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Tai Chi: an ancient practice for modern wellness

Did 2024 teach you that it’s time to slow down? To prioritise restorative moments and reconnect with yourself? Introducing… Tai Chi! Tai Chi is a mind-body practice with roots in ancient Chinese Tradition.1https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tai-chi-what-you-need-to-know It originated as a martial art. It comprises slow-flowing movements and physical postures with controlled breathing and meditative mindfulness.

Benefits include stress relief, improved flexibility, mental clarity, and improved balance. Commonly referred to as “Meditation in motion”, Tai Chi translates to “Supreme Ultimate”. Grounded in Taoist roots, it represents the balance of yin and yang and how everything in nature works in harmony with each other.2https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/what-is-tai-chi/#Health%20benefits%20of%20Tai%20Chi The movements within Tai Chi embody this balance with the aim of harmonising energy and action. It has long been associated with seniors due to its slower nature. As both a physical and meditative practice, it has benefits for any age3https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140024/ or fitness level.

How Tai Chi could enhance your mind, body & wellbeing

Reduces stress and anxiety and improves wellbeing – The combination of deep breathing and rhythmic movements engages the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn helps to promote relaxation and stress reduction.4https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/article/30/Supplement_5/ckaa166.1375/5915615?login=false

Improved focus – The mindfulness element of Tai Chi encourages you to be present with each movement, helping to improve mental clarity.

Improves both flexibility and joint health – The low impact movements and gentle stretches can enhance joint flexibility and range of motion.

Supports heart health – This allows for a slow increase in heart rate and supports healthy blood pressure.

Can help prevent falls – One study found that Tai Chi may be beneficial for improving balance and reducing falls in older people and those with Parkinson’s disease.5https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31981834/

Can help with Parkinson’s disease – Long-term practice of Tai Chi has been shown to improve motor function, balance and gait for those with Parkinson’s disease and may even enhance brain network function, amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter metabolism and energy metabolism.6https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35125106/

Helps to manage chronic pain – Tai Chi is increasingly being used to treat chronic pain conditions, with one study focusing on chronic neck pain showing a 50% reduction in pain after just 12 weeks of Tai Chi.7https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526590016301055

Curious? Here’s how you can get started

  • Look out for qualified instructors and Tai Chi classes locally to yourself.
  • Start off slowly with beginner friendly classes around 10-25 minutes long.
  • Clothing should be breathable and comfortable and shoes should be flat.
  • There are many instructional videos on platforms YouTube, like those by Dr Paul Lam, who has videos such as Tai Chi for Arthritis.
  • There are many other online resources and classes available on websites such as Udemy and Masterclass.
  • Pay attention to your breathing and allow it to flow gently with your movements.
  • Listen to your body allow yourself to enjoy it without any pressure to perfect it & avoid overexerting yourself.

To read more on how movement can benefit you see here 😊

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.

References

Questions? Talk to a Nutritional Therapist on live chat!

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