10 Health Benefits of Tai Chi
I have been practicing Tai Chi since I was 4 years old.
Throughout the years I have enthusiastically tried to persuade my family members, friends and patients to take up this graceful ancient art. The multiple health benefits of Tai Chi are astounding.
A simple way to describe Tai Chi is to say that it involves ‘flowing’ through a series of movements (called forms) that are coordinated with deep breathing. In fact, Tai Chi is sometimes referred to as “meditation in motion”.
There are over 100 forms in Tai Chi. In this video I’m doing 24-Form Tai Chi. It’s what I like to call ‘beginner Tai Chi’.
In my opinion, all ‘newbie’ Tai Chi practicionners should start with these 24 forms. Experience has shown that trying to learn any more than this leads to confusion, frustration, and poor execution.
As you can see, in 24-Form Tai Chi, multiple joints and major muscle groups are exercised continuously…without the strain that can come from high-impact activities like jogging and aerobics.
Contrary to the commonly held belief that Tai Chi is for ‘old people’, Tai Chi is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Tai Chi is an excellent exercise for new mothers who want to win back their pre-baby body shape, beauty and health, for younger girls who wish to maintain a shapely, womanly figure…and yes, even for young and middle-aged males who wish to build strength, stamina and a fit body.
The numerous health benefits of Tai Chi include:
1) Decreased blood pressure
2) Improved immune function
3) Strengthens muscles while developing flexibility
4) Enhanced quality and duration of sleep
5) Improved posture, balance and coordination
6) Heightened mood and increased feeling of well-being
7) Increased range of motion
Reduced levels of stress hormones
9) Prevents or slows bone loss, especially in postmenopausal women
10) Decreased occurrence of injurious falls in elderly
While these are the most recently agreed upon health benefits of Tai Chi, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) expands this list into areas of health, longevity and wellness that Western medicine is now just beginning to investigate and understand (’Chi’ being the biggest one of these).
In upcoming blog posts, I will be sharing with you this TCM perspective on Tai Chi.
I look forward to discussing, sharing and collaborating with fellow TCM doctors and Tai Chi practicionners…as well as with Western doctors and anyone interested in health and wellness.
Please feel free to leave me your comments or questions.
Dr. Pauline Bao
