Benefits of Tai Chi

What is Tai Chi? What is the history of Tai Chi? What are the health benefits of Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise form that involves smoothly flowing movements of various parts of the body. The movements are slow and require shifting the balance of the body. Each posture in Tai Chi is smooth and graceful and movement from one posture to the next is effortless and without pause so that it seems as if the body is in constant motion.

These changes and movement strengthen the tendons and ligaments of the body's limbs including ankles, knees, and hips. They also become more flexible. Tai Chi is based on the Chinese concepts of yin and yang - the opposing forces present in the body, and qi - the vital energy or life force. When practiced daily, Tai Chi has the ability to condition the mind and body, and increase the stamina required to get through daily life and work.

Over the centuries Tai Chi has evolved into many different styles and forms. The original style of Tai Chi is known as Chen Style and all other forms currently known have evolved from it. The other forms of Tai Chi currently in practice include Yang Style, Sun Style, Lee Style, Guang Ping Style, and the 8 Diamond Form Tai Chi.

Chinese literature lists a vast number of benefits of Tai Chi that can be derived from regular and daily practice. These benefits have also been studied and confirmed by modern medical science.

Balance & Strength

The smooth movements and flow of Tai Chi help improve the overall balance and strength of the body. Studies have found that people who practice Tai Chi over a period of several months are able to handle rigorous exercises and strenuous tasks with much more ease than those who do not. Tai Chi can reduce the risk of falls in elderly people by reportedly improving the nerve sensitivity in the knees and ankles.

Relaxation and Focus

The graceful and free flowing movements of Tai Chi are well-known to reduce stress and improvement concentration and focus. By practicing Tai Chi, it is possible to bring down tension levels, which in turn allows the mind to function in a smoother manner and concentrate on tasks more effectively.

Osteoarthritis

One of the other benefits of Tai Chi is that it has been found to reduce inflammation and joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis. It is also known to have benefits for patients suffering from other types of arthritis. Regular practice of Tai Chi can help these patients' live healthy, pain free and normal lives. If started early in life, the practice of Tai Chi strengthens the joints and surrounding ligaments and thereby improves the body's immunity against the possible onset of arthritis.

Sleep

Tai Chi has the ability to improve the soundness of sleep. Studies conducted by researchers at the University of Oregon found that Tai Chi improves both the quality and length of sleep among practitioners. Not only that, Tai Chi can also bring down the number of sleep interruptions in a big way.

Shingles

Tai Chi has been found to improve the body's immunity to the varicella-zoster virus that is responsible for causing the painful condition called shingles. When used in combination with vaccines, Tai Chi can significantly boost the immune response of the body to the virus and lead to faster treatment.

Hypertension

Studies have shown that one of the benefits of Tai Chi include the ability to bring down and keep high blood pressure under control. This is very important for heart patients as high blood pressure can lead to a worsening of their heart condition. By practicing Tai Chi on a daily basis, such patients can lead healthier lives.

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