Tai Chi Tuesday: 'Medication in Motion,' According to Harvard

Just how good is tai chi?

Harvard Women's Health Watch heralds it as "medication in motion" and calls it an exercise that can be done by anyone with any fitness and health level. Here's an excerpt from "The Health Benefits of Tai Chi," originally published in May 2009:

Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.

Don't be intimidated by some of the language or culture that might be very different than what you may have been exposed to, the article continues.

Tai chi helps provide muscle strength, flexibility, balance and aerobic conditioning.

Also, consider tai chi if you have (or have a family history of) any of these diseases:

• Arthritis
• Low bone density
• Breast cancer
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Hypertension
• Parkinson's disease
• Sleep problems
• Stroke

Find a tai chi class near you and start on the path to health and wellness today.

Tai Chi Tuesday: Aiding Those Experiencing Parkinson Disease

Grandmaster Cheng Man Ching

Tai chi has yet another therapeutic application: for those who experience Parkinson Disease.

A study by Madeleine E. Hackney and Gammon M. Earhart published in Gait & Postures Journal in 2008  shows that tai chi can be helpful for balance and dexterity for those experiencing mild to mild-moderately severe Parkinson Disease.

According to the study's abstract, 33 people with the disease were randomly assigned to two groups. The Tai Chi group participated in 20 one-hour training sessions completed within 10–13 weeks; the control group had two testing sessions between 10 and 13 weeks apart without interposed training. 

The tai chi group improved more than the control group on six indicators of balance, gait and mobility — and all tai chi participants reported satisfaction with the program and improvements in well-being. Read about the study here.

Tai chi appears to be an appropriate, safe and effective form of exercise for some individuals with mild-moderately severe form of the disease.

Check back tomorrow for a tai chi bonus about the annual Tai Chi Gala in Albany.