Health Benefits of Tai Chi & Qigong

Although in the Western World research into the health benefits of Tai Chi have only just begun, the Chinese have thousands of years of practical proof under their belt. In many cases, the recipes for medicines haven't changed in hundreds of years (if you can come up with even one medicine in the United States that's remained the same for over 100 years, you win the invisible prize). A few of the benefits believed to be linked to the practice of Tai Chi are:

• lowers heart rate
• improves circulation (especially in hands and feet)
• aids in healthful digestion
• slows down brainwaves
• lowers the frequency & severity of seizures
• reduces anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder (among others)
• improves memory and focus
• slows down the respiratory system (reduces or alleviates asthma and similar issues) 
• focuses the immune system (in China, Tai Chi has even been used as a cure for cancer)
• increases flexibility, coordination, and balance
• leads to longevity 

Image: http://www.kellykite.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Traditional-Chinese-medicine.jpg
Source: in class lecture