Taiji from medical viewpoint

Taiji is one part of the traditional Martial Arts, called Wu Shu.
It has been exercised since the 16th century among the Chinese
people to keep the body in a good condition and prevent or heal
diseases. The exercises have been simplified in 1956 which made
this sport even more popular.
Taiji is often practiced as an important part of the healing process
in hospitals and has proved as extraordinarily succesful in healing
high blood pressure, neuratenia and lung tubercolosis. The positive
aspects of Taiji can be traced back to its specific character as f. e.

1.) The execises require full concentration while the mind is not
deflected by anything
2.) All movements are done slowly and are floating in a continous way
3.) Natural breathing is necessary. Some parts of the exercises are done
while breathing into the stomach. Breath is in rhythmic harmony to
the movements of the body.

From the viewpoint of sport´s medicine Taiji is an important way of
prevention and treatment of diseases.

As both body and mind are demanded at the same time, these exercises
stimulate the cortex by activating some parts of the brain and by retarding
other parts.
This allows the brain to relax and stops the tension on the cortex which is
provoqued by different bad influences.
Therefore this sport is part of the healing process of different diseases of
nerves and soul. However Taiji is not a mysterious panacea against
diseases. But even for beginners it is more than evident that Taiji requires
the whole body - active and passive.
While doing the exercises the muscles are worked on a pleasant way, and
going from tension to relaxation especially the muscles in the legs are required
by flexing and stretching.

Taiji is an excellent way of strengthening the bones and - as a consequence -
to prevent from atrophy.
The flexibility of the whole body is trained by the smooth movements.
This is the reason why pliability of the joints and the flexibility of the
muscles is held up and /or improved.