The joint healthy, circular movements make this not only an easier form of exercise for those with arthritis, but can also reduce the chances of developing arthritis and may even prevent the condition from worsening. What often happens is that calcium builds up in the joints. The circular movement of the form works to clear that calcium out of the joint, relieving the stiffness and limited movement created by the calcium deposits.

Some of our health problems come from not moving the body the way it was meant to be moved - poor posture, etc. Taichi exercises will help restore proper posture and body alignment. Also, our environment and the way we live has a negative impact on the body. Here is what one Taichi teacher told me when talking about the ankle joint:

We now walk almost exclusively on flat surfaces - floors, sidewalks, etc. Thus, when we walk, the ankle is not rolling and turning the way it would if you went walking in a field - the un-even, natural environment. In earlier generations, people naturally got the benefits of working the full range of motion of the ankle merely by walking. Not only do we not walk as often as in previous times, not nearly as far when we do, but the ankle is not doing the rolling, and turning that it does naturally. Working circular ankle exercises into Therefore, there is a greater likelyhood of developing a calcium buildup in the ankles. Taichi exercise will help fully exercise the ankles and thus help prevent or reduce the calcium buildup.