Health Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan Practice

Western Medicine recognizes the following benefits of practicing Tai Chi: increased oxygen uptake and utilization (more efficient breathing), reduced blood pressure, slower declines in cardiovascular power, increased bone density, increased strength and range of motion of joints, greater leg strength, knee strength, and flexibility, reduced levels of stress hormones during and after practice, improved immune function, better posture and help alleviating repetitive stress injuries.

Tai Chi can be seen as a physical exercise that focuses the mind, while conditioning the body. Practicing twenty minutes a day dissipates stress and reduces stress-related debilities, increases stamina, and strengthens the body and will.

Anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can practice Tai Chi. Tai Chi emphasizes technique over strength. Although Tai Chi is generally safe, consider talking with your doctor before starting a new program. This is particularly important if you have any problems with your joints, spine or heart.

Despite its ancient history, Tai Chi has been studied scientifically only in recent years. And that research is suggesting that Tai Chi may offer numerous other benefits beyond stress reduction, including:

Reducing anxiety and depression
Improving balance and coordination
Releasing mental and physical tensions
Improving sleep quality, such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day
Slowing bone loss in women after menopause
Lowering blood pressure
Improving cardiovascular fitness
Relieving chronic pain
Improving everyday physical functioning
Increasing energy levels in general

Like other practices that bring mind and body together, Tai Chi reduces stress (mental and physical tensions). During Tai Chi, your focus is on movement and breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Stress, anxiety and tension melt away as your focus is on the present and you feel a strong connectedness of body & mind and also of internal and external. The effects of Tai Chi practice may last well after completion of your practice session.

Curriculum

Hand Forms
• 24 Form • 8 Form
• 16 Form • 40 Form
• 108 Form
Weapon Forms
• 32 Tai Chi Straight Sword
• Tai Chi Fan

Class Times

Mondays:
5:30pm – 6:30pm

Thursdays:
5:30pm – 6:30pm

Tuition

Single class: $13

Location

THE BEAT -

Eddie Brown Center
for the Arts
2560 9th Street, #119
Berkeley, CA 94710
Map Photos

Contact/Inquiries

Please contact Andreas Asmus at 510.849.0892 or asmusa@pacbell.net