The Health Benefits of Tai Chi
By: Christine Isenberg, Tai Chi Practitioner and Certified Massage Therapist
Tai Chi is a an ancient Chinese exercise based on the concepts of energy and nature. Energy, known as qi or chi, flows through the body along energy pathways called meridians. If the flow of chi is blocked or unbalanced at any point in a pathway, the person may experience pain or become ill. Nature, including the body, reflects the opposing forces of yin and yang, which are the passive and active aspects of the whole, respectively. Good health results when these forces are in balance. Tai Chi enhances the flow of energy and helps balance yin and yang.
Tai Chi arose in the 13th century as a martial art that was inspired by a fight between a crane and a snake. It combines deep breathing and relaxation techniques with a series of slow, fluid, controlled movements and specific postures that enhance the flow of chi and help restore the body’s balance of yin and yang. Tai Chi, with its focus on meditation and movement, can help to enhance mental, emotional, and physical health.
Practicing Tai Chi requires focused concentration on the movements, which allows one to erase other thoughts and concentrate on the mind-body connection and the circular, smooth, gentle movements in the exercises. This invites us to set aside the stressors of life, such as job and relationship problems, and can set the stage for relaxation and lower blood pressure. Fifteen to twenty minutes of Tai Chi daily can thus provide welcome benefits in stress reduction.
Tai Chi is also very helpful in improving balance, which is especially beneficial for senior citizens. Those who practice regularly become more coordinated, more aware of their movements, and tend to slow down, which greatly reduces the risk of falling. The very nature of Tai Chi as “meditation in motion” brings multiple benefits in staying limber and stress-free as we age.
Practicing the ancient art of Tai Chi may also help improve the range of motion for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. Recent research has shown that although Tai Chi may not appreciably reduce pain or lessen the severity of the disease, patients who did Tai Chi showed significant improvement in the range of motion, particularly in the joints of the legs and ankles, and reported higher levels of participation and enjoyment in exercise, compared with those who did traditional exercise programs.
As with any physical activity, people who perform Tai Chi can experience muscle strains or sprains. Gentle stretching before a session can prevent most injuries.
In summary, Tai Chi can be used to improve posture, balance, coordination, and flexibility and can help lower blood pressure through promotion of relaxation. It can usually be used safely alongside conventional medical treatments. Always tell your health professional if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.
Anyone who would like to experience Tai Chi is welcome to join a class being offered through Christine’s Touch of Health at 814-599-9886. May your energy flow freely and your life be in balance!
The Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association makes no medical claims or recommendations. Check with your doctor about your specific health care needs.