What are the Health Benefits of Tai Chi?
The Chinese healing art of Tai Chi has been around for more than 2,000 years. But it is only recently that scientists have explored and discovered its myriad physical and emotional benefits. The results of the various studies are surprising and inspiring. The health benefits of Tai Chi range from reducing weight and lowering blood pressure to keeping away stress and anxiety and from managing symptoms of diabetes and arthritis to improving the quality of life in cancer patients.
Tai Chi for Physical Health
The gentle and slow ballet-like movements of Tai Chi look almost effortless to the naked eye. But research shows that they improve balance, flexibility, and coordination and help prevent slips and falls, especially in the elderly. The unsupported arm exercise and postures where the practitioner has to maintain balance on one leg enhance muscular strength in the upper and lower bodies. Tai Chi also conditions the core muscles, which benefits people suffering from back pain.
The slow movements of Tai Chi are especially beneficial for people suffering from arthritis, musculo-skeletal disorders like Fibromyalgia, and pain caused by poor gait or from sitting hunched for long hours in front of the computer. Many of these people cannot undergo any other form of exercise because of their conditions, but Tai Chi helps them regain their earlier range of motions.
Tai Chi can reduce body weight and lower blood pressure. An hour of doing Tai Chi burns about 240 calories in a 125-pound person and approximately 356 calories in a 185-pound person. These numbers roughly equate to what you would burn if you walk at a moderate pace for an hour. So regular Tai Chi practice will help you fight flab, which in turn, lowers blood pressure and decreases your risk of developing diabetes and cardiac diseases.
Tai Chi for Emotional Well-Being
Tai Chi is a comprehensive mind-body healing exercise system. The slow deliberate movements of Tai Chi are aligned with the breath, and the practitioner has to center his thoughts in the present moment and focus on this act of synchronization. This meditative act calms the mind and busts stress and anxiety. It also helps keep away depression and other negative emotions. Regular Tai Chi practice makes you feel positive and confident.
Chronic stress is the harbinger of a host of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiac illnesses, and gastro-intestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Being stress-free and optimistic improves your physical health by preventing many grave medical conditions. The relaxation techniques of Tai Chi help people suffering from chronic pain cope with their condition. Tai Chi has also been found to improve the quality of life in breast cancer patients.
You know what the health benefits of Tai Chi are. The fringe benefits are no less profound.
What are the Health Benefits of Tai Chi?
Health and happiness positively affect other spheres of your life. When you are not battling niggling and painful symptoms of diseases, you can fulfill your duties satisfactorily and do what is close to your heart. This gives you confidence in your abilities, instills in you an optimistic outlook, and fills you with the courage to respond to challenges and take risks en route to your dreams. When you are calm and can think non-judgmentally, you “respond” rather than “react.” So your relationships improve.
Free Tai Chi Video: Breathing Exercises
Tai Chi is a holistic healing program for the mind, body, and soul. It is heartening to know anyone can gain Health Benefits of Tai Chi.
Learn more about the health benefits of tai chi:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/HB_web/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi.htm#art1
http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2011/02/26/for-health-benefits-try-tai-chi.aspx
http://www.livestrong.com/article/424966-calories-burned-by-tai-chi/
http://www.medicinenet.com/tai_chi/page2.htm
