For years, instructors and clinicians have observed how gentle, mindful movement can help people rebuild their lives after addiction. Now, two large-scale reviews published in 2025 — one in Applied Sciences and another in Occupation, participation and health — show that Tai Chi, Qigong, and similar mind–body practices have earned a legitimate place in evidence-based addiction rehabilitation.
Earlier studies confirmed that these practices ease anxiety and improve mood.
What sets these two reviews apart is how they clarify mechanisms, compare modalities, and guide real-world clinical application.
From Proof of Benefit to Practical Integration
The Applied Sciences Review: Defining What Works
This comprehensive analysis examined nearly two decades (2007–2024) of exercise studies for substance use disorder (SUD). It compared mind–body disciplines, aerobic training, resistance exercise, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) across mental, physical, and cognitive outcomes.
Key contributions:
- Identified specific prescriptions — the “dose” of exercise that delivers results:
3–5 sessions weekly, 60 minutes per session, for at least 12 weeks (≥40 total sessions). - Distinguished how different modalities support different outcomes:
- Moderate aerobic exercise best for depression and anxiety
- HIIT best for cravings
- Strength training for cognition and stamina
- Mind–body disciplines best for stress reduction and emotional regulation
- Found that Tai Chi had stronger antidepressant effects than Yoga, showing its particular promise for mood recovery and gentle physical conditioning.
In short, this review transforms scattered evidence into a structured, data-backed framework that clinicians and instructors can actually use.
The OTJR Review: Bringing Mind–Body Practice into Clinical Care
While the Applied Sciences paper establishes what works, the OTJR systematic review — the first of its kind in the field of occupational therapy — explains how to implement it within healthcare.
Key contributions:
- Evaluated 28 studies of physical activity interventions for SUD, including Tai Chi, Yoga, music/dance, and integrated mind–body programs.
- Confirmed that Tai Chi, Yoga, and comprehensive integrated approaches reduce substance use and cravings, while Tai Chi and dance-based programs improve stress, sleep, and mental health.
- Positioned these activities as “therapeutic occupations” — meaningful, restorative actions that rebuild daily routines, self-regulation, and social participation.
- Highlighted the role of occupational therapists in delivering or coordinating these movement-based programs.
This review marks a critical step toward clinical legitimacy for mind–body exercise — showing that Tai Chi and Qigong can fit seamlessly into structured rehabilitation models.
Why These Studies Matter for Practitioners
Together, these 2025 reviews signal a major shift:
Mind–body practices are no longer viewed as adjunct wellness activities but as core elements of evidence-based recovery.
For Tai Chi and Qigong instructors, this means:
- Programs can be confidently described as clinically supported for reducing stress, depression, and cravings.
- Collaboration with occupational therapists, counselors, and medical providers is increasingly appropriate — and encouraged.
- Emphasis on breathing, awareness, and gentle consistency aligns perfectly with the parameters proven most effective in research.
Tip from the meta-analysis: Tai Chi may outperform Yoga for easing depressive symptoms and building gentle physical stamina.
The Takeaway
These two reviews do more than confirm that movement heals — they show how to bring traditional mind–body practice into modern recovery care.
By combining scientific rigor with centuries-old wisdom, Tai Chi and Qigong now stand as credible, adaptable, and inclusive approaches for rebuilding health and purpose after addiction.
References
- Montón-Martínez, R. et al. (2025). Effects of Physical Exercise on Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review. Applied Sciences, 15(3), 1481. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031481
- Acord-Vira, A. et al. (2025). Physical Activity Interventions Within Occupational Therapy for Persons With Substance Use Disorder: A Systematic Review. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492251379319
