Looking at an Ancient Practices of Tai Chi
Posted on April 10th, 2007 by garyPosted in Health
Tai chi was originally developed in China as a form of martial arts practice. It is often described as “mediation in motion”. It uses slow, deliberate movements, deep breathing, postural alignment and the integration of mind and body focused on the task. It offers many benefits for the mind, body and soul which include better balance, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, stronger joints and improved moods.
The slow, simple, smooth movements are easy even for those with fitness barriers such as older people or those out of shape or dealing with a medical condition. It is safe, gentle and adaptable. The moves make it accessible to people who may have difficulty exercising. It is easy on joints.
The Chinese believe that Tai Chi cultivates “Qi” which is the life energy essential for overall health. To get started you should look for a class for beginners. Do not try to learn from a book or video. The moves may look simple but getting them right may be tricky. It is best to learn from an instructor first. From there, supplemental materials may help you improve and expand.
The benefits of Tai Chi can help offset the effects of aging. It can help people feel more relaxed and energetic. It can improve blood pressure, posture, coordination, balance, muscle strength and definition and range of motion. The visual image of Tai Chi is the key to better awareness and coordination. It provides people an idea, an image of what they should be doing to control their balance.
The risk of falling is reduced which very important for the elderly where a fall can be devastating. A study of 200 people over age 70, conducted by Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta found that a 15 week Tai Chi class reduced the risk of falling by 47.5 percent .
Tai Chi can also prevent bad moods. By combing exercise, mediation and social contact our mental outlook is brightened. Tai Chi promotes mind and body awareness in the present moment and trains practitioners not to worry about the past or future. Studies have shown that it lowers stress hormones and reduces tension, anger, depression, fatigue and mood disturbances. It has also been known is help people cope with chronic medical conditions. Many who suffer from osteoarthritis report that tai chi reduces pain and stiffness of the joints.
Doctors often suggest Tai Chi to their heart patients as a safe cardiovascular exercise. Since other exercise can cause fatigue and shortness of breath, Tai Chi is a safe alternative. Researchers for Harvard Medical School’s Osher Institute and the New England School of Acupuncture conducted a study of 30 heart-failure patients. Half of the patients took an hour long tai chi program twice a week and practiced at home. After three months, the tai chi patients could walk further and reported a better quality of life.
Researchers are still studying how tai chi works and which conditions it is effective in treating. A growing number of studies are indicating tai chi can improve cardio-respiratory function, even though the movements do not appear vigorous enough to do so. Soon researchers will have a better understanding of this practice.
Tags: fitness, health, tai+chi
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