HOW DOES TAI-CHI WORK ON THE BRAIN

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that is becoming increasingly popular as a form of exercise and relaxation around the world. It is a gentle and low-impact form of exercise that is practiced by people of all ages, including seniors. But what is it about Tai Chi that makes it so effective? And how does it work on our brain? In this article, we will explore the science behind Tai Chi and its effects on the brain.

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that involves slow, flowing movements that are coordinated with breathing. It is often referred to as “moving meditation” because of its meditative quality. Tai Chi has been shown to have many health benefits, including improving balance and flexibility, reducing stress, and improving overall physical and mental health.

But how does Tai Chi work on the brain? Research has shown that Tai Chi can have a positive impact on brain function, including improving cognitive performance and reducing the risk of developing dementia.

One way that Tai Chi works on the brain is by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. When we exercise, our heart rate increases and blood is pumped more efficiently around the body. This increased blood flow and oxygenation help to nourish the brain and promote the growth of new brain cells.

Research has also shown that Tai Chi can increase the volume of the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning. A study conducted by researchers at the University of South Florida found that older adults who practiced Tai Chi for 40 weeks had an increase in the volume of the hippocampus. This increase in volume was associated with improved memory performance.

Another way that Tai Chi works on the brain is by reducing stress and anxiety. When we experience stress, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can have negative effects on the brain, including impairing memory and increasing the risk of developing dementia. Tai Chi has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol in the body, which can have a positive impact on brain function.

Research has also shown that Tai Chi can increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is essential for the growth and survival of neurons in the brain. BDNF is also important for learning and memory. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois found that older adults who practiced Tai Chi for 12 weeks had an increase in BDNF levels, which was associated with improved cognitive performance.

Tai Chi has also been shown to have a positive impact on brain connectivity. A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles found that older adults who practiced Tai Chi for 20 weeks had an increase in connectivity in the default mode network, a network of brain regions that is active when we are at rest and not focused on the outside world. This increase in connectivity was associated with improved cognitive performance.

Research has also shown that Tai Chi can have a positive impact on the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain that is responsible for executive function, including decision-making, planning, and attention. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois found that older adults who practiced Tai Chi for 12 weeks had an increase in prefrontal cortex activity, which was associated with improved cognitive performance.

Finally, Tai Chi has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and emotional well-being. A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that older adults who practiced Tai Chi for 12 weeks had a reduction in symptoms of depression and an improvement in overall mood.

In conclusion, Tai Chi is a form of exercise that has many health benefits, including improving brain function. Tai Chi works on the brain in several ways, including increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain, increasing the volume of the hippocampus, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing the production of BDNF.

BDNF MEANING :

BDNF stands for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, which is a protein that plays a critical role in the growth, development, and maintenance of neurons in the brain. It is essential for the formation and strengthening of connections between neurons, a process called synaptic plasticity, which is important for learning and memory.

Research has shown that BDNF is involved in a variety of processes in the brain, including neuronal survival, differentiation, and growth. It is also thought to play a role in neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change in response to experience.