I truly appreciated Jenna's thoughts and words on Tai Chi. We practice Tai Chi at the start of all my senior groups and I truly believe the participants benefit in the ways described in her article. It is fun, different and challenging in a different sort of way. The NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL of Medicine even has an article on it this week for improving postural stability in Parkinson's patients: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1107911 and an article last year showing benefit for people with fibromyalgia: http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa0912611. It is an incredibly empowering activity that can be done by anyone anywhere.
Tai Chi for Health Tai Chi is a secret weapon in the battle against the physical and mental demands of life. It has been able to help improve health in individuals with illnesses ranging from peritoneal mesothelioma to migraines . Its quiet and slow movements bring a calm balance to the mind. It also brings strength and balance to the body. Tai Chi demands very little from its participants. The focus is on body awareness and deep breathing. Its stretching is soft and fluid and its movements are low-impact. Young, old, athletic, or the rehabilitating can all gain better health with Tai Chi. Studies have shown that Tai Chi improves physical health . Although the movements are slow and require no added weight, those that practice Tai Chi become stronger in both upper and lower body. There is also proof that flexibility and balance are improved. The fact that the gentleness of this exercise has such positive results makes it perfect for the unfit, the elderly and for those recovering f
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