Health
Tai Chi is often called Chinese health gymnastics, but, in fact, it is a set of exercises that were conceived at one time as part of a martial art that originated in China back in The 12th century. If we talk about tai chi quan as an artistic gymnastics, the goal of this practice is to achieve complete harmony of the human mind and body. Since ancient times, it has been believed that Tai Chi has significant benefits to physical and mental health, improving, in particular, a person's posture, flexibility, strength, and ability to support the body is in balance for people who have impaired coordination. The results of earlier studies suggest that this gymnastics can delay the development of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. However, according to recent studies, there is clearly insufficient evidence of such a beneficial effect of Tai Chi Chuan health on bone mass health, which means that additional ones are required long-term studies.
Despite the fairly favorable attitude of most specialists to this gymnastics, many experts agree that Tai Chi can harm people who suffer from serious forms osteoporosis, as well as those who have recently had a fracture, dislocation, or sprain. It is necessary to refrain from exercising during the period of acute infectious diseases in the body. Tai Chi can also be harmful if you do this gymnastics on a full stomach or when you are very tired. In addition, some believe that the concentration of energy in the lower abdomen (which, according to proponents of this gymnastics, occurs during the practical training of Tai Chi Chuan) can lead to excessive menstrual bleeding if women practice this sport during menstruation. Stretching exercises, like exercises that require different body tilts, can be especially dangerous when practiced by women during pregnancy or by people suffering from an inguinal hernia. In addition, according to Taijiquan supporters themselves, if you approach the exercises too zealously, this will lead to improper redistribution of energy flows in the human body, which in itself It can lead to physical or emotional illness. Modern medical specialists believe that Tai Chi can never be considered as a substitute for proven therapeutic measures aimed at treatment of osteoporosis and other serious diseases. Doctors believe that the excessive zeal that beginners can show during the first Tai Chi classes can only increase the risk of serious injuries.
On the other hand, there are many types of this health gymnastics, including those that are useful even for elderly people suffering from osteoporosis. We are talking about very moderate loads and verified exercises that help older people better maintain their balance. The fact is that various diseases that develop in old age often lead to impaired coordination and increase the risk of falls, which (in the presence of osteoporosis) can result in serious falls fractures with fatal consequences for victims. Thus, special Tai Chi Chuan practices in old age contribute not so much to the fight against osteoporosis as to prevent falls, and therefore fractures.