"Tai Chi is often described as 'meditation in motion,' but it might be called 'medication in motion.' There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice has value in treating or preventing many health problems." - Harvard Medical Health Publication 05/09
Tai Chi promotes serenity through gentle movements - connecting the mind and body. Originally developed in China as a form of self-defense, Tai Chi is a graceful form of exercise that has existed for some 2,000 years. Practiced regularly, Tai Chi can help you reduce stress and enjoy other health benefits.
Tai Chi is a non-comptetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do Tai Chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pausing.
Anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can practice Tai Chi. It doesn't take physical prowess. Rather, Tai Chi emphasizes technique over strength.
Like other practices that bring mind and body together, Tai Chi can reduce stress. During Tai Chi, you focus on movement and breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Stress, anxiety and tension should melt away as you focus on the present, and the effects may last well after you stop your Tai Chi session.
Tai Chi is generally safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Older adults may especially find Tai Chi appealing because the movements are low impact and put minimal stress on muscles and joins. Tai Chi may also be helpful if you have arthritis or are recovering from an injury.
Despite its ancient history, Tai Chi has been studied scientifically only in recent years. And that research is suggesting that Tai Chi may offer numerous other benefits beyond stress reduction including:
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- Improving balance and coordination
- Reducing the number of falls
- Improving sleep quality, such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day
- Slowing bone loss in women after menopause
- Lowering blood pressure
- Improving cardiovascular fitness
- Relieving chronic pain
- Improving everyday physical functioning
© 2010 The Center of Motion
