Tai Chi Flow Information

Because Tai Chi improves flexibility and builds muscle strength gradually, doctors and physical therapists recommend it for people with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. The fluid as silk movements of this gentle Chinese practice are tailor-made for easing sore joints and muscles. "There's no doubt that Tai Chi, done properly, can be a beneficial exercise for people with arthritis," says Paul Lam, MD, a Sydney-based family practitioner and tai chi master who designed the Australian arthritis program. "Tai Chi is an exercise almost anyone who can walk can do safely," says Dr. Lam, who began doing tai chi nearly 30 years ago for his own osteoarthritis. "Tai Chi takes the joints gently through their range of motion while the emphasis on breathing and inner stillness relieves stress and anxiety."