Practicing Tai Chi Safely

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Tell your doctor if you plan to learn tai chi for health purposes, especially if you have had cancer or other health problems, if you have not exercised recently, or if you are 55 or older.

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Sore muscles or sprains can occur if you don’t position your body correctly or if you overdo your practice.

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It is recommended that you not do tai chi immediately after eating or when you are extremely fatigued or have an active infection.

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Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have a hernia, or have joint problems, back pain, sprains, a fracture or severe osteoporosis, and ask for advice on whether to modify or avoid certain moves.

SOURCE: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.