What is Tai Chi?

When it comes to what causes heart disease, we all know that staying active is important. One way to stay active is through Tai Chi. For our patients, we have found it helps them with both mind and body as it helps reduce stress, increase balance and focus.  It also increases strength, flexibility and aerobic conditioning. In fact, we offer Tai Chi classes with our own Exercise Physiologist, Vicki Siegel. Below, you can watch her as she demonstrates Yang Style Tia Chi.

What is Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a noncompetitive martial art that comprises of gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness. Tai Chi is centuries-old has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and some records of the practice are more than 2,500 years old. For older people, Tai Chi helps reduce the risk of slip and fall incidents as well as improves overall conditioning. Like many martial arts, Tai Chi is considered safe for people of all ages. If your child shows interest in martial arts, they might benefit from enrolling in kung fu wushu in Australia.
Health Benefits of Tai Chi
As we mentioned above, Tai Chi does provide a workout for both mind and body. In fact, Tai Chi helps reduce pain and symptoms of depression. Many people describe Tai Chi as meditation in motion, as it is very fluid in its nature. As such, it has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety as it can help people feel peaceful.
Overall, some health benefits of Tai Chi include:

• Promoting muscle strength
• More energy and stamina
• Reduced inflammation
• Better flexibility and balance to reduce falls

Specifically, for your heart health, Tai Chi will help reduce blood pressure. For patients with chronic heart failure, a study from Harvard Medical School and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients experienced a better quality of life and mood, and slept better when they practiced Tai Chi.
How to Use this Information
We desire all our patients pursue a heart-healthy lifestyle. That is why we offer classes  that promote heart health, including our Tai Chi classes. If you have not experienced Tai Chi, we encourage you to sign up for a class and see what you think.