Tai chi in mental health interventions: a narrative review comparing its role with pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy

Our qualitative synthesis suggests that TC may offer a distinct, body-awareness-based intervention pathway. Compared to pharmacotherapy, TC appears devoid of drug-related side effects and may contribute to sustained wellbeing and overall health, albeit with a slower onset, making it potentially suitable as an adjunct in long-term management. Relative to CBT, TC provides a non-verbal, somatic approach that may complement cognitive restructuring by addressing physiological symptoms of anxiety and depression. Literature indicates that adjunctive use of TC alongside conventional treatments may yield synergistic benefits. However, evidence on long-term efficacy and optimal integration protocols remains preliminary, and findings are interpreted within the acknowledged limitations of heterogeneous primary studies. Hence, TC may hold value as a complementary mind-body intervention within mental health care. Its integration with pharmacotherapy or CBT seems promising but requires careful clinical structuring. Future research should prioritize high-quality trials on integrated protocols and the standardization of TC interventions. This review underscores the importance of a nuanced, patient-centered approach that considers TC as part of a broader therapeutic toolkit.