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A Guest Post from Jenna Walters

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 from an injury or physical ailment.


There are many other physical benefits to Tai Chi. It has been shown to help sufferers of arthritis by reducing pain and improving their general physicality and mental state. It also has been proven that it helps maintain bone density, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and improves sleep.


One of the greatest assets of Tai Chi is its positive impact on the mental state of its practitioners. There is a proven link between physical and mental health. Tai Chi exemplifies this bond. The slow gentleness of the exercise quiets the mind. The deep breathing allows stress and anxiety to be exhaled from the mind. At the same time, the body is stronger and less plagued by pain and other health concerns. The healing power of sleep returns. The connection between body and spirit becomes stronger. Struggles with depression, worry and mental confusion can be wiped away with these meditative movements.


Tai Chi shows the cyclical nature of physical and mental health. There is not one without the other. It is a form of exercise that asks for quiet and focus, not hard pounding demands on the body. This quiet, gentle and peaceful practice feeds the body and mind with strength and balance in a way that no other can.


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