Tai chi and its health benefits (Tai Chi in Hounslow, Heston)

27 Jan Tai chi and its health benefits (Tai Chi in Hounslow, Heston)

Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements. Originally developed as a martial art in 13th-century China, tai chi is now practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise.

Tai chi is characterised by its slow, graceful, continuous movements that are gentle on the joints and muscles. Done correctly, you’ll find that the tai chi poses flow smoothly from one into another. Many movements are completed with bent knees in a squat-like position. At Sefali’s Yoga we practice Yang style Tai Chi which is characterised by its big, gentle, flowing, exaggerated movements which are executed slowly and gracefully. The movements of Yang style tai chi are easily adapted to the physical capability of each practitioner

Yang style tai chi is the most popular and widely practised style in the world today.

The health benefits of tai chi

Studies have shown that it can help 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.

There is 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.

Tai chi is for everyone. It is ideal for inactive people wanting to raise their activity levels gently and gradually. Tai chi is essentially a gentle activity that is unlikely to cause injury if done correctly.

The exercises involve lots of flowing, easy movements that don’t stress the joints or muscles. 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.

My source for this Blog:    https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/guide-to-tai-chi/