Benefits of Tai Chi
There are three interconnected realms of health and wellbeing: physical, mental, and social/interpersonal. Improvements in one of these realms of our life ripple out into the other areas, and into the wider world.
Physical benefits
Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the benefits of Tai Chi, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. Here are some of the proven benefits of Tai Chi, according to research.
Reduction of Stress and Anxiety: Tai Chi has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. In a study conducted on individuals with anxiety disorders, those who practised Tai Chi showed significant improvements in their symptoms.
Improvements in Cardiovascular Health: Tai Chi has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving blood lipid levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Multiple scientific studies have shown that Tai Chi can significantly reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Enhancement of Flexibility and Balance: Tai Chi movements involve slow, controlled motions that improve flexibility and balance. Studies have shown that Tai Chi can reduce the risk of falls in older adults and improve their overall balance, and can improve balance and stability in Parkinson’s disease.
Alleviation of Pain and Improvement in Joint Health: Tai Chi has been found to be an effective therapy for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, giving significant improvements in pain and joint function.
Boosting of Immune Function: Multiple studies have shown that Tai Chi can enhance immune function, potentially reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.
In conclusion, Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that has numerous proven health benefits. Its gentle movements make it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Mental benefits
A study by the ‘Journal of Alzheimers Disease’ found that regular Tai Chi caused an increase in brain volume. How exactly does exercise improve brain power? An increased heart rate sees more oxygen pumped to the brain, along with a cocktail of vital brain-boosting nutrients and a growth hormone that encourages the formation of new neurones and connections.
Focusing on carefully performing each Tai Chi movement exercises and strengthens the muscles of the mind, improving overall cognitive performance.
Because the focus of your attention is on the moves you’re performing, worries and concerns about day-to-day life tend to fade into the background. This moving meditation banishes external cares and worries for a time which, in turn, reduces stress and depression.
Don’t just take our word for it – see what others have to say!
“Practising Tai Chi in the long term could stem the tide of physical decline” – Click the link below to see the full Times article.
“Tai Chi is not just for old people! Google headquarters has been offering its staff Tai Chi sessions for several years. The slowness of Tai Chi is deceptive – with each movement using almost every muscle. This reduces stress, blood pressure and boosts the immune system.”
“March 2018 study comparing regular Tai Chi with regular aerobic exercise for the treatment of Fibromyalgia (musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance). Conclusion – Therapeutic benefits from Tai Chi were greater than from aerobic exercise, with improvements in physical function, sleep and related quality of life.”
Two new studies found that Tai Chi may be beneficial in protecting memory for seniors with mild cognitive impairment, and in slowing symptom progression for those with Parkinson’s disease. The practice has a wide range of benefits for both the brain and the body, experts agreed. It’s not yet clear if it could completely prevent cognitive issues, but tai chi is a great way for people to stay healthy as they age, experts said.
“Benefits include decreased stress, improved cognitive function, improved flexibility and balance, better sleep, an improved immune system and help with pain management.”
Harvard Medical School research, published 31st January 2024, has demonstrated that Tai Chi offers significant benefits for older adults, particularly in enhancing balance, flexibility, and muscle strength, while also reducing the risk of falls. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-active-ingredients-of-tai-chi
Dr. Peter Wayne and colleagues at Harvard have identified eight key components—ranging from physical integration to mental awareness—that make Tai Chi uniquely effective for seniors.
A 2024 meta-analysis involving Harvard researchers found that Tai Chi led to greater improvements in mobility and balance compared to conventional exercise, suggesting it should be considered a core part of exercise routines for healthy aging EurekaAlert study based on 12 studies involving 2901 participants. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1034423 These findings, published 14th February 2024, underscore Tai Chi’s value as a gentle, holistic practice that supports both physical and mental well-being in later life.
EurkAlert.org is a nonprofit news-release distribution platform operated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Established in 1996, its primary purpose is to serve as a resource for journalists and the public by hosting news releases from universities, journal publishers, medical centers, government agencies, corporations, and other organizations involved in scientific research. These news releases cover all disciplines of science, medicine, and technology and must meet specific eligibility guidelines for publication on the platform.
What our members are saying
Keeping a healthy balance in this busy life has always been a challenge. Tai Chi has given me increased physical mobility, a calmer mind and a sense of belonging
Sharon
Tai chi has given me confidence after having a stroke and heart transplant.
I can focus on something achievable without putting too much strain on my body. I am doing the cognitive exercises I was recommended after my stroke, without realising.
Ken
The calmness I feel after a Tai chi class grounds me and is helping me cope with looking after an elderly parent with Alzheimer’s.
If I don’t do any Tai Chi for a week the Osteoarthritis in my knees is noticeably worse.
I initially joined the tai Chi class to improve my balance, however an unexpected bonus has been meeting some amazing people and making new friends. The patience shown by the instructors is inspirational, I wish I’d joined earlier.
Sue
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Inter-personal benefits
At our inception Tai Chi Evolutions recognised the importance of the ‘Three circles of Human Health’ and the interdependence of the Physical – Mental – Interpersonal circles. This means that Interpersonal Circle has equal value in all we do.
Our aim is to create a culture that values kindness, mutual respect, co-operation and harmony in all we do. Every member is of equal value and no one is in competition – we are all different stages on our own Tai Chi journey.
Tai Chi Evolutions is a ‘not for profit’ organisation and all Instructors give their time and experience for free.
Socialising not only staves off feelings of loneliness, but also it helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills, increases your sense of happiness and well-being, and may even help you live longer. Proven links include lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships.