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Ancient Tai Chi Offers Modern Health Benefits

Posted on: Wednesday, 29 December 2004, 03:03 CST

Amende form of exercise known as tai chi, which has been practiced in China for hundreds of years, seems to work especially well for older Americans.

Several studies have found that tai chi exercises can help relieve pain, regulate blood pressure, build energy and strength, aid sleep, improve flexibility and balance, alleviate stress and lessen the risk of falls. The 2004 Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation reported that tai chi also helped to slow bone loss in early postmenopausal women.

Additionally, arthritis sufferers are able to do tai chi because its lowimpact movements place less stress on joints and muscles. "A 30-minute session twice a week for six months is enough to make a positive impact on your physical and emotional health," says geriatrics professor Emily Chai, M.D., of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Because tai chi focuses on breathing and flowing gestures, it is often called "meditation in motion." It exercises mind and spirit as well as body. And once you learn the basics, you can practice for as few as five minutes to as much as an hour a day. Just don't push yourself-the meditative effects of tai chi are important too.

Before starting any new exercise routine, talk to your doctor. Ask if there are any movements in particular that you should avoid. If tai chi sounds like something you want to try, here are some other suggestions:

* Don't try to learn from a book or video. Take lessons from a tai chi instructor who can make sure you're doing the movements correctly. Practice on your own after you've learned the basics and follow-up on corrections with the instructor.

* To find a class in your community, contact the Arthritis Foundation (800-283-7800) or the Taoist Tai Chi Society at (850-224- 5438/www.taoist.org). Your health club or local Y may also offer tai chi classes.

Copyright Work and Family Life Dec 2004

Source: Work & Family Life

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