Tai Chi: The Slow and Steady Approach to Managing Menopause
Also known as “fighting menopause with the grace of a patient ninja.”
✋ First, what even is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi (pronounced tie-CHEE, not “Thai Cheese,” although we’d eat that) is a gentle form of movement that originated in ancient China. It’s often described as “meditation in motion,” but let’s be honest: it’s basically the opposite of CrossFit – on purpose.
It’s slow, fluid, focused, and doesn’t require shoes that look like futuristic crab claws. And for women in the “why am I sweating at 3AM and crying at squirrels?” phase of life, Tai Chi may actually be the quiet hero we didn’t know we needed.
🔥 So… can it help with hot flashes or nah?
Science says: Maybe yes, actually.
A study published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship found that postmenopausal women who practiced Tai Chi showed a significant reduction in vasomotor symptoms (i.e., the infamous hot flashes and night sweats) compared to control groups. (PubMed)
Was it instant? No. Was it sweaty? Probably still, but in a calmer, more “this is fine” way.
😴 Sleep like a heavily-sedated princess
Insomnia during menopause is no joke (unless you count that time you cried because your sheets touched you wrong).
Tai Chi has been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and quieting the overthinking brain that won’t stop reliving a conversation from 2009.
You won’t wake up floating on a cloud – but you might not wake up angrily kicking your pillow.
🧠 Your mood, but with fewer public meltdowns
Tai Chi has been linked to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and “what even is the point” syndrome. The meditative movements encourage mindfulness, and suddenly you’re not arguing with your husband in your head – you’re too busy breathing slowly while imagining you’re balancing an invisible orb of chill.
💪 Bone health: because snapping should be emotional, not physical
Menopause likes to sneak in and whisper, “Hey, let’s reduce bone density for fun.”
Tai Chi might help slow that roll – some studies suggest it can maintain or even modestly increase bone density in postmenopausal women.
It also improves balance, which reduces your risk of becoming “that friend who fell trying to grab their phone while sneezing.”
❤️ Cardio benefits, minus the treadmill trauma
Tai Chi isn’t just about waving your arms like a chilled-out wizard – it can actually lower blood pressure and support vascular health.
So yeah, it’s not just woo-woo. It’s woo-woo with receipts.
💡 The best part? You can do it anywhere – judgment free!
No gym? No problem. No shoes? Great. No energy? Tai Chi gets you.
You can do it in your living room, at the park, or in your kitchen while waiting for your tea to steep and questioning your entire existence.
You don’t need to be flexible or graceful – you just need to show up. Slowly.
🧘♀️ The Elistocrat Take: Slow is not weak. Slow is powerful.
Tai Chi might not give you six-pack abs or make your ex regret his choices, but it will help you feel more grounded, less reactive, and slightly less likely to scream at the toaster.
It’s the kind of movement that says: “I respect my nervous system and also my knees.”
So if you’re looking for a practice that helps regulate your nervous system, reconnects you with your body, and doesn’t leave you gasping for air on the floor… try Tai Chi.
Your hormones might not say thank you.
But your future self absolutely will.
And here are couple options to get you started!