Side Effects and Risks

Tai chi is a relatively safe practice. However, there are some cautions.

• Tell your health care provider if you are considering learning tai chi for health purposes (especially if you have a health condition for which you are being treated, if you have not exercised in a while, or if you are an older person).
• If you do not position your body properly in tai chi or if you overdo practice, you may get sore muscles or sprains.
• Tai chi instructors often recommend that people not practice tai chi right after they eat, or when they are very tired, or when they have an active infection.
• Use caution if you have any of the conditions listed below, as your health care provider should advise you whether to modify or avoid certain postures in tai chi:
  • Pregnancy
  • Hernia
  • Joint problems, back pain, sprains, a fracture, or severe osteoporosis
• A CAM approach should not be used to replace conventional medical care or to delay seeking that care.