Tai Chi is an ancient series of movements used to practice Chinese martial arts.
However, the deliberate, slow movements are deceiving as each represents a fighting action in combat. Today, these low-impact movements are commonly used to help improve mental and physical health and strength.
In today’s blog post we explore the Tai Chi/mental health connection and how it can help improve mental wellness.
Slow and Gentle Movement
When you slow down body movement, the body relaxes, releasing tension and producing a noticeable de-stressing effect.
Mind and body work together, allowing you to unwind, and feel the joy of free, gentle movement. When given time to slow down, the mind can begin healing.
Controlled Body Movement
With the slow movements of Tai Chi, you focus on coordination, balance, and control of your body.
This takes concentration and self-discipline, forcing you to become aware of your body. To follow the routine, you need to organize your thoughts and allow your mind-body connection to take over.
This calming effect on the body will enable you to become present so stress and worry fade away.
Intentional Movement
The deliberate movements of Tai Chi teach your mind to move with intention.
Your mind guides your body through the movements, strengthening the mind-body connection and allowing you to feel the movement’s physical and mental effects. As your mind follows through with your routine, it is freed of worries while you also enjoy better balance, strength, and fitness.
Body Awareness
Tai Chi is focused on alignment, proper posture, and body awareness with every move you make.
You begin to feel the connection between the ground and your feet and understand how the earth and your body provide support. Known as “rooting” or “grounding,” you feel your feet become rooted to the floor, giving you confidence in your balance while helping provide mental stability.
Tai Chi lifts and stretches the body up through your spine, connecting you to the sky, or for some people, Qi or heaven, for a feeling of calm in your mind and lightness in your body. This also builds self-awareness, so you become more centered with an improved mindset.
Relaxed Breathing
Proper breathing is a common technique used in meditation.
While you practice your slow, deliberate movements, you also learn to regulate your breathing so it becomes slower and deeper. You increase oxygen intake to help slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure for natural relaxation. When conscious of your breathing, you are relaxed by its rhythm and can focus on taking fresh air in with positive thoughts and expelling stale air out with negative thoughts.
As a result, you improve your mood and sense of well-being. Slow movement also relaxes the body, releasing muscle and joint tension, which also helps decrease stress.
Improved Concentration and Mindfulness
Each slow movement takes concentration so your mind can’t get distracted by worrying thoughts.
Instead, you focus on how your body works, your balance, and the order in which each movement is made so you release your troubles and become more mindful. Mindfulness keeps you in the moment so you don’t get distracted by things you must do or negative thoughts. Instead, you concentrate on your movement and release harmful thoughts so you can find inner peace.
Tai Chi is an excellent option to help improve your mental well-being while engaging in effective physical activity to improve your overall health.
The Chicago Mind Solutions Difference
Chicago Mind Solutions works with individuals, offering neuropsychological testing and non-invasive treatment for many mental health conditions. For more information about our treatments and teletherapy options, please contact us at (224) 723-5050 or email info@chicagomindsolutions.com.
