Persisting in practicing Tai Chi has multiple benefits from the perspective of TCM health preservation. Tai Chi is not only a traditional martial art, but also a health-preserving exercise deeply influenced by TCM theory. The following is a detailed explanation of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi for the human body from the perspective of TCM health preservation:
- Balance Qi and blood, and unblock meridians
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that unblocked Qi and blood are an important basis for human health. Tai Chi focuses on “guiding Qi with intention and moving the body with Qi”. During the practice, by adjusting breathing and thoughts, Qi and blood are guided to flow unimpeded in the meridians of the whole body. This unblocked Qi and blood can not only promote the body’s metabolism, but also enhance the body’s resistance and help prevent various diseases.
- Reconcile Yin and Yang and balance the internal organs
Tai Chi emphasizes “balance of Yin and Yang” and reconciles the Yin and Yang Qi in the body through a series of slow and gentle movements. TCM believes that imbalance of Yin and Yang is one of the main causes of disease. Practicing Tai Chi helps to reconcile Yin and Yang and balance the functions of internal organs, thereby achieving the purpose of health preservation.
- Strengthen muscles and bones, and enhance physical fitness
During the practice of Tai Chi, it is necessary to use various parts of the body for coordinated exercise, especially the waist, legs, arms and other parts. This comprehensive exercise method can enhance muscle strength, improve joint flexibility, help strengthen muscles and bones, and enhance physical fitness. Long-term practice of Tai Chi can make the body stronger and improve resistance.
- Adjust psychology and relieve stress
During the practice of Tai Chi, attention is paid to the concentration of thoughts and the adjustment of breathing. This practice method helps to eliminate inner distractions, relax the mood and relieve stress. In modern society, people face huge life and work pressure, which is easy to cause psychological problems. Practicing Tai Chi can make people feel more peaceful and tranquil, thereby improving their mental state.
- Improve cardiopulmonary function and improve blood circulation Tai Chi’s movements are coherent and flexible, and the breathing is deep and even, which can fully exercise the cardiopulmonary function. During the practice, all parts of the body need to participate in the exercise to accelerate the blood circulation of the whole body, thereby improving the function of the heart and blood vessels. In addition, Tai Chi practice can also enhance the heart’s pumping function, improve the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, and provide the body with sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
- Enhance digestive function and promote metabolism
Practicing Tai Chi can enhance the peristaltic function of the gastrointestinal tract and promote the digestion and absorption of food. At the same time, the breathing method of Tai Chi can also help regulate the respiratory center and improve respiratory function, thereby enhancing appetite and digestive function. In addition, Tai Chi practice can also promote metabolism, accelerate the discharge of waste in the body, and help maintain good health.
- Improve sleep quality and enhance memory
Practicing Tai Chi can consume a lot of energy and put the body in a state of fatigue. This state of fatigue helps to promote the body’s self-repair and regulation, thereby improving sleep quality. At the same time, practicing Tai Chi can also enhance the excitation and inhibition process of the cerebral cortex, improve the regulatory ability of the nervous system, and thus enhance memory.
- Improve physical fitness and delay aging
Practicing Tai Chi can fully exercise all parts of the body and improve physical fitness. At the same time, Tai Chi’s breathing method and mind adjustment also help regulate the body’s endocrine system and slow down the aging process. Long-term adherence to Tai Chi practice can keep people young and improve the quality of life.
In summary, insisting on practicing Tai Chi has multiple benefits from the perspective of TCM health preservation. Tai Chi has become a popular health exercise by balancing qi and blood, harmonizing yin and yang, strengthening tendons and bones, regulating psychology, improving cardiopulmonary function, enhancing digestive function, improving sleep quality, and improving physical fitness. However, it should be noted that when practicing Tai Chi, you should maintain the correct posture and breathing method to avoid physical injuries caused by excessive exercise. At the same time, you should also choose the practice method and intensity that suits you according to your physical condition and age.