Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese form of martial arts. It was originally developed as one of the many types of combat-oriented form of martial arts but quickly became more accepted due to its health beneficial aspects. The Chinese monks practised Tai Chi Chuan specifically for its ability to promote long life. The same knowledge has been passed down, and that trend continues till today.
However, over the years, there have been various advancements in the field of exploring the health benefits of Tai Chi. The modern health beneficial aspects of Tai Chi makes up for an impressive list backed by years of studies and research. What makes Tai Chi even more appealing is its bare minimum requirement list. As opposed to what most exercise regime demands, particularly physical attributes, Tai Chi can be implemented by almost anyone.
There have been some significant findings of the various health beneficial aspect of Tai Chi. Some of the more specific revelations about such benefits are Tai Chi for Arthritis and chronic pain as well.
Here are 5 of the most compelling benefits of Tai Chi Chuan
- Tai Chi is a practical exercise regime for all ages
Tai Chi’s low (very low) physical requirement is definitely something that not many conventional exercise regimes provide. In fact, it is the complete opposite of it. Tai Chi Chuan involves slow and meditative motion of the body in order to get your body in perfect synchronism with each other. It can look deceptively ineffective and straightforward, but it produces some astonishing results in the long run.
This factor is particularly crucial and advantageous for older adults, who have problems with their limited upper body strength and mobility as well.
- Endurance and Strength
Strength and endurance are two of the major concerns in any types of physical exercise regime techniques. Tai Chi Chuan in particular ticks off this box with convincing positive results. One of the major health benefits of Tai Chi exists in the form of improving body posture, especially in senior citizens. This, in turn, improves the flexibility, mobility and also the endurance aspect helping them to maintain a stable stance and minimise the risk of falling.
- Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is one of the most predominant forms of Musculoskeletal disorder. Some of the vital symptoms of the disorder include widespread pain across several body parts such and memory issues and sleep deprivations. The more concerning aspect is that there are currently limited practical cure to Fibromyalgia.
However, a study conducted on a group of Tai Chi Practitioners showed that participating in Tai Chi exercise weekly for 6 weeks improved their overall health and reduced various crucial symptoms of Fibromyalgia as well.
- Improves the aerobic capacity
It is only natural, especially for older adults to lose some of their aerobic capacity as they age. However, professionals suggest that such abilities can be regenerated up to a specific limit with the help of regular body movement exercises. Tai Chi happens to be one those body movement exercises that have proven effective in recent years.
A meta-review performed on a group of people showed that adults practising Tai Chi regularly displayed better aerobic capacity than other people of the same age group.
- Stress relief
Reducing the stress level is one of the most crucial and also one of the most practical benefits of Tai Chi. Several studies have shown conclusive evidence to support the claim as well. The main components involved in making Tai Chi such an effective health benefiting exercise is primarily due to its slow and meditative nature.
Such calm and graceful movements help in getting your mind and body in perfect synchronism with one another. Studies have shown that Tai Chi produces identical results as that of stress-relief therapy sessions.