The T'ai chi is very popular in China, where massively practiced daily in parks and open spaces. Some call it moving mediation. The T'ai chi is also practiced worldwide and involves no risk in people of any age.

Both Chinese and doctors worldwide have documented numerous health benefits of t'ai chi, including improvements in balance, flexibility, endurance, blood pressure, overall heart health, mental health and symptoms associated with stroke, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's.

How does t'ai chi?

The T'ai chi, physically, is series of slow, deliberate and carefully orchestrated, learned from an experienced instructor. The movements focus on precise movement, breathing and consciousness. Today, tai chi is typically practiced for its health benefits. His character slow and low impact makes this an ideal exercise for elderly, sick or disabled.

At a very basic level, the t'ai chi may consist of four movements that incorporate a slight crouch, slight twist, moving the arms forward and up and over the head and legs moving side to side. Although simple, deliberate movements appear to increase muscle strength and concentration if done correctly.

Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Most Western scientific studies have focused on the element of tai chi chuan exercise. And the health benefits are numerous, while in the U.S. many hospitals taught t'ai chi classes for their patients.

Independent studies published in April 2013 in the journal PLoS ONE found that tai chi improves arthritis symptoms and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis, and tai chi improves respiration and endurance of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD).

In 2010 in the New England Journal of Medicine, was published that tai chi is a useful treatment for fibromyalgia, a neurological disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue.

Regular practice of Tai Chi improves psychological well-being including reduction of stress, anxiety, depression and mood disorder and an increase in self-esteem.

 

Photo By Peter Harrison from Auckland, New Zealand (Tai Chi Young and Old) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons