Why is tai chi good for you

Home Complementary and alternative care. Tai chi - health benefits. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet.

On this page. Special considerations Physical benefits of tai chi Learning tai chi Where to get help. It is practised increasingly in the West as a means of stress management and exercise. Tai chi is a series of slow, controlled movements or postures, usually practised outdoors to take advantage of the surrounding energy of nature.

Pre-exercise screening is used to identify people with medical conditions that may put them at a higher risk of a experiencing a health problem during physical activity.

Print a copy of the pre-exercise screening tool and discuss it with your doctor or exercise professional. Regular practice can increase flexibility and strength, and improve cardiovascular fitness. The emphasis on correct posture means that tai chi can instil a greater awareness of the body and how it moves through space. Tai chi is also a form of meditation.

Learning tai chi It is possible to learn tai chi yourself using books and videos, but most practitioners recommend that you join a reputable class and learn from an experienced teacher.

Originally developed as a martial art in 13th-century China, tai chi is now practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise.

While there's scope for more rigorous research on tai chi's health benefits, studies have shown that it can help people aged 65 and over to reduce stress, improve posture, balance and general mobility, and increase muscle strength in the legs. Some research suggests tai chi can reduce the risk of falls among older adults who are at increased risk. However, more research is needed. There is some evidence that tai chi can improve mobility in the ankles, hips and knees in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

However, it is still not known if tai chi can reduce pain or improve the quality of life for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have looked into the potential benefits of tai chi for people with osteoporosis, but there is currently no convincing evidence that tai chi can prevent or treat the condition.

No, tai chi is commonly performed as a low-impact exercise, which means it won't put much pressure on your bones and joints. Most people should be able to do it. Get advice from your GP before starting tai chi if you have any health concerns or an existing health condition. You may need to take certain precautions if you're pregnant, have a hernia, back pain or severe osteoporosis. No, tai chi is for everyone. It is ideal for inactive older people wanting to raise their activity levels gently and gradually.

They range from doing five poses to more than But you can spend a lifetime mastering the dance. Do them more smoothly and go deeper into them. Sobo says your goal should be to move so slowly and smoothly that you could balance a plate on your head. Tai chi is an art form, where you do the best you can.

You may find that it gives you the quiet and calm you need. To successfully practice tai chi, you have to think about your breathing and movements. You enter a state of mindfulness , where you forget about whatever is bugging you. The practice of being mindful is a great stress reliever.

There are hundreds of studies on tai chi. Researchers have found that it can help with many health concerns, including:. You can do tai chi as often as you want. If you have any health conditions or pain, talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.