Tai'_Chi_Benefits

Benefits of Taiji As there are many health benefits of Taiji; some benefits have more of a long term effect then others. Examples of illnesses that are beneficial of long term Taiji are ADHD and ADD, Low Bone Density, Arthritis, Digestion, and Allergies / Asthma. Through the continuous use of Taiji it is believed that many illnesses can be diminished or even cured. I was surprised at the amount of research that has been performed to prove the benefits of Taiji. In May of 2010 researchers studied a summer camp in Louisiana focused on behavioral control, this summer camp was based around use of Taiji as a function of life. Research proved that in as little as 6 weeks that adolescents with mental illnesses such as ADHD and ADD benefited by gaining behavior control, cognitive skills, control of daydreaming and emotions, as well, they had a great improvement on anxiety. I believe that Taiji would be a great alternative activity for ADHD and ADD children to gain focus of their body and mind verses pumping them full of experimental drugs that disconnect their mind from their body. Taiji is a promising intervention for maintaining healthy bone mineral density; there is no proof of adverse effects of the art to bone density, but there is adequate reasoning for why it may be beneficial. Currently there is research being done at the National Institute of Mental Heath that is proving depressed women have an average Bone Density of women twice their age. The use of T’ai Chi and QiGong is being used in this study to reduce depression and anxiety with the mental state of the art. As a side effect, using weight bearing exercises, the women have shown increased results in bone mass and connective tissue. Once again in the use of weight bearing exercise, included with the fluid motion of Taiji has proven beneficial in the fight against Arthritis and other similar symptoms. Taiji’ low impact movement causes no joint damage (unlike other higher impact exercises). Research shows promising evidence that Taiji can lead to a strong reduction in pain associated with Osteoarthritis. In the same research the subjects admitted to more relief by the use of Taiji then use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs. Within my research I found what I consider to be one of the more “interesting” benefits of Taiji. Taiji has many reactions within the body like the stimulation of blood circulation, massage of internal organs, and Qi that can promote healthy digestion. Some Dieticians recommend the use of Taiji before and after every meal, and for many reasons. A couple of them being, it relaxes the body, improving microcirculation, which in return enhances the body’s ability to absorb nutrients during digestion. Another reason is, when eating in a relaxed state of mind we increasingly tend to savor, taste and enjoy the food we are eating. Finally, stress brings us to make fast unconscious decisions that lead to the consumption of greasy, sugary and salty food for distraction. When a mind is calm the taste palette is more subtle which leads to the enjoyment of simpler foods like fruits and vegetables Allergies and Asthma have also found proven benefits with use of Taiji and QiGong. The stress reducing benefits of Taiji help the body maintain elevated DHEA levels. DHEA is a Neurosteriodal hormone that has been directly linked to allergies. As well, abnormally high stress levels are linked to the frequency and intensity of asthmatic reactions. The Use of Taiji in everyday life for me could be very beneficial just due to the calming factor. With working a full time job, going to school and trying to endure the first year of marriage I could use any form of stress relief possible. Just doing this research has enlightened me to numerous benefits I would have never imagined; and just to think about the ones that haven’t been found yet. I believe that Taiji would be a great addition in to any one’s life. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/722490 [Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T.M., & Thimas, E. (2001). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 5(2):120-3, 2001 Apr, 5(23 ref), 120-123.] http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/729132 Harvard Medical School's Health Publications, May, 2009 http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20081028/tai-chi-may-help-control-asthma Webmd.com - News release, American College of Chest Physicians. CHEST 2008 meeting, Philadelphia, Oct. 25-30, 2008 http://worldtaichiday.org/WTCQDHlthBenft.html