The many health benefits of Tai Chi

Carol Emerson

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art dating back to the 12th century. It is 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:

Parkinson’s disease: a study published in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) 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 NEJM. They reported relief from joint pain as well as other symptoms. While Tai Chi proves effective for some suffering with the condition, for others this can be ineffective. Those living with the ailment may source other methods, such as the natural use of CBD, to deal with the pain. Those who desire pain relief can find cbd online on a variety of websites.

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 effectivity 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.

Here are some comments from our students:

“Tai Chi has helped so much with my pain, I felt better right away.” -Phyllis Hoag

“Tai Chi has helped me both physically and spiritually, I think it is one of the most beneficial activities one can learn how to do. I have had two hip replacements, two knee replacements and five back surgeries including spinal fusion. Tai Chi helps my ability to move and stretch plus it helps with chronic pain and anxiety. Thank you for giving me this gift.” -Alice Rosenkrans

For more information on Tai Chi or to register for class, please contact Carol at 373-3778 or Ken Emerson at 784-1475. $10 per class. All classes are held at SaddleBrooke One.

Beginning class meets on Tuesdays from 9:05–10:05 a.m.

Intermediate class meets on Saturdays from 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Advanced class meets on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Your instructors have been teaching Tai Chi in SaddleBrooke for over 12 years. They are both certified black belts and excellent teachers.