Category: News

  • Tai Chi Helps Improve Bone Density In Older Adults

    Tai Chi Helps Improve Bone Density In Older Adults

    As adults age into their older years, their bones become less dense, this is even more true for females over 50 years of age. This can lead to problems such as osteoporosis, and the bones being more prone to breaking, especially if one suffers a fall.

    Between the ages of 25 and 50, bone density is relatively stable as the rate of bone formation is equal to the rate of bone breakdown. After age 50, there is typically a greater rate of bone breakdown (known as resorption) than there is of bone formation. This often leads to accelerated bone loss, particularly around the time of menopause for women.

    A study found that adult skeletal muscle can benefit greatly from a combination of both muscle strength training and tai chi. This has been shown through multiple CT scans which have revealed that this type of training can lead to an increase in muscle mass and improved bone density. Furthermore, it has also been found that this combination can help to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.

    The study had 182 adults over 60 years of age who had no significant history of doing regular exercise and physical activity. The participants were split into four groups: the Tai Chi group which included 52 people, the student muscle strength group which included 45 people, the student muscle group which combined with Tai Chi group which included 45 people, and 40 people who were included as a control group.

    The three other groups trained tai chi (over 4 times weekly), muscle strength training, the muscle training as well as tai chi for a period of 6 months. The Lumbar spine “L1-4” BMD (bone mineral density) as well as the Berg scores were about the same of those for adults before doing exercise and then at 3 month and 6 month periods after the exercise.

    Results of this study showed a significant difference in Berg Balance Scale scores and the lumbar spine BMD  between the group who did Tai Chi, and the students before and after exercising combined with the muscle strength training. The difference between the groups was found to be significant.

    The combined group that did core muscle strength training with Tai Chi saw higher scores in Berg Balance Scale scores and the lumbar spine BMD after 6 month period, as opposed to 3 months. There was also a positive correlation between CT value of the lumbar vertebral bone calcium and BMD.

    There is growing evidence that both combined and single training of the core muscular strength or the practice of Tai Chi can improve the mineral density of the lumbar bone as well as balance function for the elderly. Several studies have shown that these activities can help to increase bone mass, reduce the risk of falls, and improve overall balance and coordination.

    Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35795616/

    Check out our other health related articles on Tai Chi

  • The Effects Of Tai Chi On Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    The Effects Of Tai Chi On Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    Many people suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is estimated that between 836 thousand and 2.5 million are affected by it in the United States alone, never mind the rest of the world’s population.

    There has been a lot of evidence showing that patients who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also called “CFS”, has produced changes in the functional connectivity of the brain at rest. However, there seems to not have been any studies involving the effects on brain network by using Tai Chi Chuan as a therapy for CFS

    One of the recognized causes of the symptoms CFS patients deal with is brain dysfunction. The abnormality of the “intrinsic functional connectivity”, also known as “FC”, for the brain’s resting-state networks is foremost one of the brain dysfunctions involved with CFS.

    To investigate the effects between the functional networks of the brain with those practicing Tai Chi Chuan of patients who have CFS, a total of 40 individuals, 21 patients suffering from CFS as well as 19 healthy control individuals were trained for one month in the practice of Tai Chi Chuan. None of the participants had practiced Tai Chi Chuan before, and they had no other underlying health conditions.

    The study found that the abnormalities between the functional networks of the brain could show improvement after practicing Tai Chi Chuan for one month. These findings would suggest that regular long-term practice of Tai Chi Chuan might promote functional plasticity of the brain networks for patients with CFS. The lessened brain dysfunction due to this may reduce the symptoms for those dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

    This is good news as the practice of Tai Chi Chuan has been shown to be beneficial for the physical and mental well-being for most of those who practice the exercise.

    You can read the in-depth original study here

    Source: Science for ME

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  • San Francisco Opens Outdoor Tai Chi Court In McLaren Park

    San Francisco Opens Outdoor Tai Chi Court In McLaren Park

    Source: San Francisco Recreation & Parks

    More and more cities across North America are gradually adding outdoor public spaces dedicated for practicing Tai Chi.

    On Saturday, March 19th, the City of San Francisco opened its first outdoor space specifically designed for practicing tai chi with an opening celebration from the community at McLaren Park. The space was designed to be accessible for all residents, and can be found on the east side of the park’s Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and north of the tennis courts.

    You can find the Mansell Tai Chi Court situated close to John F. Shelley Drive and Mansell Street. The court is designed to look like a plaza including low berms that offer protection on windy days. With sweeping vistas of San Francisco’s downtown and the bay, this is a great place to practice Tai Chi, other exercises, or just enjoy some peace and quiet.

    Before the Tai Chi court was developed, the space was an old parking lot no longer in use. The $1.16 million development at the park offers new landscaping, seating, and trees that were paid for through the “2012 Clean and Safe Neighbourhood Parks Bond”. There is also a new path to the court from accessible parking for vehicles just off of John F. Shelley Drive that offers a safe environment for all visitors to enjoy the beautiful green space in their neighbourhood.

    Though this 4,500 sq. ft. Tai Chi court was designed specifically for the practice of tai chi, it will also be open to anyone who wants to stop and enjoy the view. The space is both an oasis for the dedicated practitioners that are there regularly and a chance for those who want to take a break from their park-going activities and appreciate the serenity of the environment.

    An asphalt footpath was realigned just south of the Tai Chi court in order to offer the practitioners an uninterrupted view out over the city and the bay, as well as to be uninterrupted by the people walking, bikers, and those walking their dogs.

    For a long time, tennis players and practitioners of Tai Chi have shared space at the tennis courts in the park. The increasing popularity of both tai chi and playing tennis had prompted to identify a specific area for Tai Chi practice as a one of the main priorities for the McLaren Park Vision Plan.

    Throughout the planning process with the community for the park, it was found that while Tai Chi is a popular activity in this area, there was not adequate place to do so.

    On most Saturday mornings, there are regularly 50-100 enthusiastic people practicing Tai Chi at the Mansell tennis courts. Other areas in the park that are popular for Tai Chi are several of the playgrounds located in McLaren Park.

    If you live in San Francisco or plan on visiting the city, make sure you visit the Mansell Tai Chi Court In McLaren Park.

    Please check out our other articles on designated Tai Chi parks!

  • Tai Chi Can Help Benefit Those Dealing With Arthritis

    Tai Chi Can Help Benefit Those Dealing With Arthritis

     

    The benefits of Tai Chi can be obtained whether you are young and fit, old and frail, or anywhere in-between. The wonderful part about learning Tai Chi is that it can be adjusted to accommodate the learners limitations and still follow the main principles of the art which make it so beneficial.

    Tai Chi is often recommended to people with arthritis as it is a low-impact exercise that helps people with arthritis improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

    Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese exercise that focuses on the mind and body. It’s known for its slow, controlled movements and deep breathing, which has been shown to help reduce chronic pain in patients. In addition to these physical benefits, Tai Chi can also promote relaxation and mental well-being.

    While all Tai Chi poses may not be suitable for everyone with arthritis, it is possible to identify appropriate positions if you consult with a qualified instructor. When you are starting a new exercise routine, it’s important that you discuss any limitations or concerns with your physician in order to avoid injury.

    Tai Chi is a physical activity that can be done on a regular basis and has been shown to improve physical function for some people. The guidelines recommend that adults 18 and older get at least a few hours of exercise a week, and to use major muscle groups at least twice a week.

    Are you dealing with arthritis or other impairments and practice Tai Chi?

    Let us know if it has helped you below in the comments!

    Source: arthritis.ca

  • Tai Chi Amongst The Clouds

    Tai Chi Amongst The Clouds

    As part of the Spring Festival Gala show for celebrations across China, three practitioners of the art of Tai Chi Chuan perform this ancient martial art and health amongst the clouds. They displayed the flowing dynamic movements that characterize the movements of what is now officially a cultural heritage on top of highest skyscrapers in three of China’s major cities of Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chongqing.

    Tai Chi is fast becoming a mainstream form of exercise for physical and mental health. One of the things that make this unique as this type of exercise is that it can be easily adjusted to suit people of different physical abilities and health issues.

    Check out other great videos from news events, articles, and other features on Slanted Flying’s website!

  • African Students Learn Tai Chi While In China

    African Students Learn Tai Chi While In China

    Five African students in Cangzhou, China learn Tai Chi in this video from GLOBALink. The international students from Tanzania, Cameroon, Togo, Rwanda, and the Congo are studying at the Cangzhou Technical College in the northern China province of Hebei.

    The students expressed that they wish to bring their passion for Tai Chi back to their home countries in Africa and share the art by teaching others.

    “I think I can bring Tai Chi back to my country. For me, I am more close to children. So I think I can open some clubs for them to practice Tai Chi and to teach them the benefits of Tai Chi.”

    ~ Hounkpati Akouete Julien

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  • David Beckham Learns About Tai Chi

    David Beckham Learns About Tai Chi

    David Beckham, who is AIA’s Global Ambassador, recently had the chance to learn about the art of Tai Chi. Beckham is most well know for his fame on the soccer pitch in his earlier years. Si-fu Julian and Master Tsu teach David Beckham about the benefits of practicing Tai Chi while he was visiting Singapore.

    It will be interesting to see if David Beckham continues his interest in Tai Chi further and will take lessons to learn the art.

  • Tai Chi Under The Water

    Tai Chi Under The Water

    Have you ever tried practicing your Tai Chi under water? I don’t mean doing it in shoulder height water with your head above the surface, but completely under the water! In this wonderful video by the “People’s Daily”, a young girl, Long Jiaoer, performs Chen style Tai Chi underneath the water’s surface while being weighted down with lead weights beneath her clothes. Long Jiaoer, from Chengdu province, was the champion of Tai Chi Sword in the World Tai Chi Championships.

    Where is the strangest place you have practiced your Tai Chi?

    Check out more of our wonderful posts featuring Tai Chi Videos!

  • Tai Chi Becoming More Popular With Iranian Women

    Tai Chi Becoming More Popular With Iranian Women

    The art of Tai Chi has been becoming more popular across the world in recent years. Whether one learns it for health, meditation, a style of martial art, or just for social activity, more people are making Tai Chi a part of their lives.

    In the last few years Tai Chi has become more popular amongst the population of Iran, with regular classes and Tai Chi students even taking part in local and international competitions. Of particular note though, the art is gaining a wider popularity with the women of Iran.

    The Chinese martial art of Tai Chi is popular all over the world. In Iran, it has been gaining traction in recent years, mainly among women. In a country where segregation of the sexes is prevalent, especially in sports, Tai Chi is being practised outdoors in mixed groups.

    Quote From YouTube Page

  • Tai Chi Helps COVID Patients In Russian Hospital

    Tai Chi Helps COVID Patients In Russian Hospital

    A Russian hospital is using Tai Chi as a breathing exercise and therapy to help recovering COVID patients deal with complications from the disease, and for dealing with complications that might linger on after recovery from the hospital.

    It is inspiring to see the the benefits of practicing the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi being used in such a good way.