TAI CHI FOR KNEES?

A TAI CHI TECHNIQE TO IMPROVE KNEE HEALTH

Knee pain from wear-and–tear or Osteoarthritis is a common reason why many people try Tai Chi, and with proper regular practice, Tai Chi can improve knee health.

Tai Chi is Effective in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis. NIH National Library of Medicine study

The gentle movements help:

• Preserve and increase range of motion

• Lubricate the joints

• Strengthen protective muscles and ligaments

• Create space between the bones

Here’s one Tai Chi technique to combat joint narrowing that can be used every time that we step forward in our tai practice.

1. Shift the weight into one leg, maintaining alignment between the ankle, knee and hip.

2. Step forward, not too far or wide, with the other leg.

3. Touch the heel down first, light as a feather floating to the ground.

4. Relax or Song the muscles of the stepping leg, allowing the foot to settle flat to the ground, no weight yet.

5. Feel the leg lengthen and the knee joint open as the foot rests lightly on the ground.

6. Shift the weight into the stepping leg.

7. Rinse and repeat.

This technique can be utilized with any style of Tai Chi stepping to form any type of Tai Chi stance.

Give it a try. Or better yet, attend a class or schedule a private lesson to learn more!