Tai Chi is a form of Chinese martial arts that emphasizes relaxation and medication. It has been called meditation in motion. Unlike hard martial arts, Tai Chi is a series of soft flowing movements that emphasize force rather than brute strength. The movements must be executed precisely.
Tai Chi arises out of two Chinese philosophies, the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching. Both of these emphasize what the Chinese call "chi”, an ancient Chinese notion designating a form of energy. According to the philosophy of tai chi, this energy or chi flows throughout the body, but can become blocked. According to tai chi philosophy, one becomes ill when the flow of the chi through the body becomes blocked. The movements in Tai Chi reestablish the flow of energy.
Despite its lack of high kicks and throw downs, Tai Chi has a number of health benefits. In fact, if you are looking for an exercise that can improve your energy, youthfulness and add to your longevity, Tai Chi may be the answer. Scientific studies have shown that this graceful form of martial art can improve energy, youthfulness and add to longevity. It’s long list of health benefits, include:
• Stress reduction
• Improves balance and reduced falls - thus preventing fractures
• Slows bone loss in post menopausal women
• Was more effective than water exercise for those with arthritis
• Reduces tension headaches
• Shows significant improvement in persons who have Osteoarthritis and who did this exercise
• Decreases blood pressure in those with hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Improves blood lipid scores (cholesterol)
• Improves mood and sense of well being of practitioners Appears useful for those in the early stages of Parkinson's disease
• Improves quality of life and range of motion in breast cancer survivors
• Enhances immune response
• Improves flexibility and kinesthetic sense
As an exercise form, Tai Chi has many practical benefits. It requires no special equipment and almost anyone can safely take part. It’s easy on joints, so older or overweight adults and those with arthritis can take part.
In addition to its physical benefits, Tai Chi can help your psychological health as well. As a form of meditation, Tai Chi, can help you deal with stress. Look for classes at yoga centers, health clubs and even at community resources like park districts and YMCA’s. Or look for video programs and practice it at home.
Tai Chi arises out of two Chinese philosophies, the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching. Both of these emphasize what the Chinese call "chi”, an ancient Chinese notion designating a form of energy. According to the philosophy of tai chi, this energy or chi flows throughout the body, but can become blocked. According to tai chi philosophy, one becomes ill when the flow of the chi through the body becomes blocked. The movements in Tai Chi reestablish the flow of energy.
Despite its lack of high kicks and throw downs, Tai Chi has a number of health benefits. In fact, if you are looking for an exercise that can improve your energy, youthfulness and add to your longevity, Tai Chi may be the answer. Scientific studies have shown that this graceful form of martial art can improve energy, youthfulness and add to longevity. It’s long list of health benefits, include:
• Stress reduction
• Improves balance and reduced falls - thus preventing fractures
• Slows bone loss in post menopausal women
• Was more effective than water exercise for those with arthritis
• Reduces tension headaches
• Shows significant improvement in persons who have Osteoarthritis and who did this exercise
• Decreases blood pressure in those with hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Improves blood lipid scores (cholesterol)
• Improves mood and sense of well being of practitioners Appears useful for those in the early stages of Parkinson's disease
• Improves quality of life and range of motion in breast cancer survivors
• Enhances immune response
• Improves flexibility and kinesthetic sense
As an exercise form, Tai Chi has many practical benefits. It requires no special equipment and almost anyone can safely take part. It’s easy on joints, so older or overweight adults and those with arthritis can take part.
In addition to its physical benefits, Tai Chi can help your psychological health as well. As a form of meditation, Tai Chi, can help you deal with stress. Look for classes at yoga centers, health clubs and even at community resources like park districts and YMCA’s. Or look for video programs and practice it at home.
