Tai Chi is often described as “meditation in motion” or “medication in motion”–there is growing evidence that this mind-body practice has value in treating and preventing many health problems associated with stress and aging.
The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. This exercise can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.
This type of low-impact, weight-bearing, aerobic yet relaxing exercise enhances physical and mental health at any age, gender, socio-economic level, race, community, and/or religious affiliation.
Research has shown that regular Tai Chi practice enhances your body’s immune system. In a shingles study, researchers found that Tai Chi prompted a similar immune response to the varicella zoster virus as that prompted by the varicella vaccine. (source)
Practicing Tai Chi increases the quality and duration of your sleep. (source) Insomnia is rampant in America these days and not just amongst the elderly. (source) We know that your sleep patterns directly impact your health and poor sleep patterns are linked to increase in disease (hypertension, diabetes, depression, stress, cancer, increased mortality, and reduced quality of life and productivity). Sleep deprivation also increases the odds of accidents.
Anxiety, depression and stress are amongst the most common mental diseases in America. Adults, teens and children suffer from these debilitating daily challenges. (source) Tai Chi has proved to be effective and safe for treating, and even preventing, mental health issues. (source)
Since Tai Chi is a weight bearing activity, by design it is naturally bone strengthening. (source) But Tai Chi also does something that other weight bearing activities, like walking or weight lifting don’t. (source) Tai Chi is extra bone strengthening because the movements open, strengthen and energize the ‘channels’ of the body. (1) (2) Just like the earth is healthiest when its rivers are clean, full and flowing freely; we as humans are the same. We want our ‘channels’ clean, full and running freely. Tai Chi does just this.
This exercise doesn’t just strengthen the bones, it strengthens all of your body’s organs! You will improve the health of any and all organs of your body with a regular Tai Chi practice. Don’t want the aches and pains of aging? Tai Chi has shown to slow the aging process. A real ‘miracle pill’ without any side effects. (source)
It boosts the immune system, strengthens the bones, calms the mind and spirit, improves sleep quality, keeps you feel and look younger, plus so much more.
Check out the calendar for group classes or schedule a class for a 1:1 taichi lesson for your personalized needs.