Tai Chi for Stroke Recovery Offers Big Benefits

Practicing Tai Chi may be an effective way to promote recovery after stroke. This low-impact and low-to-moderate intensity form of exercise provides physical and mental benefits that improve quality of life after a stroke.

This article will discuss the benefits of practicing Tai Chi for stroke recovery and provide some Tai Chi exercises you can practice at home.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a centuries-old form of gentle exercise that combines physical movements with relaxation. It focuses on cultivating a balance between the mind and body, which makes it ideal for recovery after a stroke.

Tai Chi involves a series of slow continuous motions, some of which concentrate on capturing the strength and spirit of various animals (i.e., tiger, ape, stag, bear, crane). These movements promotes the flow of energy throughout the body.

By focusing on balance, body alignment, and mindfulness, individuals may achieve a greater sense of control, stability, and relaxation.

Additionally, Tai Chi may be modified so that individuals with weakness after stroke can safely participate and benefit. For example, the movements can be performed seated for greater stability.

In the following section, we’ll discuss the benefits of Tai Chi for stroke survivors.

Benefits of Tai Chi for Stroke Recovery

Practicing Tai Chi after a stroke may provide a wide range of physical and mental benefits.

Many individuals experience weakness or paralysis after a stroke, which increases their risk of falling due to poor balance. Tai Chi is ideal for improving balance as it emphasizes slow, controlled, and repetitive movements that originate from the center of the body.

Further, because it encourages continuous movement, Tai Chi promotes dynamic movement more than traditional exercise programs, which generally focus on static or standing balance. The benefits of Tai Chi for stroke patients may come from the unique combination of slow, controlled movements paired with relaxation techniques. 

Benefits of tai chi [1]_,[2]_,[3] for stroke survivors include:

• Stress relief
• Better balance
• Improved mental health
• Reduced falls
• Reduced blood pressure
• Improved flexibility
• Muscle toning
• Body awareness
• Chronic pain relief
• Improved bone density/lower body strength
• Better motor control
• Improved gait speed
• Improved concentration
• Postural control

Now that you understand what tai chi is and how it can benefit stroke survivors, let’s go over some tai chi exercises you can practice at home.

Tai Chi Exercises for Stroke Patients

Are you interested in trying tai chi for recovery after stroke?

 Below are some of our favorite Tai Chi exercises:

1. Warm-Up Flow

Start in a standing position with your legs hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Then, float your hands up and down in front of your body with your arms shoulder-width apart, palms down, and hands 3-6 inches apart. As you do this, visualize yourself moving a ball of energy up and down with your hands.

2. Snake in the Grass

Then, visualize yourself carrying that big ball of energy (about the size of a large medicine ball) right in front of your torso.

While using your arms to carry that ball of energy, pivot your torso to move the ball around in front of you in the shape of an infinity sign (a sideways figure 8).

As you move the imaginary ball to your right, pivot your torso to the right as well. Then repeat on the left side. Keep in mind that this exercise involves your core and entire body, not just your arms.

Move slowly and intentionally as you swirl this energy around the front side of your body. Every motion is the same speed as if you are in slow motion.

3. Rising Sun

While smoothly transitioning from the exercise above, take that ball of energy and bring it up in front of your face. Move this energy in an arc from side to side, like a rising and setting sun. This posture will be used as a transition movement for other exercises.

4. Scooping Water

Use your right arm to scoop a big armful of water into your chest. Make a big, slow, circular motion as you scoop the water. Then, bring that water up to your face and around over to your right side, and then bring it down, letting the water fall to the floor.

This movement should feel like one big circular movement for your right arm. Repeat on your left side, and then perform 4 repetitions of this Scooping Water movement on each side.

5. Beautiful Bird

Now, imagine that there’s a ball of energy on your right shoulder. Pivot your torso and slightly turn to your right as you use your left arm to roll the ball down your shoulder and arm.

While you’re still facing your right side, shift your weight into your left leg and bring your hands out to your sides. Shifting your weight from one side to the other in a one third to two thirds ratio will help you remain grounded. Keep your arms bent at 90 degrees and keep your upper arm in towards your sides. This posture should resemble a bird in motion.

Shift forward to your right side to complete the movement. Then, transition to your left side while performing a Rising Sun on your way. Remember to move slowly and fluidly.

Be aware of your breath as you perform this movement. Inhale as you shift back and spread your wings, and exhale as you shift forward.

The most important focus during this exercise (and all others) is ease, fluidity, and softness in the body.

Tai Chi for Stroke Recovery: Key Points

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that utilizes graceful and continuous movements for therapeutic relief.

It is a low-impact form of exercise that may improve balance and prevent falls, which makes it ideal for stroke survivors who have weakness or paralysis. Likewise, Tai Chi also promotes relaxation and improved focus.

We hope you try these Tai Chi exercises to restore a sense of balance between your body and mind.