Tai Chi Health Benefit Themes: How Brain Elasticity and Function Improve with Tai Chi

We are all aware that brain function may often decline as we age. Loss or limitations in memory, cognition, reasoning, imagination, spatial awareness, and balance can occur and this may affect not only our ability to be autonomous but our overall quality of life. There is also a social impact on affected families when one’s independence is altered by impaired brain function, not to mention the economic health burden to society at large.

What does the research tell us about Tai Chi and the brain?

An early groundbreaking study in China studied the “reshaping” of the brain that occurs in long-time Tai Chi practitioners (14 years plus). Using functional MRI (fMRI) applied during movements, results showed an increase in the thickness of brain tissue in key areas compared with a non-Tai Chi (control) group.

Using our diagram as a guide, areas that showed enlargement included the frontal lobe, which is responsible for complex motor planning. These changes were attributed to specific Tai Chi movements performed that require multiple, frequent shifts in weight bearing from one side to the next, regular rotation of the spine and asymmetrical diagonal arm movements. The health benefit associated with elevated motor skills may thus contribute to the important reduction of falls seen in practitioners.

Further enhancements were found in the behavior sections of the frontal lobe which serve to integrate our emotions and cognition. In Tai Chi, we are taught to focus mindfully during movements despite what thoughts may surface to distract us. This integral component of our practice, over time, increases the ability of our brain to manage our behaviors under stress.

The occipital-temporal lobes responsible for spatial navigation showed further “reshaping”, illustrating why Tai Chi practitioners have excellent position sense. And lastly, an enlargement of the insula, central to our emotional processing (deep in the middle of our lobes; not seen here), explains how the simple act of pausing to ask, “how do I feel?” during practice, helps activate those neurons that contribute to improved emotional brain function. This benefit translates into a better ability to regulate our everyday emotions, both positive and negative. Some of these brain changes described have also been shown to occur in long time meditators.

What about newer practitioners of Tai Chi?

A more recent study, using more advanced technology (functional infrared spectroscopy), was able to demonstrate similar findings in practitioners who had been doing Tai Chi for a shorter period of time (5 years or more). This technology was able to actually measure levels of oxygen in the blood in different areas of the brain during Tai Chi movements (compared to control groups doing other forms of exercise). Results were fascinating! The Tai Chi group was found to have improved microcirculation, cell metabolism and better neural connectivity (elasticity) in several motor and other key areas of the brain noted above.

What does this all mean for Tai Chi?

Given our aging population and the high levels of inactivity across the continents, it is worth exploring the numerous health benefits Tai Chi can offer us. Typical barriers such as access to a gym and expensive equipment are not a factor. We can practice alone or in a group. There is also less fear of injury due to its gentle movements. And as research now reveals, its health benefits include one of our most cherished organs, our beautiful brain. Thank you, Master Moy for the gift of Tai Chi!

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3621760/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-49401-9?utm_source=perplexity

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Translation by Jordi Awarita, Cathy Filion