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TAI CHI AND QIGONG Life Force in Motion by Marlaina Donato
T
he flowing movement of tai chi mirrors the serenity of water, but still waters run deep. This ancient practice of gentle meditative movement is an offshoot of Chinese martial arts that offers a spectrum of surprising benefits, including healthier soft tissues and bones, as well as improved sleeping. According to Harvard Health Publishing, when practiced consistently, tai chi supports both upper and lower body strength with effects that are akin to resistance training and brisk walking. Tai chi
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Greater Ann Arbor
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helps to fine-tune neurons of the inner ear and encourages muscle and ligament flexibility, resulting in better balance and fewer falls. The practice is highly adaptable and anyone can benefit, even those that are wheelchair-bound or recovering from surgery. “It appears effortless, with slow and smooth movements, but there is immense power underneath the tranquility,” says Paul Lam, family physician and director of the Tai Chi for Health Institute, in Sydney, Australia. “Tai chi has been shown by over 500
