7 Good Reasons To Practice Tai-Chi

In recent years Tai Chi has gained great popularity around the world. What makes it special is the fact that it is an art of combat that bases its success more on the physical and psychic balance it generates in the martial component. Tai Chi has its origins in the Chinese Empire, but today it is practiced by millions of people all over the world.

Tai-Chi is a physical-spiritual practice, but at the same time a technique of meditation. It is an art of combat, but also a way of life. It is also known under the name of “moving meditation” and it has a lot of followers because many are those who have found in this meditation great benefits for health, both physical and mental.

This martial art simply consists of learning and practicing sequences of movements or “forms”. The person must adopt certain postures and then move harmonically to others, until a sequence is completed. The shapes have poetic names like “The Whooping Crane Spreads Its Wings”, or “Separating the Mane of the Wild Horse”. Its benefits are very numerous, but among them we could highlight the following:

Tai Chi is closely related to philosophical Taoism. This is why we speak of “Qi” or “Chi” energy. It corresponds to the vital energy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this energy must flow freely through the body and go through the correct paths. Otherwise, discomfort and disease appear, since the Qi is blocked.

Tai Chi movements are designed to activate this flow of energy and remove blockages. This results first of all in a state of greater well-being in the muscles, in the circulatory system, in the respiratory system, etc. Thus, it strengthens our body against diseases.

As we mentioned earlier, Tai Chi is also a relaxation technique. The different postures are designed so that muscle tension is relaxed. Thus, he employs breathing methods that induce states of serenity.

Mental balance is one of the goals of Tai Chi. It helps that the emotions are balanced and with that it allows a more positive attitude to emerge towards life. Those who practice it daily are less prone to anxiety and conflict.

Almost all Tai Chi postures are practiced standing. The arms perform movements that can be simple or complex. The joints are the basis of any practice of this wonderful martial art.

All of these factors together make the extremities oxygenate and tone up. The arms and legs are getting stronger. It also prevents the loss of muscle mass, which naturally increases its decline from the age of 40.

All exercise practices are great 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, gradual exercise, which combines momentum with pause.

It has been established that the heart rate decreases during Tai Chi practice, but circulation increases. Thus, deep breathing methods increase breathing capacity. These two elements strengthen the organism as a whole.

Much of the 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 causes these pains to decrease along with others, such as migraines.

The emphasis on physical and mental balance makes it an ideal practice for those with insomnia issues. Tai-Chi allows anxiety to be channeled so that it does not become an insistent anxiety that prevents rest.

As we said before, in Tai Chi the joints have an important role. The movements are used to exercise the ankles, hips, knees and hands, mainly. As a result, the joints become more flexible and stronger.

The movements require the progressive use of force. They also require a great amplitude in the movement of the body. All of this comes together to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. The body acquires a higher level of toning, and the balance is strengthened.

It also seems that Tai Chi strengthens memory because it improves oxygenation of the brain. In addition, it would increase focus and sharpness, since sequences require both abilities to be performed properly.

It has been proven that those who suffer from hypertension experience improvement through the practice of Tai Chi. The effects on the cardiovascular system as well as on the regulation of the emotions which are obtained thanks to this martial art prevents the blood pressure to be established.

As you can see, Tai Chi is a practice that gives rise to great possibilities. It has no contraindications. It can be practiced at any age and in any place. It is particularly suitable for those who want to enter the world of meditation, but who are looking for something more dynamic than yoga or other methods of relaxation, which are also less dynamic.