The topic that I chose for this paper is Tai Chi. I would like to know about the health benefits of Tai Chi and the meditation that goes along with it. I am interested in Tai Chi because in the last few years I have had some health problems. I am looking for a healthy exercise that I can do that will not aggravate any old injuries and help with balance.
Tai chi developed in ancient China. It started as a martial art and a means of self-defense. Over time, people began to use it for health purposes as well.
Accounts of the history of tai chi vary. A popular legend credits its origins to Chang San-Feng, a Taoist monk, who developed a set of 13 exercises that imitate the movements of animals. He also emphasized meditation and the concept of internal force.
The term tai chi, shortened from tai chi chuan has been translated in various ways, such as “internal martial art” and “supreme ultimate fist.” Tai chi incorporates the Chinese concepts of yin and yang (opposing forces within the body) and qi (a vital energy or life force). Practicing tai chi is said to support a healthy balance of yin and yang, thereby aiding the flow of qi.
To find the answers that I need to find out the health effects of tai chi, I am looking on line for some sources that have done research on the health benefits of tai chi. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCAAM) has done a lot of research to prove that tai chi can be used to improve physical condition, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility. This web site is an excellent educational resource because NCCAM is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on the non traditional medicine.
Scientific research on the health benefits of tai chi is ongoing. Several studies have focused on the older adults, to help prevent falls and improving cardiovascular health. A 2007 NCCAM study on the immune response to varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes shingles) suggested...