Health Benefits of t'ai chi and qi gong
T'ai chi has been shown to provide benefits with:
- Balance and fall prevention
- Blood glucose levels
- Blood circulation
- Blood pressure
- Bone strength
- Cardiac function
- Flexibility
- Function in arthritic joints
- Immune function
- Lymphatic fluid circulation
- Metabolic syndrome
- Muscle strength
- Pain from some chronic conditions
- Posture
- Range of motion after surgery
- Respiration (breathing)
Qi gong physical benefits (as well as many of the t'ai chi benefits above):
- Builds strength in the muscles and bones
- Enhances concentration and deep breathing, which allows more benefits from the movements
- Encourages cardiovascular and respiratory fitness
- Stimulates the lymph system, which can help with lymphedema
Mental and emotional benefits of t'ai chi and qi gong
- Better sleep
- Improved mood
- Increased physical energy
- More complete rest
- More clarity and focus
- Reduced depression, stress and anxiety
If you have experienced cancer treatment, you might have been told to expect a “new normal.” Morrill says the goal of her t'ai chi and qi gong classes is to help students thrive in their new normal and even return to their previous normal as closely as they can, or to create their own version of their “new normal”.
“When we see the people come in and if they feel like they’ve been beaten down, we wish to give them the knowledge and practices that can help them turn that around. They say, ‘I might have been there, but now I see where I can be,’” says Morrill. "Not only does it give them light at the end of the tunnel, it illuminates their path.”
After just a few classes, Morrill says many students tell her, “I can’t believe how much better I feel.”
Read Full Article here. from Piedmont Cancer Wellness