Tai chi is low impact, graceful form of exercise and stretching originated in china in martial art form. It was originally developed as a self-defense art. It involves gentle movements which accompanies deep breathing and suitable particularly for elders. The movements are slow and put very less stress on muscles and joints. This gentle form of exercise can help to increase flexibility and balance and reduce anxiety and stress and also treat and prevent variety of health problems, especially ills of aging. Tai chi is performed in many different styles. Some styles focuses on maintenance of the health and others emphasizes on martial art aspects. Tai chi is safe and no fancy equipment is needed to perform them.
Benefits Of Tai Chi On Your Body And Mind:
Tai chi has great impact on various medical conditions and your overall health, when combined with medical treatment.
Decreases Stress And Anxiety
Tai chi can be an effective and gentle means for alleviating stress and anxiety. The ancient Chinese believed in the immense potential of the mind. Tai chi aims at achieving harmony with nature and establishes a balance between mental calmness and physical strength. Having better balance helps to reduce the stress level and achieve a state of inner peace. Tai is often called meditation in motion.it helps to elevate the mood and reduce depression. The mind-body connection that is the coordination of breathing and body movement promotes calmness.
Increases Energy And Muscle Strength
Tai Chi involves low-impact and gentle movements which put minimal stress on the muscles and joints but they are still very effective in building muscle strength. Tai chi also improves aerobic capacity, improves balance and flexibility of the upper and lower body. By strengthening the muscles it keep the joints protected. The muscles pump blood and fluid throughout the body and as a result not just our joints and organs function smoothly but our entire body gets energy. IN-fact tai chi is a powerful mind and body exercise that focuses on self-control and empowerment. Tai-chi is especially good for older adults as the risk of injury is very low.
Promotes Cardio-vascular Fitness
Poor blood circulation for a prolonged period is primary cause of illness. Proper blood circulation and oxygen supply is essential for good health and healing any disease. Cardio-vascular health depends on better heart-lung capacity. Practicing tai-chi in slow, balanced and meditative way helps the body enhance blood circulation and helps to open the blockages that are caused by physical and mental stress and allows the body to heal.
Helps Maintain Body Balance
The slow, steady and balanced movement helps to coordinate upper and lower body movement and helps improve body balance and reduces the risk of fall frequency among elderly. Fall related injuries are primary cause of death and disability among older adults. Range of movement also helps to improve flexibility.
Helps Maintain Good Posture
Constant practice of Tai Chi can help to improve posture. Developing correct posture prevents the wear and tear of the muscles and joints. Body works better when your postures are correct. The main cause of back ache, body ache in other parts of your body is due to wrong postures.
Increases Aerobic Capacity
As we age our aerobic capacity diminishes. It has been observed that the individuals over the age of 55 who practice Tai Chi have higher aerobic capacity than other elderly people who do not exercise.
Walking
Walking speed decreases as people age. It has been found that elderly people who practice tai chi walk more confidently than other non-practicing elders. Walking is necessary for every person to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and other illness. Practice of Tai chi can help to improve walking without fear of fall among elders. A recently published study has revealed that practicing tai chi has improved walking ability and posture in person suffering from Parkinson’s disease
Breast Cancer
Since tai chi elevates body and mind it has been found beneficial for women suffering from breast cancer. It helps in improving physical capacity to carry out daily activities and deal with side effects of the treatment. In short tai chi can help in improving quality of life in women undergoing breast cancer treatment.
Diabetes
Tai chi helps to improve the blood glucose level and enhance immune system response in people with type 2 diabetes.
Arthritis
A study presented at a meeting of American College of Rheumatology revealed that practice of Tai twice a week for 10-12 weeks has better effect on reducing pain in patients suffering from arthritis, particularly knee osteoarthritis than standard stretching exercises. Evidence based Korean study on Alternative medicine shows that continuous practice of tai chi for 12-15 weeks showed significant improvement in patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, which is a very painful form of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine.
Improves Respiratory Functions
Breathing is one of three components of tai chi. The deep berating exercise involved in tai chi is effective for treating respiratory ailments like asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a painful musculoskeletal disorder that flair ups frequently. Practicing tai chi can improve their condition and quality of life.
Low Bone Density
It has been indicated by researchers that tai chi is a quite effective and safe way to prevent low bone density among postmenopausal women.
Hypertension
Several studies and evidence have shown that tai chi is a great remedy for controlling high blood pressure. Significant improvements have been reported in both systolic and diastolic pressure.
Parkinson’s Disease
Several evidences has been found that persons with Parkinson’s diseases showed significant improvement in their walking ability, balance and overall well-being after attending 20 tai chi sessions.
When preformed regularly and correctly, Tai can improve your health, overall sense of well-being, longevity and balance. In short it can help to bring relief from physical as well as mental stress. The meditative movements will help to stay focused and relaxed.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.