Discover the benefits of going with the flow
When the majority of us Westerners think about martial arts, our thoughts inevitably turn to what we’ve seen on TV and in the movies. Perhaps you have visions of Chuck Norris, The Karate Kid or Bruce Lee taking on the bad guys with a series of aggressive (yet controlled) kicks and arm chops. But you may be surprised to learn that some forms of martial arts do not involve the fast-paced fighting techniques we tend to see most in our culture.
Enter tai chi.
The ancient Chinese practice of tai chi did begin as a martial art and was intended as a means of self-defense. But somewhere along the way, tai chi went one way while its more aggressive kin went another. Today, tai chi is known for its slow, rhythmic pace, meditative movements and various health benefits.
What is tai chi and how can it help?
Tai chi involves a series of low-impact, slow-motion exercises that you perform on your own or in a group. While there are many different styles, all of them involve relaxed, graceful movements guided by the breath. Tai chi offers many health benefits through its practice. The Chinese believe it can delay aging, increase flexibility, strengthen muscles/tendons and help with the treatment of many chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, cancer, and more).
Where does the philosophy come from?
The mind-body approach that tai chi follows is rooted in the Chinese philosophy surrounding Qi, and yin and yang. Qi is said to be the energy force that flows throughout the body while yin and yang are opposing forces that keep our Qi, and therefore our bodies, in harmony. Tai chi purportedly helps Qi flow properly through the body by balancing out the yin and the yang.
How is tai chi different from other exercises?
When we think of exercise, most of us imagine ourselves sweating it out on a cardio machine, running tirelessly around the track or partaking in a group fitness class, all of which involve some type of impact. When you practice tai chi, you’ll notice that all of the movements are circular and never forced. Your muscles are always relaxed and your joints are never fully extended or bent (which means your connective tissues are not stretched). Oftentimes, tai chi is recommended for improving balance in older adults and people recovering from surgery.
Can I really get a workout?
Although tai chi is slow and gentle and doesn’t leave you breathless, it addresses the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning. You may not be walking out the door dripping sweat but you will have worked to strengthen your muscles and release tensions throughout the body that may be affecting other areas of your life.
Types of tai chi
In tai chi, “forms” are sets of movements. Short forms may include a dozen or fewer movements while long forms may include hundreds. Different styles require smaller or larger movements. A short form with smaller, slower movements is usually recommended at the beginning, especially if you’re older or not in good condition.
If you’re interested in seeing if tai chi is right for you, visit the Arthritis Foundation’s website for a local list of classes or call 800-283-7800.
Sources
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/May/The-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/introduction.htm
This material is provided for informational use only and should not be construed as medical advice or used in place of consulting a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your doctor to determine what is right for you.