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Tai Chi: Are You Reaping the Benefits of This Asian Art?
luigi scorcia on flickr
One reason why the Cobra Kai had nothing on Mr. Miyagi: the protagonist master practiced Tai Chi, a pattern of flowing movements developed in the Far East some 2,000 years ago. Initially a combat strategy, recent research has proven Tai Chi to be more first-aid than last-defense. Here’s why we all need to learn the art form.
- It bolsters your bones. A new study in Arthritis Care & Research concluded that Tai Chi significantly eases the symptoms of arthritis. The researchers, from Australia’s George Institute, analyzed seven studies on the relationship before ruling on the matter.
- It fights off sick bugs. According to UCLA scientists who analyzed 112 Tai Chi-practicing-adults for 6 months, the ancient exercise can boost your immune system. In fact, the study’s subjects saw their immunity to shingles jump to levels comparable to having received the standard vaccine against the shingles-causing varicella zoster virus.
- It disarms type-2 diabetes. That’s because the Far East exercise can lower practitioners’ levels of inflammation, states a past study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Diabetics suffer chronic inflammation, which is caused by high blood-sugar levels. However, Tai Chi can prompt a fall in blood glucose levels, or improve blood glucose metabolism, sparking a drop in the inflammatory response.
- It tackles tension headaches. Another UCLA study found that Tai Chi alleviated headaches due to its emphasis on breathing, relaxation and coordination—all of which help banish stress, an underlying cause of headache pain.
- It replaces treadmill boredom. Tai Chi is a sneaky workout. In fact, the Mayo Clinic backs its use for improving cardiovascular fitness, lowering blood pressure, improving balance and coordination, improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety and depression.
Check your gym’s class schedule for Tai Chi. If none are offered, contact your local YMCA or yoga studio—both are hot spots for disciples of the discipline.
About The Author
David Schipper – David began writing for CorePerformance.com in 2008, after spending six years at Men's Health magazine digging up the newest scientific research in health, weight loss, nutrition, muscle and cardiovascular fitness.
