The martial art of Tai Chi originated from China as a means of self-defense as well as a medium for learning mental discipline. Tai Chi seeks to use mental strength rather than physical strength to defeat an enemy. Over the years, Tai Chi has become popular all over the world as people begin to appreciate the numerous benefits that it offers to those who practice it.
How Is It Different from Yoga?
While many of the postures in Tai Chi and Yoga are mostly the same, one of the key differences between Tai Chi and Yoga is the emphasis it places on movement. Tai Chi features a lot more movement, thus the source of its alternative name Yoga in motion. Despite their differences, many people who practice one often practice the other one as they are complementary in many ways. Here are some of the benefits that you can get from Tai Chi.
Pain Relief
Movement is said to be a great way to manage joint pain and Tai Chi is a great way to manage pain that arises from conditions such as arthritis. The stretches and postures that are part of this martial art ensure that your joints and ligaments get the workout that they need. Many doctors in the United States are now asking their patients to take up Tai Chi as part of an arthritis management program.
Improved Balance
When it comes to balance, you can get some real health benefits from this ancient martial arts discipline. Tai Chi does this in several ways. For starters the posture helps to increase muscle strength, thus ensuring that your loved one has the stamina to hold their weight. Secondly, the focus on meditation and concentration are great for balance. This is because a majority of the falls are caused by in-attentiveness and Tai Chi is a great way to improve mental focus.
Weight Loss
Although this is not often a common reason why people take up Tai Chi, there are some weight loss benefits that your loved one can enjoy from practicing Tai Chi. This martial arts practice does this by working out specific muscles that in turn increase metabolism and lead to weight loss. The practice also helps relieve joint pains, allowing your loved one to be able to participate in more activities, thus contributing to weight loss as well.
Before taking up Tai Chi, it is important for you to be sure that you are in a state of physical health that allows you to do the Tai Chi postures and stretches. Talking to your doctor is a great way to start this process so that it does not lead to more physical harm.
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