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Taiji is a very effective Martial Art. It is known more in the west, for it's healing methods. Taiji consist of many different forms, Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao, etc. They are all variations following similar principles.
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At Regan's Martial Arts, we teach the Yang style Taiji as taught for competition. We feel these forms are simplified, and easier for people to learn. Most students can grasp the basic forms quite easily, and enjoy the health benefits of Taiji. The combat aspect is taught to more serious students. The fact that most people study Taiji for health, cannot be denied. In todays society, with so much stress, the most important aspect of any training, is health.
Without health, and piece of mind, one cannot defend oneself effectively.
Many of the health benefits of Taiji are listed below.
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BENEFITS OF TAI CHI CHUAN
GENERAL BENEFITS: [Tai Chi] teaches inner strength while toning muscles, increasing flexibility, and boosting immune power. It is also said to reduce stress, store up energy, increase body awareness, and improve balance and coordination. Tai Chi was the closely held secret of a few Chinese families for nearly 1,000 years... Men's Health Magazine, 8 Mar/Apr '93 p. 66-69
PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS: Relative to measurement beforehand, practice of Tai Chi raised heart rate, increased noradrenaline excretion in urine, and decreased salivary cortisol concentration. Relative to baseline levels [Test Subjects] reported less tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and state-anxiety; they felt more vigorous, and in general they had less total mood disturbance. (American Psychological Association) Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 1989 V. 33 (2) 197-206
MENTAL HOMEOSTASIS: Psychological homeostasis refers to emotional control or tranquility. It has been stated that the biological function of human emotion and repression is primarily homeostatic. Evidence suggests that a feedback relationship exists between forms of homeostasis, and the body-mind type of therapies (including acupuncture and Tai Chi) thus have a combined physiological, physical, and psychological effect. (American Psychological Association) American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 1981 Spring V. 9 (1) 1-14
IMMUNE SYSTEM: A study conducted in China indicates that Tai Chi may increase the number of T lymphocytes in the body. Also know as T-Cells, these lymphocytes help the immune system destroy bacteria and possibly even tumor cells. Prevention Magazine V. 42, May 90, p.14-15
BREATHING, ACHES, BLOOD PRESSURE: ...participants observed a "big increase in breathing capacity", a disappearance of back aches and neck aches, those with high blood pressure claimed a drop of 10 to 15 mm Hg systolic at rest, and all participants claimed to have more energy in their daily work. Hawaii Medical Journal - V. 51 No. 8 August 92
BALANCE: A ten-year study on aging through Harvard, Yale and Emory University determined not only that Tai Chi was superior to more technological balance therapies, but also that Tai Chi reduced the risk of injury by falling by 48%. Complications from these injuries are the sixth leading cause of death in older Americans, and account for about $10 billion loss per year to the economy. USA Today, May 1996
BALANCE: Institute of Chicago indicates that people with moderate balance problems can be helped by practicing Tai Chi. Participants...of the 2 month course ...experienced about a 10 percent improvement in balance. An Emory University study supports Hain's findings. Prevention Magazine V. 46 Dec. 94 p. 71-72
MENTAL & PHYSICAL STRESS: Mind & body exercises, such as...Tai Chi...are increasingly replacing high-impact aerobics, long distance running and other body punishing exercises of the 1980's ...Mind/body workouts are kinder to the joints and muscles . reduce the tension that often contributes to the development of disease, which makes them especially appropriate for high powered, stressed out baby boomers. Unlike most conventional exercises, these forms are intended to stretch, tone, and relax the whole body instead of isolating parts...based on a series of progressive choreographed movements coordinated with deep breathing. Working Woman Magazine V. 20 Feb. 95 p. 60-62+
POSTURAL CONTROL: Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese exercise, is a series of individual dance like movements linked together in a continuous, smooth-flowing sequence ... An analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that in 3 of 5 tests, the Tai Chi practitioners had significantly better postural control than the sedentary non practitioners. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1992 Apr. V. 46 (4) 295-300
BEYOND TRADITIONAL CARE: Health practitioners encountering clients who are faced with problems that do not seem to respond to traditional health care...may employ some of the health traditions of other cultures and to view the body and mind as a balanced whole. Massage, acupuncture and Tai Chi...focus on the mind/body connection to facilitate healing through relaxation, pressure points, and movement. AAOHN Journal, 1993 July, 41 (7) 349-351
CURES/PREVENTIONS: Proponents claim that Tai Chi can also (1) cure illnesses such as hypertension, asthma, and insomnia; (2) prevent arteriosclerosis and spinal deformity, and (3) shorten recovery phase from long-term illness. Results from a study by Chen Munyi (1963) with elderly Tai Chi practitioners show that this group had RTs, strength, and flexibility superior to non-practitioners. (American Psychological Association) American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 1981 Spr. V. 9(1) 15-22
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: No significant exacerbation of joint symptoms using this weight bearing system of exercises (Tai Chi) was observed. Tai Chi exercises appear to be safe for RA patients...weight bearing exercises have the potential advantages of stimulating bone growth and strengthening connective tissue, ... American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, June 1991, 70 (3) p. 136-141
SUPPORT GROUPS RECOMMENDING TAI CHI: Multiple Sclerosis Fibromyalgia, Parkinson's Disease, Lupus, Migraines, Chronic Pain
AIDS: Proper exercise [for AIDS sufferers] is typified by Tai Chi. Dr. Laurence E. Badgley, M.D. PSYCHOLOGY: "Tai Chi is a natural and safe vehicle for both clients and staff to learn and experience the benefits of being able to channel, concentrate and co-ordinate their bodies and minds: to learn to relax and to neutralize" rather than resist the stress in their personal lives. This is an ability, which we greatly need to nurture in our modern fast-paced society. Dr. John Beaulieu, N.D., M.T.R.S. Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital, N.Y.C. [Refer to the Tai Chi book "The Supreme Ultimate" for full text]
TAI CHI & GESTALT THERAPY: Discussion of Tai Chi, a Chinese system of integrated exercises, as an effective adjunct to Gestalt Therapy. (American Psychological Association) Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 1978 Fall V. 10 (1) 25-31
PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESS: A holistic paradigm, Tai Chi, is proposed as a theoretical basis for treating psychosomatic illness. (American Psychological Assn.) Journal of Black Psychology, 1980 Aug. V. 7(1) 27-43
TAI CHI HELPS UNDERSTAND CHANGE: Suggests the imagery of the Tai Chi figure...can serve as a model for understanding the processes of change within psychotherapy. The Tai Chi figure expresses the themes of unity and completeness, the dynamic of interplay and balance of opposite forces, and the cyclical nature of therapeutic change. (American Psychological Assn.) Psychologia, An International Journal of Psychology in the Orient, 1991 Mar. V. 34 (1) 18-27
ELDERLY: According to Tai Chi enthusiasts, the discipline can prevent many ailments, including high blood pressure, tuberculosis, and diabetes, and US scientists agree that Tai Chi can offer some important fitness benefits, particularly for older adults. Modern Maturity, V. 35 June/July 92 p. 60-62
CARDIORESPERITORY EFFECTS: Conclusion: The data substantiate that practicing Tai Chi regularly may delay the decline of cardio-resperatory function in older individuals. In addition, TC may be prescribed as a suitable aerobics exercise for older adults. Journal of American Geriatric Society, Nov. 1995, 43 (11) p 1222-1227 ISSN 0002-8614 Journal Code: H6V
SPORTS HEALTH: [Former] Boston Celtic's star Robert Parish, who, at age 39, is the oldest player in the NBA, credits the ancient martial art of Tai Chi with his durability. Parish remains dominant in his 17th season in the league, and he has no plans to retire. He started all 79 games that he played last year for the Celtics, averaging 14.1 points, shooting 54 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free throw line, and racking up a season total of 705 rebounds and 97 blocked shots. Inspired by his success, fellow Celtics players Reggie Lewis and Rick Fox have signed on with Li (Parish's Tai Chi instructor). Gentlemen's Quarterly V. 62 Dec. 92, p 256-60 March 13, 1999
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