Health Conditions - Movement In Mind

Treating and Preventing Health Conditions

Tai Chi has health benefits for everyone, but it has particular significance for some conditions. For example, research shows that Tai Chi can improve balance and stability. It can also improve flexibility. Most importantly, it is suitable for older people, including those with Parkinson’s disease. That is to say, the people who most often experience balance problems.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, ancient “healers”, and modern-day doctors, inadequate blood circulation and stiff joints are two main reasons for recurring pain in the body. Both Tai Chi and Qigong improve blood circulation and heal stiff muscles which reduces pain and improves well-being and quality of life.

Studies show there are many health conditions that Tai Chi can improve. We often describe Tai chi as “meditation in motion” . However we might well call it medication in motion. Harvard Medical School says “research is increasingly building a compelling case for tai chi to be used alongside standard medical treatment.” This might be to address a disease itself or its primary symptoms. Or it might be for the prevention of certain conditions. In addition, it can be use in rehabilitation to improve a patient’s functioning and quality of life.

Tai Chi is slow and gentle and doesn’t leave you breathless. However it does address the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.

Research into health conditions

Research shows that regular practice of Tai Chi can improve many health conditions. For example, there are benefits for hip pain and chronic pain. In addition, a recent study by Texas Tech University investigated the neurobiological mechanisms in post menopausal women with knee osteoarthritis. It observed significant changes in response to Tai Chi exercise. They included reduced knee pain and stiffness. The study also suggests that Tai Chi also has an important role in improving brain function.

There was another study into health conditions by the University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Chinese Academy of Sciences; and UCLA. The researchers found that Tai Chi can be an effective intervention to improve waist circumference and blood pressure in the elderly.

There is evidence that mind-body techniques such as Tai Chi help to improve mobility and balance. They also address musculoskeletal pain. For example, research conducted in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The study found that verbal instructions, including imagery and visualization, can impact postural control. This means they are effectively therapeutic modalities which could be used to enhance conventional rehabilitation interventions.

The Movement In Mind approach

At Movement In Mind we agree with Lloyd Kelly’s “no pain, no pain” concept. Our Tai Chi for Better Health encourage gentle movement with no strain on the body. Working at around 70% of your comfort level is definitely the best approach.

Our wellbeing programme includes Tai Chi for Health sets designed to help specifically with Osteoporosis, Arthritis and Diabetes. However research shows they will benefit a much wider range of health conditions.

Tai Chi and Blood Pressure

New findings about Tai Chi and Blood Pressure have recently been published in the journal JAMA Network Open. There is a large body of research pointing to the health benefits of Tai Chi. Regular practitioners are aware that the combination of slow, gentle movements help to increase flexibility and improve...

Tai Chi and Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Therefore, when we talk about arthritis, we are referring to rheumatic diseases and/or conditions that affect joints. Common symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around at least one joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common form. Others are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic...

Tai Chi and Hip Pain

Hip pain can affect people of any age. Most people don’t think about their hips unless they begin to have pain and stiffness. Of course, aging does have an effect on your hip joints but so do some sports! Whatever the cause, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to...

Tai Chi and Diabetes

Diet and exercise are the cornerstones of diabetes management. In other words, people with diabetes who exercise regularly have better control over their blood glucose levels. They may also have fewer complications such as heart disease and stroke. However, many people don't keep up with their regular exercise. Either they...

Tai Chi and Memory

The combination of Tai Chi movements and breathing is an obvious choice to maintain physical health. That is to say they help to promote emotional balance, memory and general wellbeing. Tai Chi can help 'rewire' the brain Tai chi is known to improve flexibility and focus. This is because it...

Tai Chi and Sciatica

Most people have heard of sciatica, even if they haven’t experienced it. In fact, approximately 40% of adults in the United States have or have had sciatica. Tai Chi and Qigong have been gaining popularity as a means of relieving a variety of health issues, including sciatica. What is sciatica?...

Tai Chi and Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system. Its characteristics are tremor, rigid muscles, slow, imprecise movement, and postural instability. As a result, there is a greater likelihood of falling. Physical activity can lower the risk of developing Parkinson's. Further, it can slow down the progression of the disease....

Falls Prevention

Falls Prevention Exercise is known to be one of the key solutions in falls prevention. According to the Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi, "the diverse, multiple active ingredients inherent in Tai Chi allow you to compensate for deficiencies in the four body systems (musculoskeletal, sensory, neuromuscular, and cognitive)...

Tai Chi and Osteoporosis

People with osteoporosis often have arthritis and loss of function. In addition, they are also more likely to sustain a fracture following a fall. Studies have shown that Tai Chi can slow down the loss of bone density as much as three fold. Moreover, it can also help to relieve...

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, otherwise known as ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is an enigmatic disease with no known cure. It varies in intensity but the symptoms include fatigue that isn’t refreshed with sleep. In addition sufferers may experience post-exercise malaise and anything from excruciating joint pain and severe headaches to light and...