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Taichi is one of the most popular Chinese internal martial arts, where it consists of smooth, rhythmic, gentle and graceful circular movements. Breathing is deep and relaxed and is in accordance to the tempo of the Taichi movements. These movement techniques help to integrate the mind and body which allows achievement of total harmony of the body.
Taichi has become an increasingly popular form of physical exercises around the world for all ages, both as a basic exercise program and as a complement to health care methods. Regardless of your age, Taichi can offer both physical and mental benefits to your health and fitness. Here are NewAgeTaichi top 10 reasons to give Taichi a try.
Increased flexibility and reduced risk of injury – Improvements in posture alignment, strength and flexibility have been attributed to Taichi among those individual who practice the exercise. Its slow circular movements allow for gentle stretching and warming up of muscles, tendons and ligaments and are often compared to continuous passive movement which is used to increase the speed of healing. Taichi also allows for compression to the joint which aids in providing nutrients to the surrounding cartilage.
Focused breathing and concentration – A primary component of Taichi is the rhythmic breathing that emphasizes a relaxed state of mind and body which encourages strong blood circulation. During Taichi practices, oxygenated blood flows to the muscles and brain.
The mind-body connection – Rather than mindlessly going through the motions, Taichi requires you to focus all of your energies on performing each movement precisely. When coupled these Taichi movements and breathing together, it is said to dissipate stress and anxiety. This also helps in improving the neural muscular adaptation in the body.
Greater strength and stamina – Taichi also improves strength and stamina physically through the various Taichi routine practices. It helps to generate the inner energy, which revitalizes the physical system, promote strength and stamina as well as flexibility and relaxation. The slower the tempo and the lower the movement posture, the greater the strength and endurance benefit that can be achieved. This is especially true when the Taichi practice is done in the correct posture alignment and movement patterns.
Fewer muscle imbalances – Those who are new to Taichi may notice muscle and flexibility imbalances throughout the body, which is often the primarily cause of body aches and soreness. Taichi movements are specially designed which consists of carefully well coordinated natural body movement to help correct these imbalances over time by proper posture alignment and movement patterns.
Better balance and stability – Balancing require you to engage the core stabilizer muscles, which can help improve overall stability. In Taichi, the movements transition emphasize on the focus of weight transfer, which activates a lot of the core stabilizer muscles. Over time, the body will acquire better balance and stability which helps to prevent falls and injuries.
Improved posture – Taichi helps to strengthen and open up tight areas such as the shoulders and muscles of the upper back, which is necessary for good posture. Taichi also focus on the body being erect and spine neutral during practices which helps to keep the body and spine in neutral alignment.
Greater kinesthetic body awareness – Taichi requires you to contract and/or relax specific muscles during practice, thereby increasing kinesthetic awareness of the body’s strengths and weaknesses. Kinesthetic body awareness is improved through Taichi slow and rhythmic movements that focus on proper postures and constant muscle contraction and relaxation during the Taichi routine that increases neutral muscular activities.
Stress reduction – Taichi helps soothe the mind and lower stress levels by focusing the mind on the inner self and the Taichi movements rather than on external distractions.
Cross-training benefits – Taichi combines flexibility, strength training, agility and balance to create a holistic mind-body physical activity that is a perfect addition to any fitness regimen.
Scientific investigation has shown that the physiological, psychological and social benefits that develop through the regular practice of Taichi are long lasting among this population.
