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World Tai Chi Day

Tai Chi Chuan (also known simply as Tai Chi) is an ancient Chinese martial art. However, most people practice Tai Chi for its many health benefits. Studies have associated Tai Chi with reduced stress & depression, better balance & coordination, stronger bones, improved immunity, relief from pain (including arthritis, back pain & fibromyalgia) and lower blood pressure

The slow, even pace of Tai Chi promotes longevity by lowering your heart rate, which in turn slows down the aging process. The turning of the waist gently massages your internal organs so that they function more efficiently. The constant shifting of weight from one foot to the other regulates blood pressure. The circular movement lubricates your joints. It is therefore no surprise that Tai Chi is one of the most popular forms of exercise, practiced by millions of people around the world.

Qigong is a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training. With roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy and martial arts, Qigong is traditionally viewed as a practice to cultivate and balance qi (pronounced: chi), translated as "life energy".

Unlike Tai Chi, Qigong can be practiced in standing or seated with relatively little space needed to perform the exercise, Qigong is also especially well suited for those with mobility issues.


The articles below provide a more detailed study of the multitude of positive effects enjoyed by Tai Chi practitioners.

Forbes Health : https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/tai-chi-for-seniors/

New York Times: Using Tai Chi to build Strength https://nyti.ms/2O4tf2H

New York Times: A Downside to Tai Chi? None That I See

Harvard Medical School: The Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Mayo Clinic: Tai Chi: A Gentle Way to Fight Stress

New York Times: Tai Chi Eases Depression in Elderly

Science 2.0: UCLA Study Shows Tai Chi May Help Alleviate Tension Headaches

New York Times: Tai Chi Reported to Ease Fibromyalgia

Science Daily: Tai Chi Improves Pain in Arthritis Sufferers

New York Times: Tai Chi Benefits Patients With Parkinson’s

New York Times: New Advice on Preventing Falls

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Tai Chi Boosts Immunity to Shingles VIrus in Older Adults

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Tai Chi May Help Maintain Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Slow moving Tai Chi is ‘More Effective Than Aerobic Exercise' For ReducingHigh Blood Pressure

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/slow-moving-tai-chi-is-more-effective-than-aerobic-exercise-for-lowering-blood-pressure/