Health Benefits
The fast-paced yet sedentary nature of modern life often results in stress and lack of sufficient physical activity. Many thousands of individuals have found the movements of Taoist Tai Chi Society† taijiquan to be an effective way to counteract these pressures and to cultivate health.The Taoist Tai Chi† internal art of taijiquan is specifically designed to improve holistic health. The significant degree of turning and stretching in each of the movements, combined with the adaptability of the form to suit individual needs, are just some of the factors that contribute to its focus on restoring, improving and maintaining health.
The health benefits include: improved circulation, balance and posture; increased strength and flexibility; and reduced stress. With regular practice, the Taoist Tai Chi† internal art of taijiquan reaches deep inside the body to benefit the entire physiology including the tendons, joints, spine, connective tissue and internal organs. It restores the calmness and peace of mind that is often lost through the desires and anxieties of daily life.
Although not a substitute for proper medical treatment, the taijiquan that we offer can help to improve the health and quality of life for people dealing health conditions such as poor circulation, high blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, joint immobilities, respiratory problems, digestive disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and many others.
Medical evidence for the health benefits
For an overview, see Health Benefits of Taoist Tai Chi® Internal Arts and Methods
by Dr Bruce McFarlane, BA MD CCFP, FCFP
Medical adviser to the International Taoist Tai Chi Society.
Notes from his keynote address at the Newsmakers’ Luncheon, organized by the National Press Club of Canada, Sheraton Hotel Ottawa, May 30, 2008
Medical research has found wide-ranging benefits from the practice of a variety of styles of Tai Chi. With its complete health focus, the Taoist Tai Chi† internal art of taijiquan offers all of these benefits and more. This is supported by the many testimonials supplied by members of our affiliated organisations in more than 25 countries, about the benefits they have received. The following is a summary of some of the main benefits, particularly as recognised in the research literature:
- Tai Chi is a moderate cardiovascular training exercise, which also has a significant effect on lung function.
- Tai Chi can beneficially alter the lipid profile, raising the possibility that practising Tai Chi might be favourable in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
- Tai Chi is one of the few exercises that is appropriate for virtually any person regardless of their condition - it can even be done in a chair or bed. It has also been shown to improve the activities of daily living for people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis - to name a few.
- Tai Chi helps regulate the immune system.
- Tai Chi helps postural alignment and helps reduce spinal degeneration.
- Tai Chi is a weight bearing exercise, which raises the possibility of benefits for maintaining bone density.
- Tai Chi is rated as a highly effective exercise for prevention of falls in the elderly.
An American organization named the Claude Pepper Foundation, Inc. did a scientific study to determine the best method of improving balance in persons over age 65 and thereby decreasing the risk of falls causing injury. In a letter dated March 5, 1997, it states:
Our pilot results indicated that the Taoist Tai Chi form of exercise was far superior to the traditional American physical therapy intervention to increase strength and enhance balance in older persons.
Many medical practitioners whose patients are practitioners of Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods or who are practitioners themselves have recognized and endorsed the health benefits. The following extract is just one example.The movements of Taoist Tai Chi have the potential for maintaining flexibility of joints, improving balance (thus preventing falls), increasing strength of lower limbs and correcting posture. Particular attention is paid to spinal movements and thereby stability of the lower back.
The sequence also encourages circulation of blood and lymph. Because the set is performed while standing, weight bearing assists bone formation and the prevention of osteoporosis.
The benefits of Taoist Tai Chi extend beyond simply attaining physical health. Concentration and recall are demanded to acquire the sequence of the 108 movements of the set. An added bonus comes from contact with others determined to improve and thereby to continue with a pleasant form of exercise.
- Dr Richard Lefroy, FRACP, FAFRM, Senior Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Public Health, University of Western Australia.
The sequence also encourages circulation of blood and lymph. Because the set is performed while standing, weight bearing assists bone formation and the prevention of osteoporosis.
The benefits of Taoist Tai Chi extend beyond simply attaining physical health. Concentration and recall are demanded to acquire the sequence of the 108 movements of the set. An added bonus comes from contact with others determined to improve and thereby to continue with a pleasant form of exercise.
- Dr Richard Lefroy, FRACP, FAFRM, Senior Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Public Health, University of Western Australia.