Health Benefits of Internal Arts

[BlackMaskX]

Hello All,

The internal styles of kung fu, tai chi in particular, are often advertised as providing health benefits. I'm wondering, however, if the health benefits that internal systems provide are any greater than those of other martial arts or conventional physical exercise? Tai chi may very well decrease my blood pressure and increase my overall energy, but will it work better than doing TKD or jogging a couple of miles every day? I've heard claims ranging from "Doing internal martial arts acts as a panacea" to "Tai chi is no better than regular low-impact exercise."

[m.artist]

Hello All,

The internal styles of kung fu, tai chi in particular, are often advertised as providing health benefits. I'm wondering, however, if the health benefits that internal systems provide are any greater than those of other martial arts or conventional physical exercise? Tai chi may very well decrease my blood pressure and increase my overall energy, but will it work better than doing TKD or jogging a couple of miles every day? I've heard claims ranging from "Doing internal martial arts acts as a panacea" to "Tai chi is no better than regular low-impact exercise."

of course taichi helps internally
it's a lil different then riding a bike or jogging though...doing taichi u shouldn't be fatigued or tired at all..everything is very flowing and comfortable. it feels good to do it..it may help u get over a cold easier, or help (this is true) heal small wounds(cuts scraps slashes etc.) and it's good for ur health...doctors have proven this...it's a very good art..if u need ne more info...lemme know

[choylifutrocks]

Ok, Tai Chi is good for your health, stress, etc. I personally would recomment it over jogging, cuz personally I hate jogging It's hard on your joints. Of course, I do what I've got to though.... I don't mean to complicate the matter further, but you may have to go into more detail as to what kind of health you are looking for. Like if you are an older person I would recomment Tai Chi, if you are like a 20 yr old kid, I'd say join a gym, etc. Tai Chi can also be fun, unless ur in a park. Push Hands is a fun game, that has SOME real life application. It's like the complete opposite of wrestling, it's weird. Some of the Chin Na involved in Tai Chi can be fun also, Joint Locks are never a bad thing

[chris davis 200]

The health benefits of tai chi are mainly recieved if you practice the full art - Form work is only one part of it. Tai chi as a full Martial art is very demanding style physically so you will obviously get good benefits from that.

As just a form practice for people (like yoga etc) - i think that young people can maybe get some stress relief benefits from form work. It is very different from other forms (karate etc) and creates a very calm mind. I know a lot of students that swear by it as a method of taking their mind off things.

From a physical health point of view. Try it i guess. I know people that have had blood pressure problems that have lessend by tai chi practice.

Doing tai chi form does not equate to cardio vascular practice. It does however strengthen the tendon structure of your body as well as the musculature in your lower body. The legs are under near contant tension when performing tai chi forms so you do get muscular benefits from the practice. People often comment on the size of my leg muscles asking if i am a rugby player, i say - no it is from tai chi and they seem very shocked.

The view of tai chi as a generally very soft movement is true is some senses and applications of the art - but it also has a hard, strong aspect - hence tai chi (ying Yang symbol is actually called the tai chi) You must have an equal amount of hard and soft together. If you just focus on one - you will not have the whole picture.

Regarding the other two main internal systems. Both have forms that are extremely physically demanding - i would say far more than tai chi - and more than many external systems.

The basic practice of circle walking in Ba gua (if done correctley) is extremely Physically tough. I can manage about 15 mins of it - but can run for 45 mins no problem!

anyways - try it - see what ya get out of it.

Cheers
Chris