Tai Chi Chuan After a Heart Attack
A Martial Art and Exercise Program to Aid Cardiac Rehabilitation
Depending on the source, Tai Chi Chuan [tie jee chewan], or Tai Chi (or Taiji), is an ancient art with Chinese origins. The rest is up for debate! The important thing to remember in this instance is that Tai Chi can be an effective aid in recuperation and recovery.
Defining Tai Chi Chuan
This can be hard to do since many adherents practice the art for varying reasons. Most instructors with extensive experience will stand by the notion that Tai Chi is a martial art first and foremost. It is, in fact, called the “Grand Ultimate” or literally, “the maximum biggest.”
Its movements are mostly circular, and they (and the philosophy of Tai Chi) are based on what is sometimes known as the “Original Principle.” The principle is based on the theory of opposites, or yin and yang. It is essentially the idea of progressing toward the ultimate. Its “parent” is Chi Gung, another “internal” art of energy work and movement.
Tai Chi is a Heart Healthy Response to Trauma
Although the movements are usually (but not always) slow and rhythmic, Tai Chi can stimulate the acupuncture points that energize the heart. Most Western individuals would not automatically think of Tai Chi as being a potential heart stimulant, but when performed correctly it can do just that. Theoretically, the lower the posture taken during exercise, the more demand on the heart.
In addition to directly affecting the heart, Tai Chi has a profound affect on other bodily systems, especially the joints, muscle tissue, and ligaments. It is often recommended for arthritis and similar joint and mobility conditions. It is a complete system that has a holistic impact on the body.
From the perspective of medicine and Western science, it may or may not be viewed as valuable for cardiac rehabilitation. But as an integral part of Tradition Chinese Medicine, Taiji and its parent Qi Gong are considered foundational to healing and maintaining health and wellness.
Tai Chi as Part of a Well Balanced Cardiac Recovery Program
There are numerous aspects to prevailing after a heart attack. One is, of course, nutrition. Failing to eat a diet designed for heart health is likely to lead to another infarction. Following prescribed medical and supplemental advice is also vital.
It is now common knowledge that regular aerobic activity needs to be part of the heart patient’s lifestyle to ensure proper pumping function. Many that have practiced Tai Chi for some time will testify to its ability to enhance exercise capabilities. In addition, there is every reason to believe that Tai Chi can guide the person recovering to a new level of fitness and spiritual well being.
Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient way of bringing strength, peace of mind, and mental and emotional stability to its followers. The person seeking wellness after a heart attack would do well to investigate this time-honored art that has been practiced by millions of people for thousands of years.
Sources:
Frantzis, Bruce. Tai Chi: Health For Life. Berekely: Blue Snake Books, 2006.
Liao, Waysun. The Essence of Tai Chi. Boston & London: Shambhala Publications, 1995.
Sutton, Nigel. Applied Tai Chi Chuan. 2nd Edition, Boston: Tuttle Publishing, 1998.
Tai Chi, Heart Healthy Practice
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