What Are The Contributions Of Tai Chi To Health
The practice of tai chi not only helps us to achieve greater balance and avoid falls, but it also has psychological and physical benefits
Originally from ancient China, tai chi is a passive martial art that combines structured movements in a firm, slow and synchronized way, which makes it one of the most effective exercises.
In the following article, we talk about tai chi and the benefits it offers to physical and mental health.
Tai chi health benefits
Although Tai Chi is an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and offers immediate benefits.
The essential principles of this martial art include the integrity of the mind and body through the control of movements in sync with the breath. Therefore, it helps to generate internal energy, peace of mind, relaxation and serenity.
- The ultimate goal of tai chi is to cultivate Qi or internal vital energy, making it flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body.
- The total harmony of the internal and external being comes from the integration of the mind and the body, strengthened through a Qi, as established by a famous Tao mantra.
To achieve even better results, Tai Chi health programs are modernized incorporating medical science.
1. Reduce pain
Doing tai chi works to reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis. With frequent practice, you can help reduce or prevent the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Tai Chi is beneficial for improving balance and physical function in people with osteoarthritis. Other benefits have also been found such as:
- Reduction of pain and fatigue.
- Improvements in mood and depression.
- Increased vitality and lower disability rate for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- The practice of this martial art can reduce the risk factors associated with low bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
2. Improve self-esteem
Tai Chi has been found to be a beneficial adjunct to traditional cancer treatment. This helps improve self-esteem and quality of life without excessive physical effort.
Plus, it’s easy to add to a daily routine and increases arm and shoulder range of motion in cancer survivors.
3. An exercise suitable for people with heart disease
Its main health benefit derives from the cardiovascular nature of tai chi, which is a beneficial complementary exercise for those suffering from heart disease.
Similarly, it is a perfect activity for those who cannot perform more extreme exercises.
Tai chi benefits for the body
On the other hand, tai chi offers benefits that improve the physical capacities and conditions of your body with practice, among which the following stand out:
Improve balance
Tai Chi movements are steady and slow, moving from side to side to coordinate upper body movements. These movements help the core regain balance and reduce the risk of falls in the elderly.
Strength and flexibility
For the same reasons, the regular and constant practice of tai chi increases the strength and level of physical performance of the body. Maintaining good posture is an essential part of consistent Tai Chi practice. In this way, we strengthen the back and improve the general posture of the body.
The range of movements that this martial art has also helps to improve flexibility.
Positive for the heart
As a cardiovascular exercise, tai chi help prevent chronic diseases such as heart problems or imbalances in blood pressure.
Improve coordination
The practice helps improve hand-eye coordination, as well as upper and lower body coordination with the slow rhythmic movements involved.
Correct breathing
Breathing is one of the three parts of tai chi. The deep breathing that is part of this practice helps treat respiratory complications such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
Also, smooth rhythmic movements and breathing help distract from a hectic lifestyle.
Finally, the coordination of the breath together with the movement of the eye of the hand promotes calm. In this way, tai chi is presented as one of the most recommended practices to reduce stress.
