Kungfu School Of The Way

Tai Chi for Health and Balance

Taichi and it's multitude of health benefits.

Over the last twenty years of owning my own school I have taught hundreds of people Tai Chi. I get the most satisfaction, from seeing those that are handicapped in some way, benefit from my instruction. It never ceases to amaze me as to how Tai Chi practice, consistently, over time, benefits all aspects of one’s life, and provides treatment for such a wide variety of different health issues.

The external health benefits of practicing the Tai Chi form daily includes great improvement in balance, which, according to the "CDC" (Center for Disease Control), falling is the number one cause of death in the elderly. In addition to greatly improved balance, additional benefits are great improvement in coordination, muscular strength/toning, as well as flexibility. Internally, its practice increases the breathing capacity, improves blood circulation, promotes physical relaxation, and promotes feeling of peace, and calm of the mind.

One mandatory aspect of practicing Tai Chi correctly is to develop the ability to relax the body, while exercising it. By not tightening the muscles while simultaneously exercising them a greater flow of blood circulates through the body. The blood carries oxygen and hormones. So, increased blood flow carries more oxygen and positive hormones to the brain, and to all of the internal organs as well, which leads to a strong internal healthy constitution.

"I was in very poor health when I began training with Sifu Marlon. I suffered from an advanced case of aortic valve stenosis and was grossly overweight. Practicing the techniques described in this book enabled me to lose approximately 120 pounds. Tai Chi literally changed my life. Its benefits cannot be overstated." - Bruce Cooper

An excellent article in the New York Times by Dana G. Smith dated April 2, 2024, titled, "How Exercise Strengthens Your Brain", quotes a Dr. Henriette van Pragg, who is now an associate professor of biomedical science at Florida Atlantic University, and explains the following:

"Exercise offers short-term boosts in cognition....This may be in part because movement increases the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, most notably epinephrine and norepinephrine.....The neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin are also released with exercise, which is thought to be a main reason people often feel so good after going for a long run or bike ride....The brain benefits really start to emerge, though, when we work out consistently over time.....Physical activity also benefits mood. People who work out regularly report having better mental health than people who are sedentary. And exercise programs can be effective at treating people's depression, leading some psychiatrists and therapists to prescribe physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity is a good benchmark. Perhaps most remarkable, exercise offers protection against neurodegenerative diseases. "Physical activity is one of the health behaviors that's shown to be the most beneficial for cognitive function and reducing risk of Alzheimer's and dementia," said Michelle Voss, an associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Iowa. It starts with the muscles. When we work out, they release molecules that travel through the blood up to the brain. Some, like a hormone called irisin, have "neuroprotective" qualities and have been shown to be linked to the cognitive health benefits of exercise, said Christine Wrann, an associate professor of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School who studies irisin.... Good blood flow is essential to obtain the benefits of physical activity. And conveniently, exercise improves circulation and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the brain. It's not just that there's increased blood flow," Dr. Voss said. "It's that there's a greater chance, then, for signaling molecules that are coming from the muscles to get delivered to the brain." Once these signals are in the brain, other chemicals are released locally. The star of the show is a hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or B.D.N.F., that is essential for neuron health and creating new connections-called synapses-between neurons. "It's like a fertilizer for brain cells to recover from damage," Dr. Voss said. “And also, for synapses on nerve cells to connect with each other and sustain those connections." A greater number of blood vessels and connections between neurons can increase the size of different brain areas. This effect is especially noticeable in older adults because it can offset the loss of brain volume that happens with age. The hippocampus, an area important for memory and mood, is particularly affected. "We know that it shrinks with age," Dr. Roig said. "And we know that if we exercise regularly, we can prevent this decline." Exercise's effect on the hippocampus may be one way it helps protect against Alzheimer's disease, which is associated with significant changes to that part of the brain. The same goes for depression; the hippocampus is smaller in people who are depressed.......

"Sifu Marlon is an exceptionally unique and talented teacher . I have studied martial arts including tai chi for many years and his patience, thoughtfulness and sense of humor make studying with him a joy. He is serious about the art while developing a students skills at their own pace. He has encouraged me and helped me improve my health and balance tremendously. I look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come." - Jay Archer

Remembering the form sequence of 168 individual movements, the details of each movement, the proper breathing, etc. is a great exercise in memory. The brain is in fact a muscle too, and it must be consistently exercised. Use it or lose it, as the saying goes.

Tai Chi practice can treat depression and memory issues. By combining deep, slow and rhythmic breathing to the form sequence while moving slowly, the pulse rate gently speeds up increasing the circulation of blood throughout the body. Body, mind, and breath entrainment over a 30-minute period causes the brain to become flooded with serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine (the feel-good hormones). This is akin to getting a runner high.

One of my students, Alan Baboff, after two years of instruction, has shown marked improvement of his symptoms that are related to Parkinson Disease. He has provided the following testimonial hoping others can benefit:

"As someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s I can 100% firmly state that Tai Chi’s benefits have had a hopefully lasting positive effect on my life. I look forward to working daily on my balance, strength and coordination using the techniques of Tai Chi." Alan Baboff 4/23/24

What could be better than performing a 30-minute work out that puts a big smile on your face, gives you great exercise, and leaves you feeling happy, and energized, with peace of mind? My recommendation? Practice the Tai Chi form 5 times per week to fulfill the CDC's recommendation of 150 hours of low impact exercise per week. You will not regret it, and you will most certainly be glad.

START NOW!

NO MATTER YOUR AGE.........IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!

Contact Sifu Marlon (917)270-8796 or pilossophmarlon@gmail.com