Health Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan

Researchers have found that long-term T’ai Chi practice had favorable effects on the promotion of balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness and reduced the risk of falls in elders. The studies also reported reduced pain, stress and anxiety in healthy subjects. Other studies have indicated improved cardiovascular and respiratory function in healthy subjects as well as those who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients also benefited from T’ai Chi who suffered from heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

T’ai Chi has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of young Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) sufferers. T’ai Chi’s gentle, low impact, movements surprisingly burn more calories than surfing and nearly as many as downhill skiing. T’ai Chi also boosts aspects of the immune system’s function very significantly, and has been shown to reduce the incidence of anxiety, depression, and overall mood disturbance. A pilot study has found evidence that T’ai Chi and related qigong helps reduce the severity of diabetes.

References and Sources:

Wolf SL, Sattin RW, Kutner M. Intense T’ai Chi exercise training and fall occurrences in older, transitionally frail adults: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003 Dec; 51(12): 1693-701.
Wang C, Collet JP, Lau J. The effect of Tai Chi on health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions: a systematic review. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Mar 8;164(5):493-501.
Search a listing of articles relating to the FICSIT trials and T’ai Chi
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T.M., & Thimas, E. (2001). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 5(2):120-3, 2001 Apr, 5, 120-123
Tai Chi boosts T-Cell counts in immune system
Tai Chi, depression, anxiety, and mood disturbance (American Psychological Association) Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 1989 Vol 33 (2) 197-206
Tai Chi a promising remedy for diabetes, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 20 December, 2005 – Pilot study of Qigong and tai chi in diabetes sufferers.
Health Research Articles on “Tai Chi as Health Therapy” for many issues, i.e. ADHD, Cardiac Health & Rehabilitation, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Menopause, Bone Loss, Weight Loss, etc.

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