BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Qigong and Tai Chi are practices that have been used in East Asia for centuries, and the exercises continue to show strong health benefits today in the 21st century.

Qigong is a general Mandarin term to describe exercises that enhance the flow and balance of a person's qi, or energy.

Tai Chi is more specific, in which a person focuses on a series of movements that have been practiced for over 19 generations.

Authors from Arizona State University reviewed 77 studies between 1993 and 2007.

More than 6,000 people had participated in the studies that focused on the effects of psychological symptoms, falls, and related risk factors, heart risk, and overall quality of life.

The practices showed many physical and mental advantages, along with benefits to the heart, immune system and overall quality of life.

Although it was difficult to statistically evaluate the combined studies, researchers said the evidence strongly showed steady benefits across the board when consistently practicing the exercises.