Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art practiced with slow movements and in silence, providing movement of the body’s energy and stimulating body awareness, concentration and tranquility.
Tai Chi Chuan is also known as meditation in movement, and is widely performed both as a self-defense sport, but also for therapeutic purposes, as its exercises bring benefits such as correcting posture, balance and strength, in addition to harmonizing the emotions and combat mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
Tai Chi Chuan is one of the simplest and easiest martial arts to do, and can be practiced by anyone and started at any age, and is even recommended for the elderly.
Health benefits
Practicing Tai Chi Chuan brings several health benefits:
- Increase vitality, with more disposition and energy for everyday life;
- Strengthen muscles;
- Improve balance;
- Increase concentration;
- Reduce muscle tension;
- Improve joint flexibility;
- Relieve stress and combat depression;
- Balance emotions;
- Encourage social interaction;
- Stimulate the nervous and immune system.
Tai Chi can be practiced by anyone, and it is recommended to wear soft shoes and comfortable clothes that do not hinder the movements. It can also be practiced anywhere, but preferably outdoors.
Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan for the elderly
Tai Chi Chuan is an ideal exercise for the elderly, as it is a low-impact martial art that has no restrictions, bringing several benefits such as preventing the loss of muscle strength, increasing bone strength and improving balance and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Find out what elderly people should do to prevent loss of muscle mass.
This martial art is also a physical activity that reduces pain caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis and muscle contractures. Heart health can also be improved with this practice, which also brings benefits to psychological health, improving well-being, serenity and tranquility.
Also check out other physical exercises that are great for the health of the elderly.
How to start practicing
Tai Chi Chuan is practiced with a combination of movements, which aim to promote the circulation of the body’s vital energy, called Chi Kung. These movements must be performed fluidly and in a state of full mental attention.
Thus, the practice involves the combination of breathing, martial arts movements, such as punches and kicks, and concentration of the mind. It is possible to practice this martial art alone or, preferably, guided by a professional in group classes.
The skill of movements is achieved little by little, so it is necessary to practice regularly. Generally, Tai Chi Chuan is practiced at a slow pace, so that you can make the movements with precision, and as you become more experienced, you can practice at greater speed.
