As well as improving strength, flexibility, balance and mental well-being, tai chi holds value in treating many health conditions.
As a mind-body practise, tai chi is restorative and has both immediate and long-lasting benefits. It is a slow-motion and low-impact exercise great for people of all ages or physical conditions. Tai chi movements are gentle rather than forced, allowing muscles to relax and for joints to remain loose rather than straining them in full extension.
Tai chi can be adapted for anyone, including those with limited movement. It is accessible for those who use a wheelchair or are recovering from surgery. The practise of tai chi has holistic benefits for a wide range of health-related issues.
How tai chi can help with asthma
All tai chi exercises focus on two breathing techniques – shallow and deep – that concentrate on inhaling slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth.
The techniques learned through tai chi help asthma sufferers with their breathing. Tai chi can improve lung function and reduce inflammation. The relaxation and gentle exercise techniques of tai chi also reduce stress (which can cause an asthma attack) and build stamina (with tiredness being another trigger for asthma).
How tai chi benefits internal organ health
The fluid movements of tai chi, involving circular, spiralling and gentle bending motions, have the effect of massaging our internal organs. Stress, poor posture, and restrictive working conditions can cause constrictions in internal organs. Tai chi can help relax the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys and spleen.
In a tai chi exercise, the closing part of the movement helps organs gently press out blood, toxins and fluids. When we perform the opening up movement, the organs are aided in drawing in fresh blood, fluid and nutrients.
Tai chi can help people with heart problems and conditions of the liver and kidneys. It has also been shown to aid digestive processes.
Tai chi and fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder and is associated with high levels of impaired health and painful symptoms. Aerobic exercise is often recommended for people with fibromyalgia, but pain and fatigue make that difficult for many.
The therapeutic approach of tai chi and its slow, smooth movements can make it more accessible to people with fibromyalgia than other forms of exercise. Those with fibromyalgia often report that tai chi has helped them with their pain management and other symptoms.
Tai chi for arthritis
Regular activity is also recommended for people with arthritis to improve joint stiffness and pain. However, many exercises are not suitable for people with the condition. Tai chi movements are short, safe and easy to learn, making them much more accessible for those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Tai chi has been shown to reduce arthritic pain and improve flexibility, muscle strength and fitness. Because tai chi helps with balance, it can also help prevent falls that are common for arthritis.
Tai chi and dementia
Tai chi can help slow the onset of dementia and improve cognitive function. Studies have shown that people with dementia enjoy tai chi sessions and that it can improve quality of life. People with dementia are twice as likely to suffer a fall, so tai chi techniques that concentrate on staying upright and balanced can be beneficial.
There are adapted programmes of tai chi for those with dementia. For example, a simple way is to have a caregiver accompany the person, and tai chi movements are followed with palm-to-palm contact. This helps the individual with dementia follow the exercise while having the reassurance of touch with someone familiar.
Tai chi is a beautiful way to work on your well-being while meeting new people. To find out more about how tai chi can improve your health, and learn about the accessible tai chi classes in Devon that I offer, why not get in touch for a friendly chat.