The Theory and Therapeutic
Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan
THEORY AND DESCRIPTION
Tai Chi is a therapeutic exercise which originated as a martial art. It is a
slow
moving martial art based on the Eastern
belief that a life force (chi) or energy
circulates throughout the body by way
of pathways called meridians. A disruption
in
this flow of energy is believed to result in illness or disease. Therefore, a
balance
of chi is essential for health and Tai Chi is
an exercise which promotes this proper
flow of energy. However, it is both a
physical and a mental exercise recognized
as a
form of moving meditation. Its philosophy emphasizes the importance of the
connection between the individual's mind and body.
Tai Chi is a holistic approach
accounting for the entire individual rather than
focusing on the localized symptoms.3
SUGGESTED THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS
Psychological
Through Tai Chi's use of diaphragmatic breathing and focused meditation,
this
form of exercise has a relaxing effect on
the individual. There has been
scientific evidence showing that practitioners
show improvements in self-esteem,
self-confidence, sleep and mental health (depression, anxiety, etc.) as the
result of
participating in a Tai Chi program.9 There
is also evidence that improvements in
friendliness and pleasantness among
individuals who practiced this form of exercise.6
An important part of Tai Chi is the prevalence of its practice within a group
setting.
The socialization aspect of this type of
exercise is believed to play an important role
in the psychological effects.
Cardiopulmonary
Benefits that have been reported within the cardiopulmonary system include
decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood
pressure1, more efficient
|breathing and in chest expansion.7
Neurological
The slow continuous movements of Tai Chi benefit the neurological system
by causing tonal decreases5 in much of the same
way as proprioceptive
neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Tai Chi also aids in
increased proprioceptive
awareness 5 which is significant for the elderly population because of its
importance in
decreasing the number of falls. Much like other forms
of
treatment such as NDT (neurodevelopmental treatment), there is a focus on
normal postural tone, trunk control, midline
orientation and head control on the
trunk. Tai Chi helps develop these through
its slow movements, focus on
posture,
and prolonged stretches during a routine.
Musculoskeletal
Improvements in posture, strength and flexibility have been attributed to
Tai
Chi among those individual who practice the exercise.5 Its slow circular
movements allow for gentle stretching of
muscles, tendons and ligaments and
are often compared to continuous passive movement which is used to increase
the speed of healing.
Tai Chi also allows for compression to the
joint which aids
in providing nutrients to the surrounding cartilage.5
Digestive
Researchers have found Tai Chi to be effective in improving conditions such
as
duodenal ulcers, lack of appetite, stomach pain andprolapsed stomach.4
It is believed that the "visceral massage effect"
of some of the movements also
assists in improving elimination.5
Endocrine
The physical activity of Tai Chi has been associated with decreases in cortisol
levels within the body, thereby decreasing mooddisturbances.4 Tai Chi also
causes an increase in the secretion of
noradrenalin from the sympathetic
nervous system which also
aids in causing a physical relaxation.4
SPECIAL POPULATIONS STUDIED|
Individuals with AIDS
Individuals living with an HIV+ status are turning towards alternative and
complementary therapies, including Tai Chi. Students
tend to feel a sense of
empowerment and greater involvement in self-care which
provides a sense
of power and control.8 It has been proposed that it is a source of motivation
and theorized that it imparts a
sense of hope among its practitioners as
compared to nontraditional therapy users.8
Geriatric Population
Among the elderly, Tai Chi has been extensively studied. It has been
shown to be
a safe and fun way to exercise among
this population, while
providing improvements in all areas of the body. This
exercise provides a low to
moderate level of
cardiovascular activity while minimizing the stress on the joints.
It is also
beneficial because it is fairly easy to learn and
benefits become noticeable
within a matter of weeks. Scientific investigation
has shown that the physiological,
psychological
and social benefits that develop through the regular practice of
Tai Chi are
long lasting among this population.6
References
1Channer,
K., Barrow, D., Barrow, P, Osborne, M., & Ives, G.(1996) Changes in hemodynamlc
parameters following tai chl chuan and aerobic
exercise in patients recovering from acute
myocardial ininfarction. Fellowship
of Postgraduate Medicine 72, 349-351.
2Davis, C. (I 997)
Complementariy Therapies in Rehabilitation.
3Draeger, D. & Smith, R. (1980). Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts.
New York., Kodansha American Inc.
4Jin, P. (I 992). Efficacy of tai chi, brisk walking, meditation, and
reading In reducing mental and
emotional stress. Journal Of Psychosomatic
Research, 36(4), 361-370.
5Levandoski, J. L. & Leyshon, G. A. (1990). Tai chi exercise and the
elderly. Clinical KJnesiology, 44(2),39-44.
6 Ross, M. C. & Presswalla. J. L. (I 998). The therapeutic effects of
tai chi for the elderly.
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45-47.
7Schneider, D., & Leung, R, (1991). Metabolic and cardiorespiratory
responses to the
performance of wing chun and tai chi chuan exercise.
International Journal of Sports Medicine, 12,319-322.
8Singh, N., Squier, C., Sivok., Hong. N., Wagener, M, & Yu. V.
(1996). Determinants of nontraditional
therapy use in patients with HIV
Infection:
A prospective study. Archives of lnternal Medlcine. 156,197-201.
9Weisner, M., Kutz,
American
Journal of Psychotherapy, 49(1),118-127.
10Wolf, S. L., Coogler. C., & XU, T. (1997). Exploring the basis for
tai chi chuan as a therapeutic exercise.
Archives of Physical Medical
Rehabilitation. 78, 886-892
Tai Chi Systems and class basics
Tai Chi Introduction and History
