The form of Tai Chi movements and the gentle manner in which they are made stretch the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a natural way, resulting in more flexibility, looser joints and a feeling of relaxation.
Blood flow is improved too – partly because of the looser joints – but mainly as a direct result of the stretching and relaxing exercises. Better blood circulation helps the lymphatic, nervous and digestive systems to run more efficiently as well. With good circulation, the body will heal and rejuvenate itself naturally.
Unlike other exercise regimes involving stretching, Tai Chi engages the whole body. The more you connect the whole body, the more relaxation is achieved and the more effective the exercise is.
See a 15 minute talk by Dr David Carson of the Canadian Tai Chi Academy explaing how this works
Pain can reduce, medication can work better and you can expect to feel lighter…and happier!
With good training and practice, many people report the benefits of:
- Better physical health
- Less stress and anxiety
- Reduced tension and pain
- Increases sense of well being
- Deeper refreshing sleep
- Higher energy levels
- More focus, better concentration
- Better functioning immune and cardiovascular system
- Improved flexibility, balance and motor co-ordination
Don’t just take our word for it – here are some links to the NHS web site:
- Exercise guidelines
- Improving flexibility and preventing falls
- or from the Harvard Medical School:
- The health benefits of tai chi
and from the BBC series “Trust me, I’m a Doctor”
News Articles
BBC News site article on reduction of falls at a care home
