tradition, Tai Chi and Qigong combine controlled movement, breathing and mental focus to support balance, mobility and overall wellbeing. Their growing visibility across parks, community centres and health settings in the UK reflects a broader shift in how physical activity is being redefined for later life.

Qigong is widely regarded as one of the oldest systems of physical exercise in the world, with origins stretching back more than 2,000 years. Developed within traditional Chinese medicine, Taoist philosophy and martial traditions, Qigong focuses on cultivating and balancing qi – often described as vital energy – through posture, movement, breath and intention.

Tai Chi, or Taijiquan, emerged later as a martial art, but gradually evolved into a health-focused practice. Its slow, flowing sequences emphasise relaxation, coordination and postural control, making it particularly suitable for people seeking low-impact movement. Over time, the boundaries between Tai Chi and Qigong have blurred, especially in health and wellbeing contexts, where they are often taught together under the umbrella of Tai Chi Qigong.

Crucially, these practices were never designed around performance metrics or physical exertion. Instead, they prioritise consistency, awareness and longevity – principles that resonate strongly with modern public health goals.

ARRIVAL AND GROWTH IN THE UK Tai Chi and Qigong began to take root in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s, largely through cultural exchange, Chinese diaspora communities and visiting teachers from Hong Kong and mainland China. One of the most influential figures was Cheng Man-ch’ing, whose simplified Tai Chi form was introduced to Europe during this period and helped make the practice more accessible to Western audiences.

By the 1980s and 1990s, Tai Chi classes were appearing in adult education programmes, leisure centres and community halls, often attracting older adults seeking gentle exercise and stress reduction. This grassroots growth was supported by early academic interest, with UK universities beginning to explore Tai Chi’s impact on balance, falls prevention and mental wellbeing.

Today, Tai Chi Qigong is practised across the country, from informal park sessions to structured classes linked to health, social care and community wellbeing initiatives.

Crucially, these practices were never designed around performance metrics or physical exertion

What are Tai Chi and Qigong? Tai Chi and Qigong are closely related, complementary, but generally distinct practices originating from ancient China. Tai Chi is often considered a specialised, more complex and martial-based form of Qigong. While both cultivate energy (Qi) through movement, breathing, and mental focus, Qigong is generally simpler and repetitive for health, whereas Tai Chi involves complex, choreographed, flowing sequences with underlying self-defense applications.

A NATURAL FIT FOR AGEING POPULATIONS Across Asia, Tai Chi and Qigong have long been staples of daily life, particularly among older people. Their popularity is closely tied to their accessibility: movements can be adapted for different abilities, require no specialist equipment and place minimal stress on joints.

This non-impact nature is especially important for ageing populations, where fear of injury, chronic conditions and declining confidence can all act as barriers to physical activity. Tai Chi Qigong offers a way to stay active that feels achievable rather than intimidating.

Evidence increasingly supports its benefits. Research has linked regular practice to improvements in balance, flexibility, strength, mental wellbeing and reduced risk of falls – outcomes that align directly with UK health priorities for older adults.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION AND NATIONAL STANDARDS A significant milestone for Tai Chi Qigong in the UK came in 2022, when the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sports and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) completed the Professional Technical Standards for Tai Chi and Qigong for Health and Wellbeing.

Following extensive research, CIMSPA was chosen in 2017 as the ideal vehicle to achieve approval for Tai Chi Qigong for Health and Wellbeing by the Department of Health and Social Care as principal Complementary Therapies. The initiative itself had been led collaboratively since 2016 by Keith Sharp and Mark Peters, working in partnership with CIMSPA and sector stakeholders.

The resulting two Professional Standards, issued in 2022, established the first recognised National Standards for Tai Chi and Qigong Health and Wellbeing instructors. They provide a structured framework outlining the skills, knowledge and professional behaviours expected of practitioners working in health, wellbeing and physical activity settings.

Sometimes, the most effective solutions are also the gentlest

Importantly, these standards align Tai Chi and Qigong with the wider sport, physical activity and health sectors. This supports integration into community wellbeing programmes, rehabilitation pathways and preventative health initiatives, while increasing confidence among commissioners, employers and participants.

Working closely with CIMSPA, Sharp and Peters engaged extensively with instructors, training providers and sector stakeholders to ensure the standards accurately reflect both the traditional roots and modern applications of Tai Chi and Qigong. The collaborative approach has helped ensure the standards are credible, practical and fit for purpose across a wide range of settings, from leisure centres and community groups to healthcare and social prescribing contexts.

Since their introduction, increasing numbers of Tai Chi Qigong instructors have become CIMSPA members, further embedding the practice within recognised professional frameworks.

A ROLE IN THE UK’S HEALTHY AGEING FUTURE Alongside standards development, efforts have focused on raising public and professional awareness of Tai Chi Qigong as an accessible, evidence-informed approach to supporting balance, mobility, mental wellbeing and long-term health.

As the UK population continues to age, the challenge is not simply to extend life expectancy, but to improve quality of life in later years. That requires forms of activity that people can sustain, enjoy and feel confident practising well into older age.

Tai Chi Qigong offers a compelling answer. By combining ancient wisdom with modern professional standards, it is increasingly well positioned to play a meaningful role in activating older adults, supporting independence and reducing pressure on health and social care systems.

This milestone in professional recognition represents a strong foundation for the future growth, credibility and impact of Tai Chi and Qigong for Health and Wellbeing across the UK — and a reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are also the gentlest.

About Mark Peters

Mark is the Lead Trainer for Midlands Tai Chi Rehab and a CIMSPA Training Partner specialising in Tai Chi and Qigong for rehabilitation and wellbeing. With more than 30 years of experience in teaching Tai Chi, Qigong and movement therapy, Mark’s approach blends traditional Tai Chi principles with modern rehabilitation science.

He is passionate about integrating mind–body awareness into recovery, helping clients reconnect with their bodies, regulate stress, and restore confidence in movement. His work bridges Eastern and Western models of health, making mindful movement accessible and evidence-based for both healthcare and fitness professionals.

Real Evidence: Tai Chi’s Impact in UK Practice

One striking UK-relevant example comes from the ProAct65+ trial – a large community-based exercise intervention involving 1,256 adults aged 65 and over-recruited through general practices in London, Nottingham and Derby. While the core programme – called the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme – blended Tai Chi-style balance movement with strengthening and flexibility activities, its impact provides a meaningful case study of how such gentle approaches can work in the community.

Participants attended weekly group classes alongside home exercise and walking plans. One year after the programme, those in the FaME arm were:

More physically active, averaging an extra 15 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day than those receiving usual care.

Less likely to experience falls, with a 26% reduction in the incidence of falls among participants.

This outcome matters: falling is one of the most common causes of injury and loss of independence in later life. Programs incorporating gentle movement and balance exercises – including Tai Chi – therefore not only support physical activity levels but also target critical risk factors for long-term health.

To read the full paper: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27420150/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27420150/)