The Health Benefits of Tai Chi
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009Tai Chi is a wonderful exercise as well as spiritual practice because it combines the moving form of yoga with the mindfulness of meditation. There are a number of forms of Tai Chi, all of which consist of a sequence of movements that are performed slowly, softy and gracefully with smooth and even transitions in between.
Like yoga and meditation, Tai Chi is an excellent way to relieve stress. In fact, Tai Chi has become increasingly popular as it has been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure and stress levels. Unlike other forms of exercise that might put unnecessary strain on joints and muscles, the gentle movements in tai chi are safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
Aside from reduced stress, Tai Chi can help:
- Increase flexibility
- Improve muscle strength and definition
- Increase energy
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve balance
- Improve sleep quality
Want to give Tai Chi a try? Come partake in our weekend-long Tai Chi and meditation retreat. In this Tai Chi retreat, led by Larry Welsh, beginning practitioners will learn the basics of sitting meditation and Tai Chi. Advanced practitioners will focus on integrating these two wisdom traditions. Contact Shambhala Mountain Center to learn about Meditation & Tai Chi: Finding Stillness Within Movement with Larry Welsh