The Method of Meditation

From: Harvard Women’s Health Watch, May 2009

T’ai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren’t in top shape or the best of health.

From: www.livestrong.com

Unlike a traditional workout, yoga and t’ai chi focus on precise movements that allow the body to slowly transition from one position to the next. Both practices attempt to coordinate the muscles, bones, heart and mind with the positive energy that surrounds the body. Although both have similar goals, a comparison of the benefits of t’ai chi and yoga reveals interesting differences.

From: The Los Angeles Times, April 26, 2010

The benefits of t’ai chi, with origins as a Chinese martial art, seem to be adding up. Evidence that the exercise might help people with heart failure feel less depressed and more energized is but the latest in a string of positive findings about t’ai chi’s health effects.

From: The New England Journal of Medicine, August 19, 2010

A small but important study published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that t’ai chi may help relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. The study found that t’ai chi, a mind-body practice that combines meditation with gentle, flowing poses, may significantly reduce the spectrum of physical and mental problems associated with fibromyalgia. After 12 weeks, the t’ai chi group had a greater reduction in pain and more improvement in mood, quality of life, sleep, confidence in their abilities and ability to exercise than the control group. People in the t’ai chi group were encouraged to continue their t’ai chi practice after the classes ended using an instructional DVD, and they were still feeling better 24 weeks after the study began.

From: NIH Research Matters, February 27, 2012

People with Parkinson’s disease often have problems with balance and can suffer life-threatening falls. For patients with mild to moderate cases, a new study suggests that the ancient art of t’ai chi may significantly improve balance and reduce falls.

From: Medical News Today, April 1, 2008

According to two small studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in April 2008, t’ai chi exercises can improve blood glucose levels and improve the control of type 2 diabetes and immune system response.