Tai Chi & Qigong for Health: Seniors, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Diabetes, Arthritis, Cancer and Much More
Tai Chi and Qigong are in the news daily as a healthy activity for everyone. Headlines often feature benefits for seniors and those with diseases and disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and much more.
There is a large body of research that has been done in China on the health effects of the Tai Chi and Qigong. Western scientific research is also proliferating that reveals a great variety of beneficial physiological, social and psychological benefits. Some of these are summarized below:
Improves respiration and circulation
Increases balance and coordination
Lowers blood pressure
Oxygenates the body
Relieves stress
Induces relaxation response
Lowers stress hormones
Improves posture so organs and muscles function better
Repetition helps restore neurological function
Improves mood, can improve depression
Visualization supports neurological retraining and improved physical functioning
Improves flow of energy through straight spine
Enhances micro-circulation
Enhances immune system function
Promotes balance of activity on each side of body.
Raises awareness of the body and the way it functions
Improves awareness of body position (proprioception)
Doctors are recommending Tai Chi and Qigong, but it is often hard to find information about how it affects particular conditions--or where to find a class that meets a person's individual needs. Rising UP! is a place to learn and share about Tai Chi and Qigong: