Tai chi is a form of Chinese movement that emphasizes meditation, flexibility and balance. It originated as a type of martial arts in China in 1200 A.D. through a Taoist boxer named Chang-san Feng, according to the website for the Heartland Healing Center. Feng likened the movements to a flow of energy that moves throughout the body, and the person performing the movements practices mindfulness of his surroundings. The practice of tai chi continues in China, and its popularity is gaining in the Western world as a form of meditation and exercise.
Identification
Tai chi utilizes slow, graceful movements from one posture into another. You do not stop between each posture, rather, your body flows from one position into the next. You concentrate on your breathing during the movements and push negative thoughts and worries out of your mind. The postures require flexibility and balance and may take practice to perform.
Stress Reduction
A major benefit of tai chi is stress reduction: The poses and movements that you perform during tai chi can help you to reduce stress as you focus on your breathing and posture. These benefits may be carried on into your daily life, even after you have completed your exercises. This decrease in stress makes you more aware of your body and may help you make healthier choices for meals. Additionally, some people eat due to stress, and reducing your stress levels through tai chi may lessen incidences of emotional eating.
Meditation
Tai chi involves focusing on your breathing while moving through the motions. This form of meditation is very calming and allows you to push aside negative thoughts and worries. According to the University of Kentucky, you can use meditation as a behavioral strategy for weight management. You may use meditation through tai chi as a coping strategy instead of turning to food. This may also help if you have lost weight and you are struggling to keep it off.
Exercise
The physical benefits of tai chi are twofold. The movements strengthen your muscles, which makes your metabolism more efficient. With leaner muscles, you continue burning calories throughout the day in addition to when you are exercising. You also can get some aerobic conditioning through tai chi. Some movements are faster than others, or you may work at a faster pace than a traditional program. Although it is low-impact and not a particularly intense aerobic workout, it still gets your heart pumping, which results in better cardiovascular conditioning, which helps with weight control.
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