High-intensity sports and physical exercise have been linked to various health benefits. However, when it comes to increasing longevity, these activities may not be an ideal option for the general population. Mind-body exercise, which combines physical exercise with mindfulness, may be more effective in promoting and restoring health, especially for those with chronic symptoms or poor health conditions.Many mind-body exercises, such as Taichi, Qigong, Chan-Chuang, and Yoga, have their roots in Eastern cultures. They have gained popularity around the world and became a new fashion in the post COVID-19 era. These exercises typically help practitioners shift their focus from the outside world, past, or future to the present moment through gentle body movements. Mind-body exercises emphasize the body’s innate ability to heal itself. By disconnecting from the “noisy” outside world, the body is given the opportunity to heal. This aligns with the classic belief in Chinese medicine that “the body itself is the best medicine”.Unfortunately, the science behind mind-body exercises is not well understood. Some types of mind-body exercises, such as Chan-Chuang, have not been thoroughly studied for their health benefits. While some exercises, such as Taichi, have received significant attention from researchers. However, their broader effects beyond psychological and physiological benefits, such as on behavioral and social functioning, have yet to be investigated. Additionally, the mechanisms by which mind-body exercises improve health are still unclear. These gaps in knowledge warrant future research on mind-body exercises with new perspectives and methods.The purpose of this Research Topic is to call for scientific studies on the physical and psychological benefits, body perceptional experiences, and related physiological and psychological mechanisms of mind-body exercises.Quantitative and qualitative research are welcome with regard to the following topics:1. The effects of mind-body exercises on disease prevention or relief2. The relationships between mind-body exercises and longevity, morbidity, or mortality3. The social functions of mind-body exercises4. The mechanisms behind the health promotion of mind-body exercises5. The influencers of the public’s engagement in mind-body exercise6. Introduction to new mind-body exercises7. The roles of mind-body exercises in special populations (e.g., rehabilitators, drug abusers, or prisoners)Additionally, systematic reviews or narrative reviews on the development or history of mind-body exercises will also be considered. Studies on the impact of COVID-19 on mind-body exercises and related health outcomes will also be considered if the impact of the pandemic is quantitatively measured and included in the analysis.
High-intensity sports and physical exercise have been linked to various health benefits. However, when it comes to increasing longevity, these activities may not be an ideal option for the general population. Mind-body exercise, which combines physical exercise with mindfulness, may be more effective in promoting and restoring health, especially for those with chronic symptoms or poor health conditions.Many mind-body exercises, such as Taichi, Qigong, Chan-Chuang, and Yoga, have their roots in Eastern cultures. They have gained popularity around the world and became a new fashion in the post COVID-19 era. These exercises typically help practitioners shift their focus from the outside world, past, or future to the present moment through gentle body movements. Mind-body exercises emphasize the body’s innate ability to heal itself. By disconnecting from the “noisy” outside world, the body is given the opportunity to heal. This aligns with the classic belief in Chinese medicine that “the body itself is the best medicine”.Unfortunately, the science behind mind-body exercises is not well understood. Some types of mind-body exercises, such as Chan-Chuang, have not been thoroughly studied for their health benefits. While some exercises, such as Taichi, have received significant attention from researchers. However, their broader effects beyond psychological and physiological benefits, such as on behavioral and social functioning, have yet to be investigated. Additionally, the mechanisms by which mind-body exercises improve health are still unclear. These gaps in knowledge warrant future research on mind-body exercises with new perspectives and methods.The purpose of this Research Topic is to call for scientific studies on the physical and psychological benefits, body perceptional experiences, and related physiological and psychological mechanisms of mind-body exercises.Quantitative and qualitative research are welcome with regard to the following topics:1. The effects of mind-body exercises on disease prevention or relief2. The relationships between mind-body exercises and longevity, morbidity, or mortality3. The social functions of mind-body exercises4. The mechanisms behind the health promotion of mind-body exercises5. The influencers of the public’s engagement in mind-body exercise6. Introduction to new mind-body exercises7. The roles of mind-body exercises in special populations (e.g., rehabilitators, drug abusers, or prisoners)Additionally, systematic reviews or narrative reviews on the development or history of mind-body exercises will also be considered. Studies on the impact of COVID-19 on mind-body exercises and related health outcomes will also be considered if the impact of the pandemic is quantitatively measured and included in the analysis.