Benefits of Tai Chi and Chi Kung for arthritis

Tai Chi and Chi Kung exercises are very low impact aerobics exercises with a mild isometric and isotonic content. Their circular movements gently exercise the joints (some Chi Kung exercises more so than Tai Chi). The movements are mildly stretching and provide some range of motion. Their mild isometric and isotonic movements strengthen the muscles of the body. Deep breathing enhances aerobic capacity of the lungs. Performed in a slow meditative and relaxed manner, they are soothing and calming for the mind and thus help to reduce stress. The constant shifting of weight from one foot to the other throughout the exercise routine strengthens is ideal for strengthening the muscles of the hip joints, knees and ankles. The legs are bent all the times throughout all the exercise, helping to strengthen leg muscles that support and protect your joints.

The circular movements provide joint rotation which helps lubricate the joints and keep them warm. They strengthen muscles and ligaments that support and protect your joints. The circular movements in Tai Chi are generic and mild, and probably insufficient for an arthritic program. Certain Chi Kung has specific joint rotational exercises.

Tai Chi, Chi Kung and martial arts have been used for centuries by the Chinese to enhance health and treat illnesses, including arthritis. It is also a common rehabilitative program in many modern hospitals in China. Many Chinese perform such exercise openly in the parks or squares in Asia as their daily, regular or weekly exercise. They have been found to be effective in managing arthritis.

As a heath practitioner myself, I have found Tai Chi, Chi Kung and the gentler martial arts to have healing and curative values.

For arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, stiff/painful shoulders, I would recommend a combination of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, with lots of stretching and joint rotational exercises.

Currently, there are many popular kinds of Tai Chi for arthritis programs on the market. Most boast of, and are proclaimed by medical experts, to be specifically designed for arthritis but lack adequate stretching and rotational exercises.

You are invited to investigate and join the author’s “Tai Chi and Chi Kung for Arthritis” program to see the vast difference.

Please note that the author’s “Tai Chi and Chi Kung for Arthritis” program is definitely not the same as, nor related to, the “Tai Chi for Arthritis” program created by Dr. Paul Lam of Sydney.

Written by John Chow, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, acupuncturist, masseur, healer and teacher of Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, martial arts and spiritual paths in Melbourne, Australia.

Copyright:- No part of this article can be used, quoted, copied in any form without the permission from the author. For further information on this article, please contact John Chow at vajra_master@yahoo.com.

Legal caveat:-

The information provided above is for general reference only. Although the author(s) has attempted to be as thorough as possible in compiling the information in this article(s), no legal responsibility nor liability is accepted for any errors or omissions. The information is presented for educational purposes only. Please refer any medical matter to your doctor before acting on any health-related information.