It seems like everyone is stressed these days. There are bills to pay, errands to run, and dinners to cook. And then you have to deal with health, relationships, and everything under the sun. The fast-moving nature of our culture also doesn’t help, and we’re always on the go! It’s not uncommon to feel like a big ball of stress.
This feeling can also mess with your well-being. Stress can lead to poor energy, back pain, and forgetfulness. Your head may feel like it’s going in a million directions, making it hard to focus or get things done. Sound familiar? Consider taking up Tai Chi.
This ancient Chinese practice has been around for centuries, but thanks to its benefits, the Western world is paying more attention. As a mind and body practice, Tai Chi combines exercise and meditation. Slow movements are done with controlled focus and breathing in a way that is similar to yoga.1 Think of it is as meditation in motion. The practice also eases stress in very specific, life-changing ways. It might be just what you need to pick up the pieces.
1. Relaxes Emotions
The controlled breathing of Tai Chi can bring on emotions like calmness and happiness. Specifically, slow and steady breaths are the way to go.2 It’s a simple, easy practice that relaxes the nervous system, lowers blood pressure, and clears the mind.3
2. Improves Gut-Brain Axis
Did you know that the gut is connected to central nervous system and brain? Through the gut-brain axis, microbial balance directly impacts your feelings. It explains why digestive problems are often linked to anxiety, depression, and sadness.4
This is obviously the last thing you need when you’re stressed. But thanks to the relaxing effect of Tai Chi, microbial balance can stay in check, creating a healthy connection between the gut and brain.5
3. Balances Energy
According to ancient Chinese medicine, optimal health depends on qi, pronounced “chee.” This life energy needs to flow freely and easily in order to feel good. Otherwise, stress will take over.
That’s what Tai Chi is for. As the body flows through the motions, so does your energy. Keeping qi in check might be just what you need to find balance and handle stress, once and for all.
4. Lowers Inflammation
As the culprit behind almost every chronic disease, inflammation needs to be controlled. Stress, unfortunately, just makes it worse! As the stress hormone cortisol increases, so do inflammatory cytokines.6
But according to a 2017 study in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, Tai Chi can turn that around. It eases inflammation in the gut and mediates the gut-brain axis, giving extra protection against the harmful effects of stress.7
5. Enhances Immunity
Chronic stress means trouble for the immune system. As cortisol creeps up, the body has a harder time fighting off sickness and germs.8 The body also starts making high levels of glucocorticoid hormones, which then mess with immune cells and their function.9
But according to a 2014 study in PLoS One, mind-body therapies like Tai Chi can regulate the immune response.10 In turn, it’ll be easier to tackle stressful times with ease.
6. Reduces Chronic Pain
Stress is known for causing body aches and pains, proving how it can affect more than the brain.11 Sometimes, stress can be the reason behind painful conditions like arthritis! However, with Tai Chi, you can control chronic pain.
For instance, the controlled movements improve strength and flexibility. This is a game changer for pain in the lower back and neck.12 13
7. Relieves Headaches
Sometimes, life can be a literal headache. This is also the most common type of pain, affecting almost 50 percent of the adult population at least once within the last year.14 15 And while you can always pop an ibuprofen, the benefits of Tai Chi will work just as well.
Are you new to Tai Chi? Don’t feel intimidated, because a light and easy practice is all you need. To start, check out beginner videos online.
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