Regular Tai chi exercises have a positive effect on the immune system.

Due to the improved oxygen saturation of all organs and tissues, metabolism is enhanced, and the ageing process of the body slows down.

DIABETES (Types 1 and 2)

One of the leading health problems of the 21st century is diabetes. Type 1 is insulin-dependent, while Type 2 is not insulin-dependent.

• Type 1 Diabetes
  Type 1 diabetes primarily affects young people under 30 years old, often appearing during childhood. Men are more commonly predisposed to this disease. The progression of Type 1 diabetes is rapid, with only a weak genetic predisposition. Triggering factors include viral infections and weakened immunity. Treatment with hypoglycemic drugs is generally ineffective.

• Type 2 Diabetes
  Type 2 diabetes primarily affects individuals over 40 years old, with women being more commonly predisposed. The disease develops slowly and has a strong genetic predisposition. Contributing factors include excess weight, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and stress. Treatment with hypoglycemic drugs is the primary method of management.

Patients with both types of diabetes often experience similar symptoms, such as:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Dry mouth
• Severe hunger
• Poor wound healing
• Dermatitis and ulcers on the extremities (especially legs)
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Decreased immunity

Complications of Diabetes

Both types of diabetes are associated with risks of severe complications, including:

• Strokes and heart attacks
• Chronic kidney failure
• Chronic heart failure
• Diabetic foot syndrome
• Physical inactivity and overweight issues
• Sharp weight loss (not recommended)
• Stress and emotional strain
• Abuse of certain medications or alcohol
• Poor diet and constant fatigue
• Tingling in the arms and legs
• Swelling in the legs and redness of tissues
• Blurred vision
• Poorly healing wounds, pustules, and trophic ulcers

Causes and Progression

One of the major causes of diabetes is the overload of the gastrointestinal tract due to excessive consumption of fatty, fried foods and simple sugars. This overload disrupts the body’s metabolic processes.

Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause small blood vessels and capillaries—particularly in the eyes and kidneys—to become clogged. This disrupts blood circulation, causing vessels to harden due to sugar accumulation. Oxygen supply to these areas is reduced, and cellular waste products are not effectively removed, leading to trophic ulcers and renal failure (often associated with high blood pressure in late-stage diabetes). An imbalance of insulin also disrupts liver function, which can eventually result in complete vision loss.

Tai Chi as a Supportive Practice for Diabetes

Tai chi exercises can help reduce blood sugar levels when practiced systematically. Long-form tai chi practices, such as "The Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg" and "Insert the Needle into the Bottom of the Sea," are particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

These exercises stimulate kidney activity, helping regulate the elimination of toxins from the body. Additionally, tai chi emphasizes the cultivation of "Jing" energy, which represents inherited vital energy passed down from one’s parents. While Jing cannot be increased, tai chi exercises help regulate and manage it, supporting sexual vitality and longevity.

THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is a chronic or acute condition characterized by a disruption in the blood supply to the myocardium—the muscular layer of the heart—caused by an insufficient supply of oxygen. This occurs when arterial blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted.

The primary causes of the disease include inadequate blood supply to the arteries and narrowing of blood vessel passages due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

The first symptoms of coronary heart disease include:

• Shortness of breath, which may occur during activities such as brisk walking, climbing stairs, or even light movement
• Arrhythmia and tachycardia (heart palpitations)
• Hypertension (fluctuations in blood pressure)
• Angina pectoris (pressing chest pain that may radiate to the neck and left shoulder)
• Severe pain in the heart

Individuals at higher risk include smokers, those who abuse alcohol, and people suffering from diabetes or obesity.

Tai Chi for Cardiovascular Health

Tai chi—through its focus on studying movement patterns, meditation, breathing techniques, and concentration on specific zones or points—can promote positive outcomes in managing cardiovascular conditions, including:

• Stroke recovery
• Coronary artery disease management
• Heart rhythm stabilization
• Post-surgery recovery
• Strengthening of the heart muscles
• Support for conditions like varicose veins and thrombophlebitis

The calm and gentle nature of tai chi movements, along with balanced breathing and focus on specific areas, helps relieve excessive tension in the heart region, thus improving blood circulation. Regular practice of tai chi forms (with adjustments to execution speed) can help regulate the rhythm of the heart muscle over time.

Workshops Offered by Our School

Our school offers workshops worldwide! Programs are available in various formats: one-day, three-day, one-week, two-week, and month-long courses.

We specialize in:

• Tai Chi Yang 108 forms
• Tai Chi massage
• Meditation
• Bian Zhizhong techniques
• DaoYin practices

For inquiries, pre-registration, or to organize online/offline workshops, please contact Melnikau Henadzi, head of the International School Dao Empiretaichi, at:
melnikovtaichi @ gmail.com (remove spaces between symbols).