Tai chi is an ancient Chinese technique that originated as a martial art, but has since become more focused on physical health and rehabilitation. It is similar to practices such as yoga in that it involves slow, gentle movements, controlled breathing, and exercises that help you to enter a meditative state of mind.

Tai chi is a low-intensity exercise, meaning that it does not place significant stress on your joints and heart. This makes it an ideal choice for people who:

• Are older adults or seniors
• Are recovering from a physical injury
• Have arthritis or another degenerative physical condition

 
This type of exercise is also helpful for improving balance and reducing your frequency of falling. Physical balance and stability can deteriorate with age or as a result of a variety of medical conditions, making tai chi an effective method of preventing potential future injuries. It can also provide a few other important health benefits, including:
 

• Improved upper- and lower-body strength
• Greater flexibility
• Mild to moderate aerobic conditioning (improving your cardiovascular system’s ability to absorb and transport oxygen)
• Reduced chronic pain
• Improvements in symptoms of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular disease

Tai chi can be particularly helpful, and is most safe, under the guidance of an instructor. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Integrative Health program offers access to trained, expert, and experienced Queens, NYC tai chi instructors, who can help you learn to practice this form of exercise in a way that maximizes its health benefits. To learn more, please call (718) 206-6914.