Tai Chi and Qigong offer profound benefits for Wulong students, from reducing stress and burnout to enhancing resilience and emotional balance. This recent research confirms what many practitioners already feel in their bodies and minds: these arts are powerful tools for wellbeing.
A 2025 study by Shiyue Wang investigated the effects of Tai Chi on mental health and resilience among Chinese medical students1. The research was conducted in two phases:
Phase 1: 811 students completed questionnaires measuring depression, stress, resilience, burnout, emotion regulation, and coping styles. Phase 2: 72 students participated in a 10-week Tai Chi program (three 40-minute sessions per week) compared against a control group.
This two-phase design allowed researchers to measure both the relationships between stress, resilience, and depression, and the direct impact of Tai Chi practice.
The study revealed several specific benefits of Tai Chi practice that resonate strongly with Wulong’s philosophy:
Reduced Subthreshold Depression: Students practicing Tai Chi showed significant decreases in depressive symptoms, even if they weren’t clinically diagnosed.
Lower Stress Levels: Tai Chi helped participants manage academic and personal stressors more effectively.
Decreased Burnout: Regular practice reduced feelings of exhaustion and disengagement.
Improved Resilience: Tai Chi strengthened students’ ability to bounce back from challenges.
Healthier Coping Styles: Negative coping strategies (like avoidance) decreased, while positive regulation improved.
Better Emotional Balance: Tai Chi supported healthier regulation of negative emotions, fostering calm and clarity.
In short, Tai Chi acted as a protective buffer against stress and emotional strain, while cultivating resilience and wellbeing.
In conclusion, this research offers scientific validation of what Professor Lily has long emphasized: Tai Chi and Qigong are not just physical exercises, but holistic systems for mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Practicing regularly can help students manage modern stressors, whether from study, work, or daily life.
Tai chi and qigong build inner resilience, allowing practitioners to face challenges with balance and strength.
By reducing burnout and enhancing emotional regulation, Tai Chi and Qigong nurture a sustainable path of growth—both in martial practice and in life.
At Wulong, every class is an opportunity to cultivate not only skill but also harmony of mind and body. This study reminds us that the benefits extend far beyond the training hall, supporting students in their broader journey of health, resilience, and self-discovery.
Read the research published September 2025 here https://erepo.usm.my/entities/publication/744eba3e-6d1e-4813-ac1f-8ab92b3065b5
If you are looking for a taichi/qigong program balance mental and physical health, try a Wulong class today. Click here to see all our class locations and timings.