For a happier, healthier life stress management and reduction is key. The gold standard for stress management is the practice of Tai Chi. Originally developed as a martial art for self defense, Tai Chi is now recognized for its immense health benefits and suitability for everyone.
The key concepts of Tai Chi: mental focus and breathing, center around its gentle and slow, meditative movements that encourage balance and strength while maintaining safety for its’ participants. A series of calming postures and small movements, with mindfulness practice, helps calm your mental state. Having a practice that not only allows you to slow down, but requires it, is great for re-centering your life by interrupting some of our current negative neuropathways. Giving your mind a chance to literally rest can boost concentration and creativity.
According to a CNN article, millennials are finding better focus by practicing Tai Chi, plus, we think it looks cool!
"I do Tai Chi to reconnect my mind, body and spirit, as well as to strengthen my muscles, loosen my joints, get my body relaxed," York said.4
What may also surprise you is that studies point to decreased inflammation among older adults with insomnia.5
The practice of Tai Chi is not just beautiful, but has also been recommended for anyone in search of stress reduction and has been shown to be extremely beneficial for those with Parkinsons disease, osteoarthritis, heart disease cancer and other chronic illnesses. It has also been shown to be extremely effective in preventing falls and injury, according to the National Council on Aging, and with regular practice can improve stamina and endurance.
Dr. Sarah Greenhagen, DPT, GCS is certified in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention as well as Tai Chi for Rehabilitation and offers group and individualized classes throughout the year at Catalyst Physiotherapy, Performance and Wellness. Watch for classes at Catalyst, coming early next year.
Check out more information at our facebook page: Tai Chi with Catalyst Physiotherapy
Check out our class listings on our website: https://www.catalystpts.com/new-events/
References:
Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/art-20045184
National Institutes for health https://nccih.nih.gov/health/taichi/introduction.htm
National Council on Aging https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/falls-prevention-programs-for-older-adults-2/
CNN https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/05/health/tai-chi-millennials/index.html
Irwin, MR., et al.Cognitive behavioral therapy and tai chi reverse cellular and genomic markers of inflammation in late-life insomnia: a randomized controlled trial.Biol Psychiatry.2015 Nov5;78(10):721-9.doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.01.010. Epub 2015 Feb 4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25748580