Tai Chi (PRONOUNCE CHEE)is a form of Chinese martial arts that is used in modern times for the purpose of health and wellness. It is a specific type of meditative movement that is often compared to yoga. However, while yoga requires one to hold poses, Tai Chi is rhythmic, and is more like a fluid dance where one flows from one move to the other.
The purpose of Tai Chi is to balance body, mind, and spirit in order to greatly enhance emotional and physical well-being. This balance is achieved by enabling the free flow of the qi (PRONOUNCE CHEE), or life energy. Tai Chi consists of three primary components: movement, meditation, and deep breathing.
The movement component of Tai Chi is very low impact, where slow gentle movements help to build strength and stamina without affecting the joints. Tai Chi helps to strengthen the muscles and bones, and improves flexibility, balance, and coordination, all of which are especially important concerns for the aging population. Many studies have shown that seniors who practice tai chi have better hand eye coordination, and are less prone to falls.
The meditation component involves channeling energy that is created by the movements to energy within the mind. Once the qi is calm and balanced within the body, the mind will be calm as well. Meditation channels this energy to bring calm and enlightenment, though it goes much deeper than that and involves achieving an awareness that permeates into your everyday life and sense of self.
The deep breathing component allows the body to release toxins, improve blood circulation, and release stress. Breathing also regulates the respiratory system, which helps to treat asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Breath work is another way to focus the mind and cleanse the spirit. One of the essential elements of Tai Chi is learning to “open” and “close” yourself through the movements.
Many believe that Tai Chi holds incredible healing powers, and various studies prove that the regular practice of Tai Chi improves many aspects of our health and general wellness and wellbeing.
Tai Chi improves bone health, muscle strength, coordination, flexibility, and general physical condition
It eases chronic pain, improves physical function and strengthens joints and muscles in those with fibromyalgia and arthritis
Tai Chi also helps insomnia, and stimulates the abdomen to aid digestion and relieve gastrointestinal conditions
Tai chi benefits the immune system helping those with viral infections.
It helps lower blood pressure and increases blood flow to the heart
Tai Chi has been proven to enhance the functional capacity of women with breast cancer and alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
The meditative aspect of Tai Chi, combined with the physical movements helps to greatly lower stress
Tai Chi is proven to reduce high blood pressure, which greatly reduces risk for stroke and helps stroke sufferers manage and alleviate post stroke symptoms.
The combination of physical and mental components along with breathing techniques help to align the mind, body and spirit, which in turn helps fight mental illness, such as depression and anxiety.
While Tai Chi instructors conduct their classes differently, a typical class will last about an hour and the routine you typically find at gyms and community centers is known as 24 Form Tai Chi, which consists of 24 specific moves, along with warm up, cool down and sometimes other relaxation components.
Incorporate Tai Chi into your healthy lifestyle, attend at least one class per week and practice daily at home to truly master it and reap all its great benefits.
Stay well and take care.
