Tai Chi – Ancient Chinese Secret For Balance Improvement

Sept. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- Perkasie, PA – People suffering from balance disorders live with feelings of dizziness, vertigo, and anxiety. Their quality of life suffers due to a fear of falling, which can result in injuries that affect mobility. While many treatments for balance disorders exist, the most common treatment for balance disorders is vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). According to the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA), VRT exercises help recalibrate the connection between sensory and motor functions. Tai Chi is another exercise that accomplishes this connection, providing an excellent compliment to VRT treatment.

Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, is a Chinese martial art characterized by graceful flowing movements. Tai Chi is practiced throughout the world with an emphasis on health and wellbeing. It encourages the interconnection of mind and body by combining proper body alignment, physical movement, and breathing techniques. It aids balance in several ways:
•   By strengthening and improving ankle flexibility
•   By distributing movement evenly across the ankle, knee, and hip joints
•   By promoting a greater awareness of body alignment and movement
In one clinical trial, the benefits of Tai Chi were observed during a six week program. All participants had balance assessments to baseline their progress. After completing the class, the participants had improved balance and increased confidence and activity levels. In addition to balance, Tai Chi offers a broad range of other health benefits for cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune system improvements.

“Tai Chi helps physical balance through the study of body mechanics.” said Ben Caccavale, Tai Chi instructor and director of Strength From Within. “Everyone is unique and the first step to improved balance is to understand your body. The slow movements of Tai Chi help us learn proper body structure. The student learns these movements through the slow, repetitive practice. By slowing down the movements, the student can pay attention to their body structure.”

VEDA focuses attention on balance disorders by promoting Balance Awareness Week beginning September 19th.  Their website, www.vestibular.org, has informative articles on balance disorders. Strength From Within offers Tai Chi classes at various locations in Perkasie, with new classes starting in September. For more information about Tai Chi, contact Strength From Within at (267) 935-9355 or visit their website at www.chiengineering.net.

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Strength From Within teaches Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, and Meditation in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Our practice focuses on physical training, balance, flexibility, and stress reduction.