Tai Chi is a Chinese therapeutic exercise, which originated as a martial art. In Eastern belief, the Chi is life force that circulates throughout the body through pathways called meridians. It is said that a disruption of the Chi can result in ill health. Tai Chi is a mental and physical exercise which promotes the proper stream of life energy.
The practice is constructed of a series of slow, graceful motions, and is often considered meditation in motion. Although Tai Chi's health benefits have not been clinically proven, I know first hand that practicing the martial art improves your physical condition as well as your spiritual and mental well being.
Here are 10 physical, spiritual and mental benefits of Tai Chi:
Tai Chi improves balance. Balance is important at every stage of life, but it is especially critical for the elderly. Good balance prevents falls, which are the leading cause of injury and disability in seniors. Because Tai Chi is a series of calculated, slow motions with shifts of body weight coordinating between the lower and upper body, it helps to steady the body and prevent falls.
Tai Chi improves posture. For those of us with desk jobs, or just plain poor posture, Tai Chi very well could be the answer. The choreographed motions of Tai Chi exercises force one to hold a series of stances, strengthening the back and helping you gain control over your posture.
Tai Chi reduces back pain. I was involved in a terrible car crash about three years ago. Since then, my back aches constantly. After about three weeks of practicing Tai Chi I noticed my back began to feel significantly better. It would still hurt sometimes, but the intervals between the pains were much longer. The exercises and postures stretch and strengthen the muscles, allowing for some pain relief.
Tai Chi reduces stress and anxiety. The slow, steady, graceful exercises help to slow down a racing mind. The meditative nature of the exercises requires full concentration, helping to take your mind off whatever may be causing anguish in your life.
Tai Chi is free. Although it is probably best to learn from a teacher, there are a plethora of articles, videos and books on the topic that can all be accessed free of charge. Most importantly, Tai Chi can be practiced anywhere and requires no equipment at all. We all know that less spending equals less stress!
Tai Chi improves overall quality of life. Taking 30 minutes to an hour to practice Tai Chi takes you out of the regular circumstances of your life. Focusing on your body, your mind and your breathing will relax you, and re-charge your battery.
Tai Chi improves functional mobility. Whether you are an elderly person or recovering from a broken bone or surgery, Tai Chi can help to improve range of motion. Because the exercises involve deliberate stretching and shifting of weight, your body begins to move more freely after practicing Tai Chi regularly.
Tai Chi gets you energized. Many of the people in my Tai Chi class reported having a significant increase of energy throughout the day. I'm not exactly sure how to explain this phenomenon. Perhaps turning your focus inward helps one to want to participate more in their daily activities.
Tai Chi improves emotional stability. Although this fact is not scientifically proven, studies show that regular practice of Tai Chi decreases cortisol levels in the body, helping to reduce or eliminate mood swings.
Tai Chi makes your heart stronger. Traditional cardiovascular exercises are not for everyone, as they may put too much of a strain on one's heart. Tai Chi prompts similar responses as any other workout, with less strain on the heart and lungs.
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