Thai Chi heals chronic pain and stress

The Chinese martial art Tai-Chi Chuan (abbreviated "Tai-Chi") is in the trend worldwide and is also becoming more popular in this country. With good reason, because the so-called "Chinese Shadow Boxing" not only provides stronger muscles and better mobility, but also reduces stress and alleviates a variety of physical ailments. But who wants to learn Tai Chi, should meet certain requirements and seek professional guidance. In an interview with the news agency "dpa" experts give tips on what should be considered in the shadow boxing.
Several million followers worldwide
In China Taijiquan or Tai-Chi Chuan (Tai Chi for short) is a popular sport, but even in the Western world, traditional martial arts are gaining in popularity and are now being practiced by several million people. Shadow boxing is characterized by slow-motion movements, combined with concentrated breathing, closely related to exercises in qigong. The increasing popularity of the so-called "shadow boxing" can be easily explained - because Tai Chi acts as a fitness training and relaxation method at the same time.

Tai Chi strengthens the body and the soul. Picture: zhu difeng - fotolia

More muscle strength and body stability through shadow boxing
"Although tai chi is by no means comparable to endurance training, there is evidence that tai chi is more than just relaxation," says dr. Romy Lauche from the Department of Naturopathy and Integrative Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen opposite the "dpa". Because "studies describe an increase in muscle strength and body stability." In addition, the balance would be improved, which is an important aspect, "because especially older people through tai chi exercises may prevent falls," adds Lauche. Accordingly, Tai Chi is in principle suitable for everyone, in the US, the martial arts according to the expert, even to the offer in senior institutions.

That's not all, because even with many illnesses, Tai Chi can help to alleviate the symptoms and have a positive effect on the course of illnesses. "I would like to call cardiovascular diseases, vegetative disorders, knee problems of all kinds, back pain up to herniated discs, as well as tinnitus," said the president of the European Tai Chi Association TCFE, Sifu Nils Klug, in an interview with Heilpraxisnet.de. This also applies to a variety of rheumatic diseases or even Parkinson's disease, because even here many positive effects would be found, so Lauche on.

In case of illness or damage always consult a doctor first
"Tai Chi Chuan stands on three pillars: health, meditation and martial arts. The most important thing is health. Tai Chi Chuan is a general health promoting system. It is thus practiced primarily for general health and wellbeing, "explains Nils Klug. But even if tai chi can be done for all ages and even for many chronic diseases, "[...] you should always consult with a doctor if you have a disease or injury," advises Professor Ingo Froböse of the Institute of Exercise Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention Rehabilitation of the German Sport University Cologne.

Shadow boxing should by no means be on your own, e.g. with the help of a video or book, but always learned under guidance. Because "in order for the slow, controlled and fluent exercises to be carried out correctly, professional instruction is indispensable," adds Froböse. If these remain off, however, it can quickly lead to unnoticed errors, which in turn can lead to incorrect loads or damage.

Reflect on your own goals before the start of the training
Before starting the training, it makes sense to engage in the various forms of Tai Chi, ranging from esoteric to health-oriented approaches to battle-oriented self-defense. Accordingly, when looking for a suitable teacher, it should be carefully considered where personal motivation lies. Anyone who focuses on fitness and relaxation could quickly be disappointed with a campaign-oriented teacher.
"It only helps one thing: pay attention to the training of the teacher, say what you want and what health restrictions you have," says Angela Menzel, chairwoman of the German Association for Qigong and Taijiquan (DDQT). If the offer is for a trial lesson, the expert should simply try out whether the training corresponds to his own ideas. In addition, it is advisable not to commit to one year, but through a two-month contract first to check whether the shadow boxing and the coach to a fit.

Inform the health insurance company about possible subsidy
To be certified as a course instructor with the seal of quality of the German umbrella organization for Qigong and Taijiquan e.V. (DDQT), the coaches would have to complete a recognized training with at least 250 hours within three years, explains Angela Menzel. "Teachers can easily be found via the postal code on the DDQT website," the expert continued.

Since Tai Chi is a recognized technique for reducing stress, some health insurance companies share the costs of a relaxation-oriented training. However, interested parties should make sure that they choose not only the right type of course but also a provider that is certified by their own health insurance. Information on this can be obtained directly from the cashier, often they can be found on the respective website. (No)