Tai Chi perfect mind and body exercise
Have you ever tried meditation? If you haven’t, don’t feel badly – it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But the wellness benefits for one’s mind are such that you should consider giving it another try. If sitting still isn’t working for you, you may want to consider Tai Chi. It has many of the same benefits as meditation, plus a few more.
Tai Chi is a non-competitive martial art that focuses on stretching, gentle movements, and mindfulness instead of offensive technique. This ancient Chinese tradition has been around since the 12th century, and has maintained popularity in Australia for many years. So let’s take a look at why you should give it a try.
Bigger brain
Several studies have shown that the practice of Tai Chi actually makes your brain bigger. According to results from Fudan University in China and the University of South Florida, seniors who practice Tai Chi three times a week for 40 weeks have increased brain volume. As grey matter usually shrinks with age, it’s astounding to know that there’s a way to turn back the clock.
Physical health benefits
It should come as no surprise that regular practice of Tai Chi’s slow, purposeful movements can help reduce the risk of falls in seniors. As well as better balance, people who practice Tai Chi attribute various physical benefits to the activity, including more energy, better flexibility, improved muscle strength, and greater aerobic capacity.
But what you might not know is that studies have indicated that Tai Chi can have marvellous positive effects on people suffering from various illnesses and chronic disease.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A study linked Tai Chi with improved blood glucose levels and immune system response.
- Chronic heart failure: Research has shown that sufferers of chronic heart failure who regularly practice Tai Chi experience a higher quality of life, have a better mood, and have less trouble sleeping.
- Parkinson’s disease: For people with Parkinson’s, practicing Tai Chi can provide significant improvements in gait and posture. It can also help reduce the risk of falls.
Stress less
Regular meditation can help improve neuroplasticity – the way in which our brains reorganise pathways in the brain according to our experiences. Neural connections such as these help provide emotional stability, which in turn helps us better deal with stressful situations.
Getting started
If you’d like to give Tai Chi a go, there are many videos online that will help you on your way. Experts stress that regular practice – not perfection – is the important thing to aim for when beginning Tai Chi. There are also many free or low-cost Tai Chi groups and classes run by community groups and councils around the country.
Have you ever tried Tai Chi? Did you notice a difference in your physical or mental wellbeing?
Related links:
10 life lessons from Confucius