Tai Chi, Your Body and Your Mind

Exercise and fitness

You’ve probably seen the images – extremely graceful, flowing, dance-like movements that are designed to condition and balance the body and reduce stress.

It’s called Tai Chi – a form of mind-body exercise that was originally developed in China more than 2000 years ago as a martial art form.

The benefits of Tai Chi? There are many, including the following:

Psychological – Research shows that those who practice Tai Chi demonstrate increased relaxation, better sleep patterns, reduced stress, improved self-esteem and mood, increased feelings of self-awareness and, because it is generally practiced in a group setting, many report increased sociability and a better disposition.

Musculoskeletal – Those who practice Tai Chi report improved physical strength, posture, flexibility, muscle tone and strength and decreased bone loss as they age, especially in women.

Cardiopulmonary – Tai Chi produces a decrease in blood pressure and more effective breathing.

Physical – Many who practice Tai Chi experience increased energy, improved immune function, relief from chronic pain symptoms, and better balance and motor coordination.

The practice of Tai Chi is beneficial to all, but particularly for seniors who require simple movements and a slower pace in their exercise routine. Many older individuals report fewer falls because of better balance.

The March-April 2006 issue of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine published the results of a study, which found that Tai Chi helped to improve balance, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility in only six weeks; additional improvements were noted after 12 weeks. The research concluded that Tai Chi is a “potent intervention” that may facilitate the reversal of certain limitations and help older individuals to continue living on their own longer.

There are many ways to improve your body and your mind, including regular chiropractic care, proper diet and nutrition, and exercise and fitness. All contribute to help make a healthier you!

Dr. Jeff  Asks some important questions of interest to Colorado Springs residents - Chiropractor Colorado Springs Dr. Jeff Asks...

Where do most Colorado Springs residents get their first vertebral subluxation?
Being born in a hospital is a common source of vertebral subluxation. Trauma from forceps delivery has been replaced with drugs, vacuum extraction, Cesarean section and births that are "scheduled" to fit the workweek routines of Ob-Gyns. That's why we recommend a chiropractic checkup for every Colorado Springs newborn.
How long does it take to form a bone spur?
Many who begin chiropractic care think their problem happened "last week when you bent over funny." But pictures of the spine tell a different story. Chiropractors know it can take your body years to deposit the calcium necessary to form a bone spur. It's your body's response to stress due to gravity or joint malfunction. And chiropractic care can help.