Strong Foundations: The Benefits of Tai Chi
Are you having a hard time staying consistent at the gym? Does sitting still to meditate lead you to more distraction than peace? Tai Chi could be the missing piece of your wellness puzzle.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involves the use of physical movement, mental Stimulation, and Spirituality to Heal and Prevent Disease.
Qi Gong and the Origins of Tai Chi
Qi Gong is a central concept of traditional Chinese medicine.
Buddhism, Taoism, and Medical Qi Gong Have Different Methods of Building Qi.
This refers to the intentional movement of the natural internal energy (Qi) that flows through our bodies and connects us with the universal elements around us. Stagnation of Qi is what leads to disease and worsening of health. (This should sound familiar to the spirituals in the room.) Qi Gong has been practiced for thousands of years in Eastern cultures , and is very much a part of daily life.
Tai Chi is more recent, and the origin story differs by the source. There are several popular styles of Tai Chi, ranging from low-intensity to armed combat. It was developed to be a more advanced form of Qi Gong.
Today, Tai Chi is mostly practiced as a moving meditation with methodically slow, circular movements that encourage healing. Through practice, you focus on building balance, breathing in rhythm, and flowing through each stance. At its highest levels, Tai Chi is a graceful martial art that can be used defensively (and is really cool to watch).
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How Tai Chi Can Improve Your Health
Activities that incorporate holistic principles are beneficial in multiple ways.
Tai Chi can have positive effects on your wellbeing, especially as it comes to age-related ailments.
-
Anxiety
Depression
Dementia
Insomnia/ Sleep Disorders
Parkinson’s Disease
Stress -
Asthma
Balance
Blood Pressure
Cancer and Chemo Symptom Relief
COPD
Fall Prevention
Flexibility
Immune System
Mobility
Nerve Pain
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Rehabilitation (physical therapy) -
Self Confidence
Self Reliance
Mind-Body Connection
Mental Clarity
Positivity
Universal/ Nature Connection
Tai Chi does involve bending and balance. Consult with your healthcare professional before you start. Practices can be modified to your needs.
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Is Tai Chi a Mindfulness Technique?
Tai Chi was developed as a martial art and requires mindfulness, discipline, and time to master.
Qi Gong Exercises The balance of opposing internal energies to Stay Aligned with Nature.
When you practice Tai Chi, you must remain present to coordinate fluidity in your motion and breathing. Similar to a hurricane, Tai Chi uses methodical acceleration of the extremities to create stillness and focus at the center.
Being mindful is important and beneficial to your health. It makes you more aware of internal changes and encourages healthier habits. Medical-focused Tai Chi builds your connection with your mind, your body, and nature.
What Is the Difference Between Tai Chi and Yoga?
Tai Chi and yoga practices share many of the same basic pillars.
Your goals will include mindfulness, focused breathing, and building flexibility while moving from one specific pose to another. Both can be practiced with groups or alone. Here are some key differences about Tai Chi:
Be patient and stay within your comfort zone. You can modify the positions as you practice and build your strength.
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Who Can Practice Tai Chi?
Tai Chi can be slow and gentle, and will not leave you struggling to breathe.
Tai Chi participants come in a wide range of age and Fitness Levels.
All you need is comfortable clothing and enough space to move around. Even with low intensity, it incorporates many components of fitness that can aid in the delay of chronic diseases. Flexibility, strength, self-awareness, and aerobic conditioning are all a part of proper Tai Chi practice.
There are probably Qi Gong and Tai Chi practices specific to your needs. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise.
If you are looking to mix up your workout routine or learn a new way to meditate, Tai Chi could be an option for you.
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References
Huston, P. (2016, November 1). Health benefits of tai chi: What is the evidence? PubMed. Retrieved March, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28661865/
Oh, B. (2020, June 30). The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PubMed. Retrieved March, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32629903/
Yeung, A. S. (2014, August 1). The effects of tai chi on depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. Retrieved March 7, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24078491/
Zou, L. (2020, September 15). Tai Chi for Chronic Illness Management: Synthesizing Current Evidence from Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials. PubMed. Retrieved March, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32946848/
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