Tai Chi is not a miracle cure for all disease. It is mostly practised as a form of preventative health care and it helps to maintain your health through regular, preferably daily, practise. It can sometimes also be used as part of a rehabilitation scheme, especially from sporting injury and can alleviate some of the damaging effects of chronic illness. The practice of Tai Chi releases health and healing benefits that correspond with both the Eastern medicine of internal energy flows and the Western science of physiology.
During practise, the acupuncture channels are kept open which allows an increase in the internal circulation of energy within the body. From a Western medical perspective there is an unhindered and therefore increased flow of fluids inside the body. Fluids such as blood and lymph circulate faster which increases vascular and lympho kinetic energy releases. These kinetic energies are regulated through the slow, rhythmic, circular, meditative movements of Tai Chi.
Often Tai Chi practise is accompanied by regulated and increased depth of breathing. Diaphragm breathing can be used to increase the quantity of oxygen within the lungs and the relaxed muscles call for less oxygen which allows the delivery of oxygen and nutrition from the blood to the tissues to be greatly improved.
The lymphatic system's ability to eliminate metabolic by-products and transport immune cells is increased through its stronger flow and the biochemical profile of the brain and nervous system is shifted toward recovery and healing. As I said it is not a "Magic Cure" and there is a lengthy learning process associated with most forms of Tai Chi. It may be advisable for some people to explore a number of the more simple Qigong forms, particularly those who are extremely busy, older or dealing with illness.
Tai Chi can however be practised by anyone who has the time and inclination to explore it. It can bring very fast health benefits to those who are prepared to dedicate themselves to daily practise and have the resources to learn correctly from an experienced instructor.
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