The many benefits of Tai Chi

Carol Emerson

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art dating back to the twelfth century. Over the years it has been found to be an excellent way to improve and maintain both physical and emotional health. It is also a wonderful way to build strength and balance while alleviating stress and anxiety. Some of the studies are the following:

Parkinson’s disease: a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease who practiced Tai Chi experienced significantly improved walking ability, posture and fewer falls.

Fibromyalgia: People living with fibromyalgia responded well to Tai Chi, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. They reported relief from joint pains as well as other symptoms. Tai Chi has enabled these people to live a life that is free from pain. But for some people, it’s not as simple as that and they may need to find an alternative way to manage their pain. These people may decide to have a look at somewhere similar to this online weed canada dispensary as certain types of cannabis strains have been known to help relieve the pain from fibromyalgia. It is recommended to try Tai Chi first before considering other options.

Diabetes: Tai Chi can improve blood glucose levels and immune system response in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to two studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Depression: According to a study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, a weekly Tai Chi class was shown to increase the affectivity of a standard pharmaceutical treatment for symptoms of depression. Participants were more likely to have less depression as well as improvements in physical and cognitive functioning and a decline in the inflammatory marker C Reactive protein than the control group.

Overcoming Trauma and Loss: One is not a study; however, Tai Chi is now included in many hospital rehabilitation programs. They have found that people recovering from serious illness or surgery (such as heart surgery) benefit not only from the strength building and gentle movements but also from being in a supportive group setting while learning. In our classes in SaddleBrooke, we have observed many students gain emotional strength and self-confidence after experiencing significant change or personal loss.

For more information on Tai Chi or to register for class, please contact Carol or Ken Emerson at 825-9206; $11 per class or six classes for $54 if you buy the tickets.

Beginning class: Fridays 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Intermediate: Saturdays 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Advanced: Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Your instructors, Carol and Ken Emerson, have been teaching Tai Chi in SaddleBrooke for over eight years. They are both certified black belts and excellent teachers.