Benefits of Tai Chi

 

The benefits of tai chi include the reduction of stress, anxiety,  depression, and the enhancement of mood, both in both healthy people and in those with chronic conditions.

Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.

The benefits of Tai Chi for seniors are incredible. A low-impact, relaxing form of exercise that only requires about 20 minutes a day and rewards your efforts with better health and energy.

 This meditative form of exercise consists of a series of  movements arranged in specific patterns called forms. You may have seen groups of people demonstrating its slow-moving circular forms in public parks.

 Many senior facilities have been enjoying this style of workout and conditioning for more than 20 years.

 What are the Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi.

Tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for the health of mind and body and is taught around the world. Tai chi helps people to relax and feel better.

The medically documented benefits are:

Relieves physical effects of stress

Promotes deep breathing

Reduces bone loss in menopausal women

Improves lower body and leg strength

Helps with arthritis pain

Requires mind and body integration through mental imagery

Accumulates energy by releasing endorphins rather than depleting it

Enhances mental capacity and concentration

Improves balance and stability by strengthening ankles and knees

Promotes faster recovery from strokes and heart attacks

Improves conditions of Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s

Better mood, with lower levels of depression, stress, and anxiety

Greater aerobic capacity and muscle strength

More energy and stamina

Enhanced flexibility, balance, and agility

Lower blood pressure and improved heart health

Reduced Inflammation

Fewer falls.

Other benefits are said to include better sleep quality and an enhanced immune system.

 Harvard Medical School, in its May 2009 health publication, suggests that tai chi, which is often called meditation in motion, might well be referred to as “medication in motion,” for in addition to preventing falls and reducing the effects of arthritis, the practice of tai chi has been shown to be helpful for a number of medical conditions including; low bone density, breast cancer and its side effects, heart disease and failure, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, sleep problems, and stroke.

 A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) found that people with Parkinson's disease who practiced tai chi experienced significantly improved gait and posture, and fewer falls.

 Chronic heart failure

 Research at Harvard Medical School and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients with chronic heart failure who regularly practiced tai chi experienced a better quality of life and mood, and that they slept better.

 Fibromyalgia

 Other research suggests that in people with fibromyalgia, tai chi can bring relief from joint pain and other symptoms.

 Diabetes

 A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has indicated that tai chi can improve blood glucose levels and immune system response in patients with type 2 diabetes.

 Depression

 The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry has indicated that a weekly tai chi exercise class with a standard depression treatment for a group of older adults with depression could help to treat depressive symptoms.

 Another study suggests that it can help people with Parkinson disease, traumatic brain injury, insomnia, substance abuse, and cognitive impairment.

 There is evidence that tai chi can help improve cognitive function and reduce the effects of dementia. It has been shown to reduce inflammatory response in patients with breast cancer, which may, say researchers, have implications for breast cancer survivorship.

 A study published in Annals showed that tai chi led to lower pain levels and fewer symptoms of depression.

 A review of tai chi, published in the open access journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, concludes that tai chi can have positive psychological effects, but that more high quality, randomized trials are needed to confirm this.

 While tai chi is a gentle, low-impact activity, people are advised to seek medical advice before starting, especially older people, pregnant women, and those with back pain or osteoporosis.

Check out this link from Harvard Health: The Health Benefits of Tai Chi - Harvard Health Publishing -oo https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/the-health-benefits-of-tai-ch