the diurnal cortisol slope but a significant increase in the mean cortisol
level. The finding of heightened objective stress levels is interesting
given the general stress-reduction effects of Tai-chi found in healthy
population (Esch et al., 2007; Jin, 1992). Other than being a form of
physical exercise, Tai-chi practice is a moderate form of holistic health
practice which emphasizes the connection or re-connection of the
mind and body. Tai-chi possibly enhances the participants' physical
and emotional awareness via alleviation of anhedonia commonly
found in people with chronic schizophrenia (Baslet and Herbenger,
2009; Levethal, 2012). Such mind–body re-connection might lead to
temporary increases in symptom clusters and cortisol level which
might reflect bodily responses to a new condition or a “healing crisis”
(Ventegodt and Merrick, 2009).More or long-termpracticemight relief
the aggravation. Further studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms
of recovery and mind–body re-connection.