THE Chinese discovered a long time ago the answer to inner and outer balance of the body through the practice of tai chi.

But it is only in recent times that researchers - such as those at the Texas Tech University - have been able to confirm that seniors who practise tai chi do in fact lower their risk of falling.

This is through regularly practising the simple physical movements that comprise this form of Chinese martial art.

Tai Chi Australia's Master Han Jin Song agrees that through the process of working on these movements, a person can achieve emotional and mental balance, plus the all-important physical balance.

"Any tai chi must involve three important elements: mind, body and breathing," he said from Beijing.

"If you want to do tai chi correctly, you have to put the mind and body together.

"Doing it involves imagery. Think of the 'wax on, wax off' - that's a tai chi movement," he said.

Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, tai chi isn't difficult to learn and can bring big benefits to improving a person's balance.

"It's because tai chi's simple exercises focus on improving balance and flexibility," Master Han Jin Song said.

"Every movement is good for people with a balance problem. It's an exercise that is good for the harmony of the mind and the body."