Tai chi is a martial arts exercise focusing on deep breathing and slow movements. It has been around for centuries and began as a Chinese self-defence and meditation exercise. Tai chi provides multifaceted healing powers for mental and physical improvement.

Certain styles offer many physical and mental benefits that may improve your overall health.

1. Relieves stress

Tai chi is a gentle exercise that presents fluid motions that move together to promote tranquility. The graceful movements flow without pause, requiring constant action and deep breathing. It differs from yoga, a more widely known meditative training that includes physical postures and focuses on your inner self.

Tai chi reduces stress with deep breathing exercises to find your inner balance and calmness. You will learn how to relax through movement and stretching exercises. Tai chi can teach you to be more mindful and focus on the present moment without looking forward or behind you. This can help reduce your stress levels.

2. Improves balance

Tai chi improves your flexibility, coordination and balance, which is excellent for older people with a higher risk of falling. Finding your centre can improve your posture and body alignment, promoting balance.

Tai chi is excellent for exercise beginners since it has gentle movements and you can go at your own pace. It’s also known to work with people recovering from addiction. The holistic therapy approach is more subtle than traditional methods, with myriad benefits. Practicing tai chi regularly can increase your balance and provide more stability in your daily life.

3. Promotes strength

You may be surprised to learn that gentle movements can promote strength. Tai chi can build your strength and endurance through its smooth and fluid activities. You will strengthen your core muscles in your stomach and can boost your upper and lower body strength through balance.

It can also strengthen the muscles in your back by bending and rotating adequately rather than hyper-extending or twisting like you would in traditional aerobic exercises. Tai chi typically includes circular movements. Regular practice can define your muscles and improve your strength.

Tai chi can also boost your immune system if you practice outdoors. Exercising in nature can decrease stress and is excellent for your overall health.

4. Alleviates pain

Tai chi alleviates pain associated with many ailments — doctors highly recommend it for patients with fibromyalgia. The movements shift your weight and stabilize your joints through slow motion. Stiffness is a common symptom of fibromyalgia and arthritis and often causes pain. Tai chi can also help improve the quality of your sleep.

Tai chi allows you to become more flexible and alleviates various symptoms throughout your body. These focused movements and deep breathing can ease pain in your back and improve musculoskeletal strength. Balance, flexibility and strength are the perfect combinations for helping your spine, so tai chi is excellent for neck and back pain.

Healing Powers of Tai Chi

Tai chi provides healing powers to your body and mind through gentle movements and a regular rotation of your joints, accompanied by deep breaths. It’s a gentle exercise that provides many health benefits to your body and mind, helps you find your centre, and invokes a sense of calmness that can combat any stress or anxiety you may experience. It’s no wonder this martial art has gained so much momentum.

_

Mia Barnes is a health and wellness writer and the Editor In Chief at Body+Mind. She especially enjoys writing about mental health, physical well-being, mindfulness, and healthy living. When she's not writing, you can find Mia reading romance novels, jogging, and trying new recipes!