Boost The Brain's Power Through Tai Chi

We all have heard those horror stories about losing the brain's cells at an early age and how that can effect our memory and cognitive skills. . Now there is something you can do about it.  And it does not involve buying expensive equipment or spending lots of money on supplements.  The answer?  Why, tai chi, of course.

In the June 19, 2012 edition of the  Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, a team of researchers from China's Shanghai Fudan University and the University of South Florida, reported on an eight month study they conducted of Chinese seniors who practiced the art of tai chi at least three times a week. They found that comparing those individuals with those who did not practice tai chi, those who did practice it had increased brain volume.  In turn, that resulted in improvements in both memory and cognitive function.

So, if you are having trouble remembering where you put the car keys, try tai chi.  Who knows, you might even find the keys. Let me know if it seems to work for you.

The Beneficial Effects of Meditation

The many beneficial effects of meditation continue to be recognized.  In an earlier post, " Every Breath You Take," I discussed a number of different forms of meditation or mindfulness. In today's edition of The New York Times,an article entitled "In Sitting Still, A Bench Press For the Brain," the Times reports on a number of studies which tend to show that meditation has a number of beneficial effects on the brain. These are believed to include increased gray and white matter which can improve cognitive performance in older adults.  What is fascinating is that the longer meditation is practiced, the greater the benefits appear to be. This is in addition to the physical benefits such as lower blood pressure as shown in such studies as the "Relaxation Response.."

Moreover, it is never too late to start. It requires no equipment and almost no time. Just get started.