Qi gong tai chi has a wide variety of benefits, including improving balance and flexibility, reducing stress, easing pain and enhancing your general sense of well-being. So, it's not surprising that the medical community often utilizes the mind-body practice in therapeutic and treatment plans for patients suffering from everything from osteoporosis to insomnia. But tai chi exercises can also be beneficial for people diagnosed with hypertension.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a very common but serious condition that involves a high flow of blood through narrow arteries. It can lead to a plethora of medical issues, such as stroke and heart attack. However, it is treatable with medications, an improved diet, regular exercise and other lifestyle changes. That's where qi gong can help.
One of the greatest benefits of qi gong tai chi exercises is the ability to reduce stress and encourage calmness through soothing movements and slow breathing exercises. Finding a greater sense of relaxation is essential in lowering blood pressure. Additionally, the ancient practice serves as a potent form of physical activity, which strengthens the heart, helps you lose weight, lowers cholesterol and is medically proven to reduce blood pressure.
The medical benefits of qi gong on hypertension patients has been supported by clinical trials. According to a randomized study published by the National Institutes of Health, the practice lowers blood pressure by enhancing relaxation and providing vigorous physical activity. Nearly 90 patients diagnosed with mild hypertension were assigned either qi gong tai chi exercises or traditional exercises for a period of four months. The results showed that both groups saw significant improvements in their blood pressure levels, not to mention lower anxiety and depression as well as an increase in general overall health. For this reason, researchers believe that tai chi is an effective form of physical exercise that can serve as an alternative to drug intervention.
Along with helping ease hypertension, qi gong tai chi can be useful in reducing your risk of developing this life-threatening condition. Dahn Yoga classes are particularly beneficial for those looking for treatment or prevention of high blood pressure. By incorporating yoga poses (which are also proven to help reduce hypertension), meridian stretching, core energy breathing and mindful meditation, it can help you find relief from anxiety, become more physically fit and gain control of your blood pressure levels.
