The Benefits of Tai Chi in COPD

As you may already know, COPD patients can benefit from moderate exercise. Though staying active is a challenge for those living with COPD, it has been proven that staying active is the key to a better quality of life. Though some patients prefer activities like walking or other forms of mild exercise, studies have shown that gentle exercise techniques like yoga and Tai Chi offer the most benefit. This is because such exercises involve both the body and the mind, and thus can help alleviate many of the symptoms of chronic lung conditions.

Tai Chi has been studied by various researchers and has been established as beneficial for patients with chronic lung conditions like COPD. If you’re wondering whether Tai Chi is an exercise for you, let’s start by getting acquainted with what it is and what its benefits are.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is one of the ancient Chinese martial arts, referred to as the “internal” or “soft-type” of martial art. This is because Tai Chi is mainly concerned with slow, graceful movements that intend to harness the qi, or the life force. Today, Tai Chi is practiced by over a hundred million people worldwide, mainly for its health and spiritual benefits. If you have COPD, practicing Tai Chi regular can present a variety of benefits that can help you live a better, longer life.

Benefits of Tai Chi

●  Improves exercise capacity.A study published in the European Respiratory Journal has shown that Tai Chi is able to improve exercise capacity in patients with COPD. Those who underwent regular Tai Chi sessions were able to tolerate longer walking and physical activity. Additionally, these patients also described a better quality of life after doing Tai Chi regularly. This shows that Tai Chi is indeed beneficial to COPD patients, and has been suggested as an alternative to pulmonary rehabilitation programs. With Tai Chi, you may be able to do more of the physical activities you love and get to spend more time with your loved ones.

●  Improves lung function.Tai Chi has also been shown to improve lung function in COPD patients. As you may know, a decline in lung function is one of the main health issues with COPD. Decreased lung function is linked to increased difficulty in performing everyday tasks, worsening symptoms like difficulty in breathing, and more frequent exacerbations, as well as complications like heart failure and other circulatory problems. In a Hong Kong study, COPD patients who practiced Tai Chi regularly were found to have significant improvements in respiratory function. This means that Tai Chi can help prevent any decline in lung function, and can help you be more able to avoid exacerbations and complications.

●  Slows disease progression. Because Tai Chi has a positive impact on lung function and activity tolerance, it can help alleviate COPD symptoms and prevent them from worsening. This means that disease progression is slowed and serious complications to the heart and other systems can be prevented. Tai Chi’s relaxing effect, as well as its calming body movements, can help increase blood flow to various areas, increase mental concentration, and improve physical strength. All of these effects can then contribute to overall health and a better quality of life.

How can I practice Tai Chi?

To practice Tai Chi, you can start by learning about it through videos on the internet. Various websites also offer information and beginner’s lessons for you to get acquainted with the practice. There are also many instructional articles on how to start doing Tai Chi.

The best way to start learning, however, is to look for a Tai Chi class near you. The guidance of a Tai Chi instructor, along with the support from classmates in a class, can greatly help you begin correctly and master the right techniques. Look for a local instructor who understands your condition and can help you begin with techniques that are gentle and easily tolerable for your situation. It’s also best to talk with your doctor when starting out with any new exercise, as well as starting with Tai Chi.

Do you intend to start doing Tai Chi? Any questions or comments are welcome! Are you one of those who have tried or are currently practicing Tai Chi? We’d love to hear about your experience and tips below!