The Effects of Tai Chi on Menopause
Tai Chi and Menopause
Menopause is the end of a women's menstrual cycle. Symptoms vary from person to person but include both physical, mental and emotional symptoms and effects. Menopause can also lead to other health issues such as Osteoporosis.
Because of the multi factorial nature of menopause a holistic approach that helps manage both the physical and mental symptoms of menopause is recommended. Tai Chi can be incorporated into a persons routine as part of a multi discipline approach to managing menopause.
Tai Chi and Menopause
Any form of exercise can help increase mood and help to manage hormonal balance. The gentle nature of Tai Chi means that it can be practiced even when the symptoms of menopause are bad, such as having little sleep or increased anxiety. The gentle and relaxing nature of Tai Chi means that you can have do a Tai Chi session that is not to taxing on an already tired body and has the added benefit helping reduce stress and anxiety, improving mental and cognitive function.
Tai Chi may also help with medical conditions such as osteoporosis. The low slow movements of Tai Chi load the legs and may help increase bone density, though more research is needed to verify this claim. That said, Tai Chi definitely helps increase balance and is the best body weight exercise for reducing the risk of falling by increasing balance, leg strength and stability.
Exercise also helps with sleep and Tai Chi can be practiced before bed to help relax an anxious mind. Some research has shown that practicing the breath work of Tai Chi before bed can help increase sleep length and quality.
Tai Chi As A Well Rounded Approach
The greatest benefit of Tai Chi is that is accessible to all fitness levels and abilities. Unlike many fitness and health classes were a certain level of fitness is required, Tai Chi does not have this barrier to entry. This means that no matter how much you are suffering from the effects of menopause you will be able to gently train Tai Chi and gain all the physical and psychological benefits of exercise without the exercise being exhaustive on the bodies nervous and endocrine systems.
Tai Chi is also a great mind-body practice. It is a practice that incorporates ancient mediative practices, breath work, mindfulness and marries it with the movements of Tai Chi. The unique combination of these practices plays a role in reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.
Getting Started With Tai Chi
You can start Tai Chi with us. We offer a free trial class where you will be introduced to our Tai Chi form called Suang Yang (Twin Suns) and get to meet our coaches and Tai Chi community.
Tai Chi, Great as Part of a Holistic Practice
I hope that by reading this article you have realized that the practice of Tai Chi can help manage the symptoms of menopause. I would like to stress that the practice of Tai Chi should be part of a holistic approach which also includes medical advice from a trained doctor. Tai Chi is unfortunately not a cure all and will work most effectively as part of a well rounded health and management program.