Brain Plasticity and Tai Chi

A BBC (2023) documentary looked at how brain plasticity can be stimulated in adults utilising mindful breathing, exercise and learning. This helpful explanation by science journalist Melissa Hogenboom relates to our exploration of Embodied Tai Chi by understanding 'more about the brain's capacity to respond to change, helping us to learn and to heal.'  

Tai Chi is perhaps more helpful as a method to develop greater brain plasticity as it is a form of moving mindfulness, great for people who find sitting meditation difficult. 

A somatic embodied approach to Tai Chi includes a neurological understanding rather than just the traditional Chi – energy concept.  The ‘Brain Hacks’ documentary (BBC 2023) touches on the concept of ‘Psychomotricity’, how physical movement relates to brain development and is associated with ‘the idea that mastering the body is the first condition for mastering of the behaviour’ Ganciu (2013).  Embodied Tai Chi then represents a clear methodology for developing brain placidity,

Once a person has learned Tai Chi its principles can be utilised in other activities like sport or walking.  Mindfully paying attention to balance on walks over different terrains requires us to balance against gravity in very different situations.

The ‘Brain Hacks’ documentary provides a helpful insight into an understanding of brain plasticity and should be seen in relation to the breathe work used in Qigong, exercise as Tai Chi movement and learning firstly when developing the skills and secondly when applying those skills in unique situations.

References

BBC (2023) Brain Hacks; BBC News Mon 25 Dec 2023 13:30 Local time, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001qr3k , accessed 11th February 2024.

Ganciu Mihaela (2013) Psychomotricity - a complex function to control human behaviour; International Journal of Education and Research Vol. 1 No.11 November 2013, https://ijern.com/journal/November-2013/39.pdf , pdf; 2013 Ganciu