Taiji helps to improve Immune System

Our bodies naturally have an amazing ability to regenerate tissue if damaged and to combat illness of many sorts. Unfortunately, due to today's society and dietary trends, our immune system tends not to work as efficiently as it can.

During Qigong and Taiji practice, one of the requirements of training is that the tip of the tongue is placed gently to the roof of the mouth. There are many physical and metaphysical benefits of doing so. The main one that I will focus on is the fact that by placing the tongue thus causes the saliva production to increase. Within saliva, there is an enzyme called "amylase" which is responsible for the first stages of digestion. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to thoroughly chew food before swallowing it, as the amylase mixes with the food and begins the digestion process. A healthy digestive system means a strong immune system. Click here to learn Epiphora in TCM.

Medisch Dossier (Volume 6, No. 7), a Dutch medical newsletter, reports on a study where a group of older men and women (average age of 70) practiced Taiji three days a week for 45 minutes. After fifteen weeks, they not only felt much more healthy, but had twice the number of immune cells (called T-cells) which are specially equipped to knock out the virus that causes shingles and also many other viruses.

Jim Plant
Taiji Practitioner (Darwen Falls prevention classes)

"I began Taiji under the tuition of Steven Burton about one year ago. I was prompted by the Health and Fitness development team of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to try Taiji as they believed that it would help improve my mobility and balance. Click here to learn Hordeolum in TCM.

I have always been active and in my youth was a very sporty person. But, I have never come across a more concise series of exercises as Taiji. The exercises work both the physical external muscles and joints as well as working all the internal organs through the breathing techniques. All the movements are gentle and there is no stress to any joints. My health has improved so much. I find Taiji truly amazing! "

The list of benefits is seemingly endless but the most important thing is to enjoy your journey into the study of this fascinating art.