Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese wellness practice that consists of movements that are performed slowly and purposefully.
It has numerous health benefits – helps you maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, improve heart health and immune function, and lower your risk for falls.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi means Grand Ultimate and was originally developed in the thirteenth century as a martial art.
This technique helps people understand and feel their postural alignment through slow careful moving. Moreover, it enhances your body awareness, balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility.
Who should try this?
Usually, Tai Chi is suggested for older adults as it is known for improving balance and prevents falls. But according to experts, the benefits are way beyond balance, and everyone should try it.
It is even acceptable for those with little or no athletic background. It is also a suitable activity for older people, including those who are not active.
Health benefits of Tai Chi
Encourages fat loss –
People who are not interested in high-intensity aerobic exercises for weight loss should go for this technique.
Research suggests that both Tai Chi and conventional exercise reduced waist circumference, body weight, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
In addition to this, it is a gentle mind-body exercise and is an effective approach for the management of central obesity.
Relieves pain –
As per the study, Tai Chi could be used as a treatment for musculoskeletal pain and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The peer-reviewed journal BMJ published a trial consisting of 226 adults suffering from fibromyalgia.
These people participated in Tai Chi and were seen having equal or greater improvement in symptoms compared to those who performed traditional aerobic exercise.
Strengthens cardiovascular health –
Although it is known for slow movements still, it has a greater impact on the heart.
A study proved that it lowers blood pressure and body mass index for adults with hypertension. Also, it may be effective in improving cardiorespiratory health in adults.
Improves mood and mental health –
There is a possibility that this exercise can be the mind-body workout you need to boost your mood and encourage a healthy mental state.
Researchers believe that it improves the quality of life, mental health, and physical health. Also, people following this exercise had less depression and psychological agony. It also improves sleep.