Tai chi is a martial art that combines movement, breathing and meditation in the service of mind-body awareness and self-healing. It constitutes part of an ancient Chinese medical system called qigong. When used primarily as a form of exercise, tai chi can also help older individuals ease the effects of a serious circulatory disorder called peripheral arterial disease.
Tai Chi
Tai chi and qigong have their origins in a Chinese philosophical system called Taoism, which emphasizes the activation of a life-energy source called chi, as well as the existence of complementary opposing forces called yin and yang. Practitioners of tai chi use a series of movements and body positions called forms to balance yin and yang and promote the flow of vital chi throughout the body. During the performance of the various forms, tai chi practitioners typically coordinate their movements with close attention to their breathing patterns. If you desire, you can perform tai chi as a form of exercise without any emphasis on the art's religious or spiritual origins.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage of arteries in your legs and arms triggered by the buildup of a substance called plaque. Plaque buildup in your arteries is caused by excessive accumulations of cholesterol and dietary fat, as well as calcium, inflammatory cells and certain types of protein. These substances can accumulate gradually throughout your life and only produce symptoms as you get older. Potential symptoms of PAD include pain or cramping caused by intermittent blood flow, cool skin on your feet, changes in the color of your skin and foot or toe sores that don't heal normally.
Significance
Left untreated, PAD can lead to the onset of life-threatening medical conditions that include heart attack, stroke and a major warning sign for stroke called transient ischemic attack, or TIA. The presence of PAD can also lead to amputation of your affected leg or foot, as well as a narrowing of the arteries in your kidneys called renal artery stenosis. Once you develop PAD, it can't be cured. However, you can successfully manage your PAD-related health risks by exercising regularly, quitting smoking and controlling known disease factors like high blood pressure.
PAD Management
Regular performance of tai chi can reduce your blood pressure and heart rate and improve your cardiovascular health as much as more conventional forms of moderate exercise, according to the American Cancer Society. Tai chi can also improve your sense of well-being and help provide an ongoing incentive to continue exercising. In combination, these benefits can help you successfully manage PAD. Other conditions in older individuals that may respond well to regular performance of tai chi include osteoporosis, arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Consult your doctor and a certified tai chi instructor for more information.
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