As the limbs move gently up and down and in and out, the breathing gradually deepens, more of the capacity of the lungs is utilized and vitality is enhanced. Western Science has studied T'ai Chi Ch'uan and verified the many benefits that have long been known in the East. For example, T'ai Chi has been shown to be very helpful with arthritis, hypertension, balance difficulties, cardio rehabilitation and lower back pain. T'ai Chi teaches specific and effective techniques to alleviate stress. If exercise was a drug , it would be the most prescribed drug ever known because almost any ailment is improved by exercise.
Most exercise requires a certain degree of good health to begin.
Due to the gentle and self-paced aspects of T'ai Chi, however, almost anyone can participate. Therefore, T'ai Chi is currently the world's most widely practiced health exercise system. The ch'i circulates freely, mobilizing the body so that it heeds the direction of the mind. The T'ai Chi Ch'uan Classics Not physically demanding at the beginning level, the graceful, moderate movements of T'ai Chi do not require good health to begin. This is a soft, gradual approach, emphasizing a slow, but sure, return to harmony.