Benefits of Tai Chi
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By Suzy Chan | Published May 2006
The Tai Chi exercise program is beneficial
for you both physically and mentally. It is an
exercise program for relaxation, increasing
concentration, improving our overall health,
and for toning the body. The basic exercises
concentrate on the breathing aspect as well
as the spiritual aspect. The movements must
be done very slowly and fl owing. This slow,
relaxed, fl owing approach helps people of
all ages to improve their physical condition,
decrease fatigue, and develop endurance. Tai
chi exercises help to manipulate the cardiovascular
system by increasing the circulation
of blood and oxygen to all parts of the body.
The combination of turning, stretching, and
twisting movements works to release tension
and allows every part of the body to be exercised without strain.
Tai Chi relieves many stress related and
degenerated conditions. By practicing Tai Chi
daily, your concentration, co-ordination, and
fl exibility will improve. Those who suffer
from back pain, arthritis, bad posture, stress,
or high blood pressure will fi nd this exercise
very benefi cial. Your posture will improve,
the muscles of your legs, thighs, and pelvis
will strengthen, which in turn improve your
balance. The slow breathing techniques will
help those who are suffering with nervous
tension and the stress of daily activities. As
you learn to use your body more effi ciently
you will defi nitely feel an improvement in
your health, strength, and stamina over a
period of time. In recent years, this form of
exercise has been used for nervous tension,
rheumatism, ulcers and for increasing blood
circulation.
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Unlike other exercises, Tai Chi is an exercise
program for the young and old. For
the young, besides toning and strengthening
the body, it provides a good foundation for
improving their concentration and learning
patience. For the more mature individual,
the slow movements make it possible for
anyone to practice this art form to a ripe old age, without any worry of begin injured. One of the fi rst problems with aging is lack
of balance resulting in falls on stairways or
from just daily activities. Therefore, the
combination of strengthening the legs and improving the circulation is very important for a stronger body. A stronger body improves
balance.
We also tend to suffer from bone loss due
to lack of exercise, calcium defi ciency, our
lifestyle or family history, resulting in brittle
bones and fractures. Tai Chi stresses good
posture and balance. The ability of Tai Chi to
rejuvenate and strengthen the bones makes it
a valuable exercise program. The slow, soft
fl owing and continuous movements of Tai
Chi develop the muscles and strengthen the
back, abdomen, legs and arms.
The deep breathing exercises help to
massage the internal organs and the constant
twisting of the waist help in the circulation
of the blood to all parts of the body.
The breathing techniques also assist those
who suffer from sleeplessness, as it will help
the mind to relax to relieve stress. Relief
from stress helps people with the prevention
of high blood pressure.
Tai Chi is a form of meditation in motion.
Once we have balance in life, we are
in harmony with our body and our immune
system performs better. With proper diet and
a balanced lifestyle, we can prevent illness
and prolong our lives.
Edited Text taken from the book “The Tai Chi World of Suzy Chan” author Suzy Chan |
