Tai Chi is a form of Chinese martial arts that affords many real benefits for those who practice it. With just 20 minutes per day, this can become a routine throughout your lifetime. It emphasizes spiritual and mental aspects incorporated into a series of fluid movements, which all flow together smoothly. For older folks who have experienced a stroke, heart attack, or other illnesses, tai chi, like yoga, can help to improve their quality of life. Here are some benefits of tai chi for your loved ones.
Alleviates Stress
Tai chi is an excellent way to minimize stress. The fluid motions help to relax the body and declutter the mind, letting go of any thoughts or stress that is crowding your mind. Afterward, you’ll feel focused and re-aligned mentally and physically.
Boosts Oxygen Flow
Tai chi is all about breathing. Throughout the activity, you will be reminded to breathe in and out deeply – hence improving oxygen flow in your body. Better oxygen flow has benefits like more energy and a heightened state of alertness. Those suffering and recovering from illness or injury will also reap the benefits of quicker recovery.
Improves Mental Capacity and Concentration
Increased oxygen, together with reduced stress, will help to boost your mental capacity and concentration. Simply practicing tai chi a few times a week can keep your mind sharp.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Relaxing and breathing deeply can lower your blood pressure as well. This is especially useful for older folks. Some even mention that after practicing tai chi, they could actually reduce or stop their blood pressure medication.
Mitigates Arthritis Pain
It may seem counter-intuitive to practice a movement-based activity like tai chi, for those who suffer from arthritis and joint pain. However, the simple, gentle, flowing movements of tai chi is exactly what they need in order to train their bodies to be loose and flexible. Regular practice of tai chi can in fact be a great way to reduce arthritis pain.
Improves Balance
Practice tai chi regularly, and you’ll find your balance improving. Flowing between the forms and movements helps you to see which poses are harder, and how good or bad your balance is. Do it regularly so that you can track your progress. This also translates to better balance in your daily life too, even as you perform routine tasks.
Aerobic Conditioning
Some aerobic benefits can be derived from tai chi, depending on the speed and size of the movements. As well as tai chi, you may need to do something more aerobic if your doctor recommends a more intense cardio workout.
Improve Muscle strength
Tai chi can improve strength on both the lower and upper bodies. Tai chi can be comparable to resistance training and brisk walking when practiced regularly. Although you don’t work with weights or resistance bands, the arm exercises involved in tai chi strengthen your upper body.
Improves Recovery from Strokes and Heart Attacks
For older folks who have experienced strokes and heart attacks, tai chi is actually a good option to help them recuperate. After major health incidents, oxygen intake, mental concentration, and balance are precisely the three areas that need to be improved – and tai chi helps with all three.
