Tai chi is a multi-component exercise. It involves several different body movements that occur simultaneously and in a continuous fashion, making it one of the most unique forms of activity there is. And because of this, the health benefits of tai chi are almost endless.
Our muscle and fascia are essential elements of these movements, so let’s better understand how they contribute to our tai chi practice.
Our muscle makes up about 60% of our entire body mass. As we know, muscle provides not only strength, but enhances our ability to function independently. Muscle mass is lost as we age; up to 30% by 60 years of age. This loss is called sarcopenia. Muscle fibers decrease in size and number and are replaced by fatty tissue and often adhesions resulting from past injuries.
Our fascia is the three-dimensional connective tissue network (the white tissuein the image) that surrounds our entire muscular system, including the head. This fascial network functions as a shock absorber, preventing external forces to tear or damage our muscles. It is also a shapeshifter, since it has elastic fibers that are able to both lengthen and contract with our movements.
What does this mean for our tai chi?
Tai chi involves repeated shifts in weight bearing each time we change direction. Continuously moving back, forth, and side to side allows the fascia to expand and contract, shapeshifting into the direction we want the underlying muscles to go.
Gravity is what offers our resistance in tai chi rather than weights, as in frequently raising the unsupported arms. This action has been found to increase the strength of the upper body, core and back. Greater leg, especially knee strength, is also seen when sit to stand ability is assessed. This translates into improved function when getting up from the floor, our cars, and even a toilet seat. Finally, the repeated spiraling we apply during each movement is a form of strengthening as well, as measured by improved grip strength of the hands in some practitioners.
These health benefits of tai chi help preserve our functional independence as we age, improving the overall quality of life for both ourselves and those we care for.
Copyright ©️ 2024 Lila Zitouni
Translation by Jordi Awarita , Réjeanne Gagnon, Cathy Filion
Pingback: Liaison entre la pratique du taichi et la santé des fascias | ART DU TAICHI-blog
👍🏻That was very informative.
Lila Please post more🤗🙏🏻
Shapeshifting! I like it 🙂
Nice work. (Personally) having these very visual “descriptors” help the
focus during practice.
Thank you Lila, This is veery informative.