Tuesday 16 October 2012

Tai Chi for Arthritis

By Dr Paul Lam, with Maureen Miller in http://www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org

Tai Chi for Arthritis is an enjoyable exercise that can relieve your pain, improve your health and your ability to do things. What is more, it is easy to learn — almost anyone can do it. In fact, many people who learn the form, like it so much that they continue to practice and enjoy the benefits of Tai Chi for years.

Tai chi consists of slow continuous whole-body movements, strung together in a form. Like dance, the movements are learned and follow one after the other.
 
 
The essential principles of tai chi include mind and body integration, fluid movements, controlled breathing and mental concentration. The central focus is to enable the qi (pronounced chee), or life force, to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. Total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of the mind and body. This can be achieved through regular practice.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, qi is essential for health and vitality. Tai Chi for Health programs are designed to enhance qi. Thus, practice of the forms not only improve the specific condition each program addresses, but also benefits almost all aspects of health.
 
 
Tai Chi for Arthritis is easy to learn — most people can learn it in days, weeks and, at most, several months. It is also safe. All high risk movements have been removed and replace with ones that are more effective for health.
The Tai Chi for Arthritis program is effective. Over ten scientific studies have shown it relieves pain, maintains and improves health and the quality of life. Because of this arthritis organizations, including the Arthritis Foundations in USA and Australia, Arthritis Care of UK, and Osteoporosis Australia, are supporting it.

As Tai Chi for Arthritis can be practised sitting as well as standing, almost anyone, of any physical condition, can begin and continue to progress regardless of age.
 
How Tai Chi for Arthritis Benefit Your Health?Tai Chi for Arthritis helping people from different walks of life
As an effective program for people with arthritis, Tai Chi for Arthritis incorporates exercises that improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness. 
 
  • Muscle strength is important for supporting and protecting joints. It is essential for normal physical function. 
  • Flexibility exercises enable people to move more easily. Flexibility also facilitates the circulation of body fluid and blood, which enhances healing. Many arthritic conditions such as fibromyalgia, scleroderma and spondylitis are characterized by joint stiffness and impaired physical function. Tai chi gently frees up stiff joints and muscles.
  • Fitness is important for overall health and proper functioning of the heart, lungs and muscles. Tai Chi for Arthritis can improve all of these components.

The Tai Chi for Arthritis program also focuses on weight transference, which improves balance and prevents falls.
 
Additionally, tai chi practice helps to relieve pain and reduce stress This is accomplished in various ways. First, Increasing muscular strength helps to protect the joints, thereby reducing pain. Second, improved flexibility allows for better blood and joint fluid circulation,  which also leads to less pain. Third, tai chi is a mind body exercise, which improves the serenity and relaxation of the mind and thus reduces pain and stress. As a result, those who practice tai chi often experience less depression and enhanced immunity.

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