Tai Chi is arguably one of the most relaxing forms of mind and body exercise routines that is based on slow, flowing, and choreographed movements. The classic texts to Tai Chi say that it can help you to become “Strong as an oak, flexible as a willow, and [mentally] clear as still water.”
Tai Chi is sometimes referred to as being meditation in motion, one that scientific study is building a growing body of evidence revealing more health benefits that can be achieved from this practice, which is why some also call Tai Chi medication in motion.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that is becoming recognized widely as being one of the ways to improve both mental and physical health that can be applied for every level of health, from beginner to advanced.
Older adults who practiced Tai Chi 1-3 times a week have been shown to be 43% less likely to fall due to improved balance, and this cut their risk of injury from a fall by 50%. In addition it can help to relieve some neck, back, arthritis and fibromyalgia pain while helping to reduce age related cognitive decline and possibly slow dementia.
Tai Chi may help to reduce chances of developing heart disease, and in 82% of studies it helps to significantly improve moods, lower anxiety, and helps to ease the symptoms of depression. It promotes breathing techniques with deep calming breaths that can help to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.
Nearly 4 million people practice this relaxing, slow, and flowing movement form of exercise. Tai Chi may be so inviting because it is low impact and not about tensing muscles or pumping up the heart rate with fast motions, rather it emphasizes control and will help you to slow down and relax your muscles to allow the body to move more freely.
Among the variety of online sessions, even Harvard Health is promoting Tai Chi, and has produced an online video course that is narrated by researcher and instructor Peter Wayne, Ph.D., and performed by Tai Chi master Stanwood Chang.
No matter your age Tai Chi can help to boost athletic skills by helping to improve focus, as well as reduce stress, and beyond it’s restorative properties it can help you to age more gracefully and function at a higher level than those who don’t practice this ancient art.
Most beginner lessons are easy to follow and learn online, you can choose the time and set your own pace, while taking a pause or rewinding if needed. You can even fast forward or skip to sections that are more suited to what you are looking for, all while learning and gradually building your way up to more advanced classes. With the many benefits it provides, it may be worth trying for many people. Although it is generally safe, it is still recommended to check with your physician or certified medical instructor to avoid any possibility of complication.
