Secret Health Benefits of Yoga and Tai Chi

Secret Health Benefits of Yoga and Tai Chi
by Herb Leibacher

suggest that you try the classes first because you will have an instructor on hand to
assist you in your technique. The instructor can also teach you how the body
movements will assist in your mental and physical health and well being. Yoga
originated in India. The name means to unite and the movements unite body and
mind. Yoga is also a method of meditation. Many of these methods pre date Buddha.

Yoga can be challenging for plus-sized people but it is an excellent way for them to
exercise. Yoga gives a body extended flexibility. It is an exercise especially good for
people with arthritis because it not only increases flexibility, it also increases joint
lubrication. Yoga also completes the detoxification of the body and tones muscles.
Because yoga is a lifestyle, it is considered a combination of breathing exercises,
physical work outs, and meditation which are done on a daily basis.

Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art as well as a training form for longevity and
health. TC is best known for the pictures of many Chinese in parks every day doing
their exercise routines in sort of a choreographed dance. It is supposed to fuse the
Yin and Yang. Many of the martial art postures are combined with the "pushing
hands" movement we have all seen in Tai Chi demonstrations. Tai Chi is a part of the
Wudang martial arts group. Many people follow TC who have absolutely no interest in
martial arts.

TC is accepted as an adjunct in Chinese medicine. Aspects of Chinese medicine are
taught to advanced Tai Chi masters. Tai Chi incorporates the use of leverage to ease
the pressure on joints. Tai Chi also encourages using softness to meet hardness in
life. They are taught to meet the yin with yang.

Lao Tzu said that the "soft and pliable will defeat the harsh and intractable". Those
schooled in Tai Chi are sensitive to the movements of their opponents and can react
to them. Modern Tai Chi emphasizes health. Classes are held in hospitals, schools,
nursing centers, senior centers and community centers.

Medical professionals have found that TC is beneficial in recovering from stroke, heart
attack and is good in treatment of Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and arthritis. There
is speculation that it also benefits people with diabetes. Studies made recently have
shown some benefit in ADHD treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic the
movements of TC reduce stress. It is non-competitive and self paced. It can be done
in groups or alone.

About The Author

Herb likes to stay healthy. Please check out his website with information on and details on options.

Do people who follow Eastern
philosophies know better than those
of us who don't? If so, what is it that
they know? Yoga and Tai Chi aren't
just a type of exercise, they are a life
style. I would suggest that before
you start one of these regimes that
you have a physical at your family
doctor's. This is just to make certain
that you are physically fit. It also
gives you a starting point from which
to work.

Yoga and Tai Chi (TC) can be learned
through DVD's, television programs
or through hands-on classes. I would

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.