10 Benefits of tai chi for health (and how to practice it)

The tai chi or tai chi chuan is a Chinese martial art that is practiced performing slow and silent movements, with the purpose of mobilizing the body’s energy and stimulating body awareness, concentration and tranquility.

This practice stimulates both the physical and mental part and has benefits such as:

1. Increase vitality, providing greater disposition and energy for the day to day;
2. Strengthen the muscles;
3. Improve balance;
4. Increase concentration;
5. Decrease muscle tension;
6. Improve the flexibility of articulations;
7. Relieve stress and fight depression;
8. Balancing emotions;
9. Stimulate social contact;
10. Stimulate the nervous and immune system.

Tai chi can be practiced by any person, it is recommended to wear soft shoes and comfortable clothes that do not impede the execution of movements. It can also be practiced in any area, preferably outdoors.

This practice is also known as “meditación en movimiento” and is usually performed as a personal defense sport; however, it is also practiced for therapeutic purposes, offering benefits such as correcting posture, balance and strength, in addition to harmonizing emotions and combating mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Tai chi chuan is one of the simplest and easiest martial arts to carry out, and can be practiced by any person and initiated at any age, and is even highly recommended for major people.

Benefits of tai chi in senior citizens

Tai chi chuan is an ideal exercise for older people, it is a low-impact martial art that does not pose restrictions and provides several benefits, such as preventing muscle strength loss, increasing strength in the muscles and improving balance and flexibility. , which reduces the risk of falls and fractures. Know what to do with the biggest people to avoid the loss of muscle mass.

This martial art is also a physical activity that reduces the pain caused by arthritis, arthrosis and muscle contractures. The health of the heart can also be improved with this practice, which, in addition, offers benefits for psychological health, improving good health, serenity and tranquility.

Also know other physical exercises that are excellent for the health of the person mayor.

How to start practicing it

Tai chi chuan is practiced through a combination of movements that aim to promote the circulation of the body’s vital energy, called chi kung. These movements must be carried out fluidly and in a state of full mental attention.

In this way, the practice implies the combination of breathing, martial arts movements, such as blows and kicks, and mental concentration. It is possible to practice this martial art alone or, preferably, under the guidance of a professional in group classes.

The ability to move is achieved little by little, which is why it is necessary to practice it regularly. In general, tai chi is practiced at a slow pace so that movements can be executed with precision; however, as the experience increases, it is possible to practice it with greater speed.