Improved balance, lower stress, reduced pain and restful sleep – these are just a few of the benefits of tai chi, a traditional Chinese mind-body practice that can lead to better quality of life.

Tai chi combines slow, flowing movements, controlled breathing and focused mental attention. “It is often described as moving meditation because it emphasizes relaxation, balance and awareness while the body is in motion,” said Dan Fomich, physical therapy assistant, Aultman Therapy Services.

Many of the principles and exercises associated with tai chi have been practiced since the third century. In the 17th century, a retired royal guard named Chen Wang Ting used those exercises to create the practice we now know as tai chi.

Since then, additional forms of tai chi have been developed, and the five main styles of tai chi practiced today include the Chen, Hao, Wu, Yang and Sun. The Yang style is the most widely practiced of the five.

Initially created as a martial art, modern tai chi has been shown to have many health benefits, including:

• Reduced pain
• Enhanced range of motion
• Lower stress and anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved lower back pain

Because tai chi is a low-impact exercise, it reduces the risk of injuries to joints and muscles. Tai chi may also help manage osteoarthritis pain in the hips and knees.

“Tai chi can improve balance,” Fomich said. “This helps reduce the risk of falls in older adults, which is why it’s a good exercise for people over the age of 50.”

The flowing, deliberate movements of tai chi help practitioners connect their minds with their bodies. This helps with awareness of the body’s position in space (proprioception).

Studies have shown that tai chi results in better cognition, improved mood and reduced stress after consistent practice. Over time, tai chi can even improve self-esteem.

If you have arthritis and would like to experience tai chi for yourself, Aultman Therapy Services offers eight-week sessions at the Aultman Tusc location only. Call 330-363-6215 for more information about the next class schedule. No provider referral is needed for this program.

Sources:
AARP
Britannica
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health
The StayWell Company, LLC