The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart, and Sharp Mind (Harvard Health Publications)

"A longtime teacher and Harvard researcher presents the latest science on the benefits of T'ai Chi as well as a practical daily program for practitioners of all ages Conventional medical science on the Chinese art of T'ai Chi now shows what T'ai Chi masters have known for centuries: regular practice leads to more vigor and flexibility, better balance and mobility, and a sense of well-being. Cutting-edge research from Harvard Medical School also supports the long-standing claims that T'ai Chi also has a beneficial impact on the health of the heart, bones, nerves and muscles, immune system, and the mind. This research provides fascinating insight into the underlying physiological mechanisms that explain how T'ai Chi actually works. Dr. Peter M. Wayne, a longtime T'ai Chi teacher and a researcher at Harvard Medical School, developed and tested protocols similar to the simplified program he includes in this book, which is suited to people of all ages, and can be done in just a few minutes a day. This book includes: * The basic program, illustrated by more than 50 photographs * Practical tips for integrating T'ai Chi into everyday activities * An introduction to the traditional principles of T'ai Chi * Up-to-date summaries of the research on the health benefits of T'ai Chi * How T'ai Chi can enhance work productivity, creativity, and sports performance * And much more." -- Provided by the publisher Conventional Medical Science On The Chinese Art Of Tai Chi Now Shows What Tai Chi Masters Have Known For Centuries: Regular Practice Leads To More Vigor And Flexibility, Better Balance And Mobility, And A Sense Of Well-being. Cutting-edge Research From Harvard Medical School Also Supports The Long-standing Claims That Tai Chi Also Has A Beneficial Impact On The Health Of The Heart, Bones, Nerves And Muscles, Immune System, And The Mind. This Research Provides Fascinating Insight Into The Underlying Physiological Mechanisms That Explain How Tai Chi Actually Works. Introduction: East Meets West At Harvard Medical School -- Pt. 1. Tai Chi And Its Essential Elements -- The Ancient Promise Of, And Modern Need For, Tai Chi -- The Eight Active Ingredients Of Tai Chi -- Put The Principles Into Practice: A Simplified Tai Chi Program -- Pt. 2. Proof Of The Promise: Tai Chi Through The Lens Of Modern Science -- Improve Your Balance And Bones -- Ease Your Aches And Pains -- Strengthen Your Heart -- Deepen And Enrich Your Breathing -- Sharpen Your Mind -- Enhance Psychological Well Being And Sleep Quality -- Pt. 3. Integrating Tai Chi Into Everyday Life -- Tai Chi For Two -- Cross-train With Tai Chi -- On-the-job Tai Chi -- Enhance Your Creativity -- Lifelong Learning With Tai Chi -- Afterword: Tai Chi And 21st Century Medicine. Peter M. Wayne, With Mark L. Fuerst. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Conventional medical science on the Chinese art of Tai Chi now shows what Tai Chi masters have known for centuries: regular practice leads to more vigor and flexibility, better balance and mobility, and a sense of well-being. Cutting-edge research from Harvard Medical School also supports the long-standing claims that Tai Chi also has a beneficial impact on the health of the heart, bones, nerves and muscles, immune system, and the mind. This research provides fascinating insight into the underlying physiological mechanisms that explain how Tai Chi actually works. Dr. Peter M. Wayne, a longtime Tai Chi teacher and a researcher at Harvard Medical School, developed and tested protocols similar to the simplified program he includes in this book, which is suited to people of all ages, and can be done in just a few minutes a day. This book includes: • The basic program, illustrated by more than 50 photographs • Practical tips for integrating Tai Chi into everyday activities • An introduction to the traditional principles of Tai Chi • Up-to-date summaries of the research literature on the health benefits of Tai Chi • How Tai Chi can enhance work productivity, creativity, and sports performance • And much more