Tai Chi Exercise Improves Health and Longevity

A discussion of some of the many ways in which Tai Chi exercise promotes physical and emotional wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities. As an antidote to the stresses and problems of modern life, there is nothing better than Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is often referred to as Tai chi qigong, pronounced ‘chee gung’. This indicates that the proper practice of Tai Chi is inextricably linked to the system of qiqong, from which it derives its major health benefits. If you take out qiqong and teaching its martial applications, a Tai Chi class becomes mere exercise.

Chi is the vital energy of the body and the universe. Qigong is a system of posture, movement, breathing, meditation, visualization, and conscious intent. The aim of this is to gather, purify and circulate chi to promote health, vitality and longevity.

The benefits of Tai Chi for our health are derived in several ways. Although Tai Chi exercise is slow and graceful it actually burns more calories than surfing and nearly as many as downhill skiing. The deep abdominal breathing practiced in Tai Chi improves the health of the internal organs and aids digestion and metabolism.

Many people report weight loss and reduction in body fat, particularly from problem areas like the stomach and thighs. Tai Chi exercise is also an aid to better mental health. It is often referred to as moving meditation. The benefits of meditation are now well documented and accepted. It is a great way to protect against that modern day killer, stress. However, traditional methods of meditation can mean years of practice to achieve the desired state of tranquillity.

Tai Chi gives you something practical to focus on and makes it much easier to push away unwanted thoughts. Another drawback of our modern lifestyle is our lack of physical activity. Long hours in front of computers and in cars lead to poor posture and lack of flexibility. We are living longer but developing more problems.

Tai Chi exercise quickly improves posture and balance and in the longer term, suppleness and flexibility. It is particularly helpful in relieving lower back pain caused by poor posture. Due to its gentle nature, Tai Chi is a form of exercise suitable for all ages and current levels of fitness. It can even be adapted for the less able. It is never too late to begin to reap the benefits and undo some of the damage wrought by time. Through Tai Chi we can enjoy greater longevity with better health in those added years.

The benefits described here are mostly anecdotal. There has been insufficient scientific study to be conclusive. Researchers have found that long-term practice of Tai Chi shows some favorable but statistically insignificant effects on the promotion of balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness and reduced the risk of falls in elderly patients.

The studies also show some reduced pain, stress and anxiety in healthy subjects. Other studies have indicated improved cardiovascular and respiratory function in healthy subjects as well as those who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients may also benefit from Tai Chi exercise who suffered from heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

However, a thorough review of most of these studies showed limitations or biases that made it difficult to draw firm conclusions on the benefits of Tai Chi. There have also been indications that Tai Chi exercise might have some effect on noradrenalin and cortisol production with an effect on mood and heart rate. However, as with many of these studies, the effect of Tai Chi may be no different than those derived from other types of physical exercise.