7 Good Reasons To Practice Tai-Chi
Tai-Chi or “Tai Chi” has grown in popularity around the world in recent years. What makes it special is the fact that it is a combat art that bases its success more on the physical and mental balance that it generates than on the martial component. This practice has its origin in the Chinese Empire, but today it is practiced by millions of people around the world.
Tai-Chi is a physical-spiritual practice, but at the same time a meditation technique. It is an art of combat, but also a way of life. It is also known as “moving meditation” and has many followers because many have found great benefits for their health, both physical and mental, in this meditation.
This martial art basically consists of learning and practicing sequences of movements or “forms”. The person has to adopt certain postures and then go harmoniously to others, until completing a sequence. The shapes have poetic names such as “The white crane spreads its wings”, or “Separate the mane of the wild horse.” Its benefits are many, but among them we could highlight the following.
1. Tai-Chi provides vital energy
Tai-Chi is closely related to philosophical Taoism . That is why in this one we speak of the energy “Qi” or “Chi”. This corresponds to the vital energy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this energy must flow freely through the body and do it through the correct pathways. If this does not happen, discomfort and diseases appear, because the Qi is blocked.
Tai Chi movements are designed to activate that flow of energy and remove blockages. This is first translated as a state of greater well-being in the muscles, the circulatory and respiratory systems, etc. in this way, it strengthens our body against diseases.
2. The mind calms down with Tai-Chi
As mentioned earlier, Tai-Chi is also a relaxation technique. The different postures are designed to relax muscle tension. Likewise, it uses breathing methods that induce states of serenity.
It helps the emotions balance and thus allows a more positive attitude towards life to emerge. Those who practice it on a daily basis are less prone to distress and conflict.
3. Arms and legs are strengthened
Virtually all Tai-Chi postures are performed standing up. The arms perform movements that range from simple to complex. The joints are at the base of all the practice of this wonderful martial art.
All these factors together cause the extremities to be oxygenated and toned. The arms and legs become very strong. The loss of muscle mass is also prevented, which naturally increases its decline after 40 years.
4. Improves the functioning of the respiratory and cardiovascular system
All exercise practices are excellent for strengthening the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Tai-Chi is no exception. However, it has in its favor the fact that it is a gentle and progressive exercise, combining dynamics with pause. It has been established that the heart rate decreases during the practice of Tai Chi, but the circulation increases.
5. Relieves migraines, muscle aches and insomnia
A good part of muscle pain comes from improper posture or accumulated tension. Tai-Chi postures allow you to adopt better positions in everyday life and relax the muscles. This makes those pains and others, such as migraines, decrease.
The emphasis on physical and mental balance makes this an ideal practice for those with insomnia problems. Allow the anguish to be channeled so that it does not turn into an insistent anxiety that prevents rest.
6. Unlocks the joints and prevents diseases and falls
As noted before, in Tai-Chi the joints play a leading role. The movements allow to exercise the ankles, hips, knees and hands mainly. For this reason, the joints are made flexible and strengthened.
The movements require the progressive use of force. They also demand great amplitude in the movement of the body. All of this works together to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. The body acquires a higher level of toning and balance is strengthened.
7. Improves various intellectual functions and hypertension
It also seems that Tai-Chi strengthens memory because it improves the oxygenation of our brains. It would also increase concentration and acuity, since the sequences require both capacities so that they can be performed correctly.
The effects on the cardiovascular system, as well as on the regulation of emotions, obtained with this martial art make that blood pressure does not skyrocket and also stabilizes.
As you can see, Tai-Chi is a practice with great possibilities. It has no contraindications. It can be practiced at any age and in any place. It is especially suitable for those who want to enter the world of meditation, but are looking for something more dynamic than yoga or other relaxation methods, even less dynamic.
