For hundreds of years people have practiced the Chinese martial art of Tai Chi for its many health benefits. Researchers who study Tai Chi say it can help reduce blood pressure, decrease anxiety, improve flexibility and much more. For these reasons, some doctors at Mayo Clinic have embraced Tai Chi and are teaching it to their patients.
"One of the primary intentions is to cultivate tranquility," says Dr. Mary Jurisson.
In Mayo Clinic's cardiac rehab unit, Dr. Jurisson leads a Tai Chi class for patients and staff.
"Very slow motion, elegant simple movements."
Some joined in because they're recovering from a heart attack or surgery. Others, like Colleen Pelkey, practice Tai Chi because it makes them feel healthier.
"For me just the relaxation helps for aches and pains. Things like that," says Pelkey.
Dr. Jurisson says it's the yin and yang. Tai Chi brings opposites into balance. It restores energy. Balance is found through meditation, movements, and pushing against one another.
"What you're learning to do is to maintain that central equilibrium, that center of gravity, that sense of yourself, the world and your environment," Jurisson says.
Dr. Jurisson says in addition to bringing about balance, Tai Chi can improve your health in many ways.
"And this is manifest by things like lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, less anxiety."
Plus Dr. Jurisson says Tai Chi may help boost your immune system, improve arthritis, boost energy, improve cognition and perhaps even memory. And almost anyone can practice it.
"Tai Chi is particularly adaptable to people who may have challenges to how they move or how they stay fit."
A gentle art that offers health benefits to people of any age and almost any physical condition.
For more information about Tai Chi, visit our website at the side of the page.
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