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n recent years there has been a lot of information forthcoming regarding Tai Chi health benefits, some of which may seem to be far too good to be true. However, before you decide that you already have a good idea that Tai Chi is like any other martial art in that by practicing it you are bound to become more physically fit and this is all there is to the healthy aspect of this martial art, you need to understand that there is far more to it than that.
Bit of History
If you take a look back at the history of Tai Chi health and physical fitness are both a major component of this ancient Chinese martial art. You will find that from its inception, dated sometime between 960 and 1260 AD, the goal of the practice of Tai Chi has always been to help the practitioner improve their physical and mental health. While it is a fighting style of martial art, the number of health benefits of Tai Chi are still being discovered today well over 1,000 years since Chan San Fen is reputed to have created it.
However, while the Chinese have known for this entire time about the numerous Tai Chi health benefits, it has only been in the last few decades that anyone in the west has even considered the possibility that what the Chinese have always known, might actually be true. At the same time, if you take a look at the overall health of the thousands of Tai Chi practitioners in China and compare it to similar demographics in the west, you will find that the numbers don’t lie.
Healing through motion
In China you will find that problems like stress that we are so used to dealing with here in west are practically non-existent and along with this, the number of stress related illnesses and diseases are far lower. Consider for instance the incredibly high rate of heart disease in the west due to stress and then look at the almost non-existent numbers in China amongst those who practice Tai Chi health benefits like these are hard to deny.
Stress Relief, thanks to Tai Chi
But the health benefits of Tai Chi go far deeper than this; reducing the level of stress that you feel on a daily basis not only lowers your blood pressure, but also reduces the strain on your internal organs and allows them to return to a more normal level of functionality. Perhaps in a more western way this is in part what is meant by restoring the flow of Qi or life energy in your body. Studies that are long overdue are now being conducted here in the US and in many other western countries to look into the different benefits of this martial art.
Those studies that have been completed by several of the most respected universities and medical centers in the western world and more particularly here in the US are finding that there is a great deal of truth to the stories regarding Tai Chi health benefits that have been coming out of China for centuries. For many, the best part is that you can realize these benefits with no more than 30-45 minutes of practice each day and that the results are long lasting. For others, it is that no matter how young or old you are, you can still reap the benefits and enjoy a much longer and healthier life.
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