Healthy for body and mind
You’ve probably seen it on TV: dozens of Chinese people performing slow movements in a park. They do tai chi. And because there is increasing scientific evidence that this way of exercising is really healthy for body and mind, tai chi is now also becoming popular in the West.
The movement theory is actually called t’ai chi ch’üan, which literally means ‘ultimate best fist’. Tai chi was originally a martial art, but both in China, the country of origin, and in the West, tai chi is nowadays mainly practiced as a meditative exercise that improves health.
The movements bring body and mind into balance and thus promote natural functioning. From a Harvard Medical School publication: “You could call tai chi meditation in motion. There is mounting evidence that these mind-body exercises are valuable in the prevention and treatment of many health problems.”
Energy must flow
This is how it works in Chinese philosophy. You are mentally and physically healthy when yin (the earthly, feminine energy) and yang (the heavenly, masculine energy) are in perfect balance. Yin and yang are the two opposing forces that define life, they are opposites that need and complement each other. One cannot exist without the other; without day there is no night, without evil there is no good, without sickness there is no health.
The slow movements of tai chi harmonize these yin and yang forces by optimizing the flow of energy (chi) in our body. Energy blockages are lifted, an energy flow that is too strong is inhibited, an energy that is too weak is stimulated. If the energy can flow through the body again, it is good for blood circulation, the digestive system and the nervous system. Organs will function better. Tensions and vague complaints disappear. According to the Chinese.
Scientifically Viewed
But even for Westerners there are plenty of reasons to believe that tai chi is a healthy way of exercising. For example, there are studies that showed that tai chi arthritis can help prevent and even reduce existing complaints. Other studies have shown that tai chi improves posture, strengthens muscles and helps maintain physical balance, including in the elderly, making them less likely to lose their balance or fall. And because the movements are performed standing, tai chi stimulates bone building and helps osteoporosis prevent. It also improves the heart, circulation, breathing and lungs, the central nervous system and the functioning of all organs.
In addition, Chinese movement theory is aimed at letting go of stress and tension. The University of Miami therefore conducted research into the influence of tai chi on hyperactivity. After ten lessons the participants had less problems with concentration loss, ‘daydreaming behaviour’, unwanted emotions and hyperactivity. They could concentrate better and control their emotions better. Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand, investigated the effect of tai chi on psychiatric patients. Result: the patients suffered less from depression, confusion, anger, tension and fear and scored better on energy and happiness.
The reduction of stress in turn has a beneficial effect on the whole body, especially on the immune system. It is therefore not surprising that a scientific study among the elderly showed that their defenses clearly improved when they started to practice tai chi. In addition, scientists suspect that tai chi could play a role in combating memory loss in the elderly.
Tai chi is not the appropriate method for improving the condition. For example, cycling and walking are better for this.
everyone can do it
There are different styles within tai chi. The yang style, for example, is mainly performed slowly and the chen style also has explosive moments. The slow, graceful and continuous movements performed in a fixed sequence are characteristic of all forms of tai chi; they provide more strength and flexibility and improve balance. An important part of the lessons consists of learning and practicing the ‘form’: a fixed series of flowing movements, made up of various postures.
Anyone can practice tai chi, regardless of age and physical condition. The exercises do not place a heavy burden on the heart, lungs, muscles or bones. All you need to learn tai chi is time and patience. Because although tai chi is not physically demanding, the exercises are not easy. A good teacher is important, as is a pleasant environment – practicing in a park is ideal.
Sources):
- Plus Magazine
