Tai Chi for Headache ReliefTai Chi for Headache Relief and Reduced Stress

In a study conducted by the National Headache Foundation, it is estimated that over 45 million people in the US suffer from some form of chronic headaches. This report goes on to state that this situation results in the loss of some $50 billion each year due to absenteeism from work and the cost of medical care. It also states that we spend approximately $4 billion each year on over the counter medications. At the same time, studies have shown time and again that Tai Chi for Headache relief that is taught in Portland Oregon can help provide relief.

Tension headaches are said to be almost 80% of all headaches and they can occur singly or become a chronic problem. They can be the result of stress, either temporary or long term, anger, anxiety or fatigue. Among the most common symptoms associated with this type of headache are pain and soreness, pressure sensations in the head, stiff muscles in the head and neck as well as what is described as a “tightening band-like sensation around the head”. All of these are symptoms that may be eliminated with the regular practice of Tai Chi.

As you probably already know, Tai Chi or as it may also be called Tai Chi Chuan or Taiji, is an ancient martial art from China that according to those who teach and practice it will help to improve your overall physical and mental health. The practice of Taiji achieves this through teaching you how to make changes in your mental focus, your breathing, and your coordination while at the same time teaching you how to relax.

Perhaps when it comes to seeking relief from tension headaches, the key word is relax. Tension headaches are the result of stress that causes a variety of mental and muscular tensions within the body. The ability to open the mind to the specific aspects of breath control and the mental focus needed to perform the various movements required to complete the forms used in Tai Chi can help to eliminate the stresses that are the cause of the headaches in the first place.

Tai Chi

No matter what style of Tai Chi Chuan you decide to study, one of the key lessons you will learn is how to relax your mind in a similar fashion to what is achieved in many forms of meditation. As anyone who meditates can tell you, once you achieve the level of meditation where you mind is in your control and all outside influences are gone, your mind and body will be in a complete and lasting state of relaxation. This explains how the practice of Tai Chi has been found to be so successful in the treatment of tension headaches.

 

Learn more about Portland Tai Chi Classes or Visit the Main Page.