For many centuries the Chinese have practiced a health activity known as Tai Chi. They still do so now and it is regarded as an important part of the daily routine.
Tai Chi is thought by historians to be a development of an ancient method of Chinese martial art. However there are doubts as to how exactly it came about, but it seems most likely that it originates from around the end of the ninth century. Very probably it had its beginnings in India and was later taken up in China for the purpose of martial training and also as a beneficial form of exercise. Nonetheless there are those who believe that this ancient practice was devised by the Chinese themselves and that they did so above all for martial reasons.
Whatever the truth, it can safely be said that Tai Chi is not now of martial significance and that it is now undertaken merely as a means of exercise that is both involved and harmonious. To view exercises is to see something which is like a flowing ballet of movement and is a spectacle of beauty. The methodical postures and pronounced and careful stances of the participants are not forceful but relaxed. The exercises give them a feeling of mental satisfaction as well as a sense of physical well being.
If you visit China you may well see many people doing Tai Chi exercises together in the mornings in public parks and recreation areas. The art of Tai Chi is popular and this is not surprising bearing in mind the benefits that it brings. After the daily session working day can be faced with the glow that comes from and energised body and mind.
With regard to back pain and sciatica Tai Chi has points of particular importance. It has been demonstrated that by practicing the art, back problems and the frequency with which they occur, can be greatly diminished. Of course much of the good results stem from the general improvement in health and the better muscular condition and control which it encourages. Greater mobility, much better posture, and a feeling of confidence will all result from the regular exercises and these alone will aid recovery from many back conditions. Of course the Tai Chi to be practiced should not impose sudden or stressful exercises which might be detrimental.
Arthritis is another subject of relevance to Tai Chi. Practitioners of the art claim that the flowing movements have a beneficial effect for arthritis sufferers, helping relief pain and improving joint mobility. It is well established that arthritis can be a cause or contributing factor of back pain so relieving the condition can only be good. The therapy provided by Tai Chi is so satisfactory that it should definitely be attempted as one of the ways of dealing with arthritis and any related back pain or sciatica; and also an means to help avoid them developing.
Tai Chi takes several different forms, but the underlying philosophy of the art in all the different styles is that the practice stimulates natural energy forces within the body, allowing it to regenerate its own essential healing powers which perhaps are no longer efficient due to age or lifestyle factors. The actual periods that some practitioners carry on their work out can last as much as an hour. However a shorter period of some twenty minutes or so should deliver very satisfactory benefits.
Tai Chi should not be considered as a cure for back problems or sciatica on its own. Nor should it be attempted by anyone actively suffering from conditions such as a slipped disc or serious back sprain at present. Rather it is best to undertake it as part of a programe of activities and methods for alleviating these problems which can be difficult to resolve. And of course it will be invaluable in helping you to continue in good health after any serious pain has been disposed of.
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Please bear in mind that this article is for general information purposes only and is not medical advice about your health. If you have a medical condition or problem you should always consult your doctor as to the matter which may be more serious than you realize.
P.H. Stokesay writes on a number of topics including back pain and sciatica, magnetic therapy and how to learn foreign languages. For more information about lower back pain and sciatica please visit lower-back-sprain [http://www.lower-back-sprain.com]
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