Can Tai Chi and Qigong Postures Shape Our Mood? Toward an Embodied Cognition Framework for Mind-Body Research.
Kamila Osypiuk, Evan Thompson, Peter M. Wayne
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2018 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00174 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Qigong Tai chi Embodied cognitive science Embodiment Mood Posture |
| Key points | Argues that body posture while standing or moving may be a key therapeutic element mediating the influence of Tai Chi and Qigong on psychological health, and proposes a bi-directional relationship between posture and mental states. The authors contend that posture has been largely overlooked in research on these practices and should be examined in future studies. |
Abstract
Dynamic and static body postures are a defining characteristic of mind-body practices such as Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ). A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that TCQ may be beneficial for psychological health, including management and prevention of depression and anxiety. Although a variety of causal factors have been identified as potential mediators of such health benefits, physical posture, despite its visible prominence, has been largely overlooked. We hypothesize that body posture while standing and/or moving may be a key therapeutic element mediating the influence of TCQ on psychological health. In the present paper, we summarize existing experimental and observational evidence that suggests a bi-directional relationship between body posture and mental states. Drawing from embodied cognitive science, we provide a theoretical framework for further investigation into this interrelationship. We discuss the challenges involved in such an investigation and propose suggestions for future studies. Despite theoretical and practical challenges, we propose that the role of posture in mind-body exercises such as TCQ should be considered in future research.
Comparable studies
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|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Psilocybin-assisted therapy of major depressive disorder using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a therapeutic frame | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression (using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Therapeutic Frame) | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Neuroinflammation and neuroprogression in depression: Effects of alternative drug treatments | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Improving cognitive functioning in major depressive disorder with psychedelics: A dimensional approach | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on depression, PTSD, and mindfulness among military veterans: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Psychology Open 2024
- Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) Study: Primary Outcomes of a Preference-Based Multisite Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology June 12, 2025
- Mind the Motion: Feasibility and Effects of a Qigong Intervention on Interoception and Well-Being in Young Adults. Healthcare January 13, 2026
- Listen to your inner body: embodied emotions in predictive neuroscience and traditional East Asian medicine Frontiers in Human Neuroscience April 20, 2026
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Addressing Psychological Distress, Learning-Based Stress Symptoms, and Post-Traumatic Growth in Adults with Specific Learning Disabilities Mindfulness July 10, 2025
and 5 more in the library
Cites 5
- Movement-based embodied contemplative practices: Definitions and paradigms Frontiers in Human Neuroscience May 22, 2014
- Meditative movement for depression and anxiety. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2013
- Subjective experiences of older adults practicing taiji and qigong. Journal of Aging Research June 26, 2011
- Cognitive ecology. Topics in Cognitive Science October 2010
- The Embodied Mind: Cognitive Science and Human Experience 1991