Submitted by Keith Boswell, Mindful Movement Center
Tai Chi (or Taiji) has been practiced in China for hundreds of years and until recently has been closely held in that country. After WW II, Taiji, along with other cultural riches, was introduced in the United States. Over the past ten years a significant amount of medical research has been focused on quantifying the benefits of this ancient Chinese exercise system. Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School, Sloane Kettering Hospital, the National Institute of Health, as well as other academic and medical research organizations have conducted studies and published reports summarizing their findings demonstrating the benefits of Taiji.
Taiji focuses on connecting the mind and body to improve health. It builds strength, balance, and improves cognitive and cardiovascular function by integrating body, breath, movement, and meditative awareness. The goal is to apply these skills to enhance well-being and improve our daily lives.
Reduce Stress
Taking the time to practice slow mindful movements serves to reset our brains and reduce the production of harmful hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol that keep us in a state of tension. There are specific routines that will help with sleep and anxiety as well
Improve Balance
Practicing the Taiji forms and related exercises to use repetitive movements dedicated to building and cultivating energy teaches how to use our bodies efficiently and safely to improve balance. They also have a positive impact on agility and strength.
Sleep and Anxiety
There are many pressures we face just as a part of daily living. Each of us deal with these pressures in our own ways with varying degrees of success in managing them. At the end of the day (literally) even when we think we are handling it, stress can end up manifesting itself in poor sleep and/or some level or type of anxiety. The optimum way to deal with these issues is to have as many tools in our tool kit as we can. Taiji can give participants a variety of tools to improve the quality of their sleep as well as address some of the conditions that result in increased anxiety.
Improved Cognition
Many recent studies have identified the capability and capacity of our brains to continue to develop (learn ). This is especially important as we age. Continual learning and exercise of the brain has a positive effect on the onset of Alzheimer’s as an example.
There are many tangible benefits from Taiji and a comprehensive practice including Qigong and functional meditation. It can really help us with our daily lives and build a healthier body and mind.
Mindful Movement Matters. Try Taiji.
For more information, contact Keith at 309-863-5423 or TaiJiofPeoria@gmail.com.