Discovering Tai Chi
In today's world we see messaging about doing everything faster, better, cheaper. It wasn't that long ago where we didn't have smartphones. Some can even remember a time, say prior to 1995, where most people didn't even have cell phones. Since BCP, before cell phones, everything has gotten faster, quicker and more connected, but that speed and connectivity doesn't necessarily solve our challenges.
Today, many of us have become so connected online that we fail to connect with one of the more important aspects of our lives… our own bodies. We look towards modern pharmaceuticals to cure our illnesses and mental troubles instead of taking a step back and looking towards the past.
What we invite you to discover today is Tai Chi. More importantly, we want you to see how it can help you overcome challenges in your life — challenges that may be causing you stress, illness, and pain.
Tai Chi, originally developed for self-defense in ancient China, is now known for being a popular low impact exercise. Tai Chi has many forms and styles, the more practiced ones being Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun. Each style has its own specialties however they share the same principles: to integrate the body and the mind to control movement while maintaining rhythmic deep breaths throughout.
How Tai Chi Aids in Muscle Flexibility, Balance & Agility
A great benefit of practicing Tai Chi is with your physical body. As we age we tend to build up injuries which can limit our overall mobility. We lose cartilage in our joints which limits our flexibility and range of motion among other conditions that can be debilitating like heart disease or arthritis.
Commitment to a Tai Chi regime can increase agility, balance and flexibility. It is a weight bearing form of exercise. Tai Chi engages and works out your major muscle groups which may improve endurance, stamina, flexibility, agility and strength. Due to its low impact and slow motions it is ideal for people of any fitness level and all ages — especially older adults.
For senior citizens, regaining balance is one of the greatest benefits as it reduces the chances of falling. Tai Chi engages the physical components needed to stay upright. Students improve their balance and stability within a few months.
There are cases when asking your primary care provider about practicing Tai Chi is recommended, such as:
- If you are pregnant
- Have severe osteoporosis
- Severe joint problems
- Fractures
- Hernia
How Tai Chi is Different from Other Forms of Exercise and Martial Arts
Tai Chi differs from other forms of exercise in that movements are usually circular instead of linear, and never forced. The muscles are relaxed and the joints are not fully extended or fully bent — unlike lifting weights where you want your muscles tense and joints extended or bent. There is no tension on your tendons and ligaments. Since you are not exercising with weights, the flowing movements of Tai Chi strengthen both upper and lower body as well as increasing flexibility.
Why Tai Chi Can Be Used to Improve Your Mood
Did you know mood can also be directly linked to your mental health? Your mental health and mood affect all aspects of your life — your physical health, relationships, and self-esteem can all be traced back to your mood. Mental health issues like anxiety and depression can contribute to insomnia and stomach aches.
It has been well documented that Tai Chi aids in improving mood, which helps with improving quality of sleep, improves your energy, reduces headaches, and helps lower blood pressure. Tai Chi has even been recommended by the Long Beach VA to veterans suffering from PTSD as part of their therapy.
Many people see positive results by practicing Tai Chi for as little as one hour per week.
Stress Reduction Through Practicing the Art of Tai Chi
Stress affects everyone in different ways, but one thing that is common: stress is detrimental to our physical health as well as our mental wellbeing. In many cases, having high levels of stress can manifest symptoms that may be blamed on other illnesses. Some of the symptoms of chronic stress include:
- Migraines
- Insomnia
- Muscle Pain
- Upset stomach
- Fatigue
Managing your stress is incredibly important for your overall mental wellness. By actively taking a role in your own treatment you will immediately feel more in control, and shortly after that you will notice an improvement in confidence and self-esteem.
Tai Chi is a physical activity, a mental exercise, and if you join a class, a social experience. This is why the practice of Tai Chi lends itself to the healing of mental health. The process to reduce stress is much like the practice of Tai Chi itself — slow and steady. Slow movements and steady breathing, and before long you will begin to notice an improvement in your mental health.
5 Key Benefits of Tai Chi
- Stress reduction — Mindful movement lowers cortisol and calms the nervous system.
- Improved balance and fall prevention — Especially critical for seniors; measurable results within months.
- Greater flexibility and strength — Low-impact yet engages all major muscle groups.
- Mood improvement — Regular practice reduces anxiety, depression, and irritability.
- Better sleep — The meditative aspect of Tai Chi promotes deeper, more restful sleep.
Advanced Tai Chi and How It Can Benefit You
Three important fundamental requirements of Tai Chi are relax (song), slow (huǎn), and soft (róu). If any one of these is lacking, you may struggle to advance your Tai Chi.
Unlike other forms of martial arts, Tai Chi strives for relaxation — the process of letting go, of releasing what is already in the body. Releasing tension and stress, by doing so you are going to feel good, be in a better mood and feel more energetic.
Great Tai Chi form is when movements become soft enough to appear to flow like water without any stiff points or pauses between poses. The goal is that while performing a form, your mind constantly stays one step ahead of your physical movement.
Tai Chi for Beginners — How to Start for Free
Getting started with Tai Chi is simple. The first step is to find proper attire: comfortable, loose-fitting clothes such as sports shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt, plus a pair of flat-soled shoes. No special equipment is needed.
We teach Tai Chi regularly at Heartwell Park in Long Beach, CA — absolutely free. You'll find us right by the duck pond, where everyone is welcome.
You can also start learning with our eight-part YouTube series, "Tai Chi Chuan for Beginners", where we go over the basics of Yang-style Tai Chi — the most popular form practiced worldwide.
Take the Next Step in Improving Your Health
Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding communities improve their health through Tai Chi and our full range of integrative healthcare services — including chiropractic care, acupuncture, and our herbal pharmacy.