Tai Chi Chuan Advise From Physician
Recently I was speaking with a friend, who had told me about his physician in San Diego. Apparently the physician practices, but does not teach Tai Chi, but recommends it to every patient, even the ones in wheel chairs. Here is what the physician wrote:
Want A Safe And Effective Way To Relieve Chronic Pain, Improve Balance, Flexibility, Strength And Cardiovascular Fitness?
Try Tai Chi! When you think of Tai Chi, you probably get visions of
Bruce Lee running around… beating up 10 bad guys at once. Well, that
couldn’t be further from the truth. Tai Chi is an exercise system that
consists of a specific series of gentle physical movements. Tai Chi
Chuan, which literally means -- "supreme ultimate force" -- is based on
an ancient Chinese martial art. Many practitioners describe their art as
part exercise, part meditation. Tai Chi is a very unique way to exercise
without putting many of the stresses and strains on the body caused by
more conventional exercise programs. More importantly, researchers have
recently reviewed 50 studies on Tai Chi… revealing many diverse health
benefits gained by its practitioners.
In March 2004, the results of a study performed by researchers at the Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Data on 47 studies were analyzed that examined the health benefits of Tai Chi on patients with chronic health problems such as multiple sclerosis and heart disease. The studies varied considerably in such measures as outcome assessment, duration of follow-up and others. In their description of the results they wrote: "Benefits were reported in balance and strength, cardiovascular and respiratory function, flexibility, immune system, symptoms of arthritis, muscular strength, and psychological effects."
The researchers noted that in older patients with chronic conditions, Tai Chi appeared to be a safe and effective means of promoting flexibility, balance control and cardiovascular fitness. Even though many health benefits of Tai Chi were clear, the studies did not know why. The researchers also stated that since the studies varied so much, exact scientific conclusions could not be drawn.
Another study from Korea found that a particular form of Tai Chi developed to help arthritis sufferers did just that. Results showed that those in the Tai Chi group experienced significantly less pain and stiffness and reported fewer difficulties performing daily functions compared to the non-Tai Chi group.
Yet another study in the Journal Applied Nursing Research found that participants in a 30-minute Tai Chi class twice a week for 12 weeks had significant improvements in balance, functional mobility, and a reduced fear of falling.
Tai Chi Chuan Advise From Physician
Posted in Tai Chi
Posted on Monday, July 09, 2007 at 10:06 AM by Sifu Smith
Edited on: Monday, July 09, 2007 10:06 AM