Health Benefits of Practising Taiji

One of the main reasons that Taiji is so widely practiced in China is that it promotes a long and healthy life. The Taoists practiced a form of Taiji in their quest for eternal youth, and the doctor Sun Simiao, known throughout the Chinese world as the Medicine King, lived to the ripe old age of 100, conscientiously carrying out the forms. He recommended it as an excellent way of maintaining good health, urging his patients to learn perseverance and patience from the steady progress they made with Taiji. Click here to learn Spring Conjunctivitis in TCM.

Taiji is also a safe and practical sport. There is no risk of acute cardiac problems when practicing, and it is an excellent all-round healthy activity. Because of its balanced yet cyclical nature, there are no sudden movements or jolts to shock weak joints or muscles, the movement is gentle and constant, with no stops or starts. Breathing is kept slow and regular throughout the form, instead of forcing participants to gasp for breath or stop for a rest. It is extremely practical in that no special equipment or dedicated space is required – comfortable loose clothing is all you need, and a little time regularly. You can keep up Taiji even when you are away from home.

This activity can also improve general coordination, flexibility and mobility. This is especially true for older people. Regular Taiji sessions will strengthen the leg and back muscles reducing the likelihood of falls and injuries, giving more independence. Arthritis can be eased with regular practice, as Taiji can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, encouraging flexibility and enlarging the range of movements in a gentle, painless way. Taiji is suitable for all ages, irrespective of gender, physical condition or strength and ability. Like Yoga, those practicing Taiji go at their own pace without forcing any movements, each level providing room for improvement. Click here to learn Senile Cataract in TCM.

Taiji is fun and can be practiced alone or in a group, to soft music or in silence, indoors or out. The importance of enjoyable activity cannot be overstressed-relaxation and enjoyment are as important in life as work and study. The trick is to get the balance right - too much work makes Jack a dull boy! Even we in the west know that a healthy body means a healthy mind, and that happiness plays a major role in our health. And when it is practiced in a group, all the advantages of socialization and personal interaction are at play and the activity becomes something to look forward to. So Taiji can simply be practiced for fun, too, and to meet people. Finally, Taiji can provide positive treatment for many serious illnesses.

According to the WHO, the main killers of our society are now cancer, heart diseases, brain diseases and diabetes. Taiji and TCM can be beneficial in the treatment of all of these. In TCM, cancer is believed to be caused by a deficiency of some kind, and tonic herbs such as Ginseng and Lingzhi (ganoderma mushroom) are usually prescribed. In Taiji, cancer is thought of as grains of sand in the muscles, and the gentle, smooth movements can help to ease them slowly out of the system. The cardiovascular system can benefit greatly from the practice of Taiji, as this activity promotes overall circulation of blood. The leg muscles are worked extensively, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots or other problems affecting the extremities, and the overall benefit is that blood and oxygen are directed more regularly to the brain. In TCM, brain and heart problems are often treated with Danshen, in tea, powder or tablet form.

Diseases of the blood can be slowed down with certain teas: Jiangzhi tea for reducing cholesterol, Jiangtang tea for lowering blood sugar levels, and Jiangya for blood pressure. Regular Taiji sessions have been proven highly effective for improving the heart rate, especially for normally sedentary elderly people, and for reducing blood pressure by decreasing stress. The immune system can also be improved with Taiji.

As with TCM, Taiji works the body and mind as a whole, seeking to rebalance Yin and Yang. Where TCM treats with herbs, massage and acupuncture, Taiji work with movement. Both offer genuine health benefits.