Tai Chi For Arthritis Training

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that incorporates mind awareness with slow and gentle movement. Tai chi can supply a well-rounded exercise program that improves your flexibility, endurance and strengthening capabilities. To prevent possible injury, check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Functions

Tai chi has different benefits for the arthritis-prone individual. One benefit is its low-impact nature. Low-impact activities place less stress upon the joints, making joints less painful to move. Joint discomfort is a main complaint of arthritis-afflicted individuals. Tai chi functions as a complementary and alternative medicine falling in the mind-body connection category, according to the National Center for Complementary Medicine and Alternative Therapy.Tai Chi also functions as a natural relaxation technique or way to reduce stress through use of consistent deep breathing.

Benefits

Tai Chi for arthritis training provides many health benefits, both mentally and physically. Psychologically, this ancient art can improve mental outlook and self-confidence. Physically, tai chi decreases body stiffness, which helps improve mobility, independence and reaching capabilities, according to Science Daily. Tai chi can provide relief of musculoskeletal pain, which is a common complaint among arthritis-afflicted individuals. The slow, gentle movements of this ancient art can be enjoyable, inexpensive, convenient and versatile. Doing tai chi consistently can improve balance, thereby decreasing risks of falling, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Mindful Walking

A new type of this martial art combines the benefits of walking with the principles of tai chi, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Chi walking is easy on the joints, improves balance and makes walking easier for many arthritis sufferers. Mindfulness, or focusing, is used to direct movements. For instance, concentrating on troublesome shoulders can help increase mobility. Maintaining good posture plays a key role in chi walking. Correct posture involves relaxing the joints and tightening core muscles while walking. Chi walking contains a five-step core: balance, alignment, consistency and progression.

Considerations

Tai chi is generally a safe practice, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Be aware that overuse may cause soreness and possible injury. Not all postures may be suitable to your individual situation. It is recommended you not do tai chi immediately after eating, while you have any infections or if you experience extreme tiredness. Certain medical conditions including hernias, pregnancy, back pain and bone abnormalities may require modified postures. Tai chi is not a replacement for standardized medical care.

Training

In the United States, professional licensing is not required to provide tai chi instructor training, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Practicing this martial art is not regulated by either the United States federal or state governments. Traditionally, tai chi instructors received a master teacher's approval in China before being able to acquire students. There is no standardized tai chi instructor training in the United States. U.S.-based training programs differ and offer variety. Some institutions, like the Arthritis Foundation, offer classes and DVD's.