Tai Chi Safety While Taking Aspirin

Tai chi is generally considered safe while taking aspirin, because it is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can improve balance and reduce fall risk. ^[1] Tai chi movements typically place little stress on joints and muscles, making it suitable for most age groups and fitness levels. ^[2] Importantly, tai chi has been shown to improve balance and lower fall risk, which can be especially helpful when you are on a medicine that increases bleeding tendency. ^[3]

How Aspirin Affects Bleeding

• Aspirin thins the blood by reducing platelet clumping, which can increase the chance of bleeding. ^[4]
• The bleeding risk is higher if you are age 60 or older, have a history of ulcers or stomach bleeding, take other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen), use steroid medicines, drink alcohol heavily, or take more than directed. ^{[5] [6]}
• Because of these risks, it’s wise to choose activities that minimize the chance of trauma or falls. Tai chi’s slow, controlled movements fit this profile well. ^[3]

Why Tai Chi Is a Good Fit

• Tai chi is low intensity and has a low risk of injury compared with contact or high-impact sports. ^[1]
• Regular tai chi practice improves balance and mobility and can reduce the risk of falls and fractures. This helps offset the bleeding risk associated with falls while on aspirin. ^{[7] [3]}

Practical Precautions to Practice Safely

• Choose gentle formats:
  • Look for beginner or “balance-focused” tai chi classes taught by experienced instructors. Learning proper technique reduces missteps and minor injuries. ^{[3] [1]}
• Avoid injury:
  • Practice on flat, non-slip flooring and wear supportive, flat shoes to reduce fall risk. ^[3]
  • Start with shorter sessions and slower movements; increase gradually as your balance improves. ^[3]
• Protect your stomach:
  • If you’re 60+ or have a history of ulcers or stomach bleeding, be alert to signs such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, or black stools; seek care if they occur. Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding, and risk rises with age and certain co-medicines. ^{[5] [8]}
• Watch drug combinations:
  • Do not take additional NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) regularly with aspirin unless a clinician advised it, as this raises bleeding risk. Always tell your healthcare team about all medicines and supplements. ^{[4] [9]}
• Limit alcohol:
  • Avoid heavy alcohol use (3 or more drinks daily) while taking aspirin because it raises stomach bleeding risk. ^{[8] [6]}
• Time your meals and dose:
  • If your aspirin is not enteric-coated, taking it with food may reduce stomach irritation; follow your clinician’s guidance and the product directions. Do not exceed the directed dose or duration. ^{[6] [5]}
• Be cautious with co-conditions:
  • If you have asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease, check in with your clinician before starting or advancing exercise. Certain conditions may require tailored plans. ^[10]
• Stop and seek care if:
  • You notice unusual bruising, nosebleeds that are hard to stop, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, severe stomach pain, or signs of GI bleeding (black/tarry stools). These may signal aspirin-related bleeding. ^{[5] [11]}

What to Avoid

• High-impact or contact activities (e.g., sparring martial arts, running on uneven terrain, soccer, basketball) because falls or blows increase bleeding risk. Prefer low-impact, balance-oriented exercise like tai chi and walking. ^{[3] [1]}
• Combining aspirin with regular ibuprofen or naproxen without medical advice. This combination can make bleeding more likely. ^[4]

Getting Started Safely

• Consider a class at a hospital, community center, or senior center with qualified instructors; it’s easier to learn movements correctly in person. ^{[3] [1]}
• If you have musculoskeletal injuries or significant joint pain, consult your clinician first and consider modified or seated tai chi programs. Seated tai chi can still improve balance and function. ^[1]

Bottom Line

• Tai chi is generally safe while taking aspirin and may even help lower fall risk, but you should practice in a way that minimizes injury and be attentive to bleeding signs. ^{[3] [1]} Combining sensible precautions with appropriate class selection allows most people on aspirin to enjoy tai chi safely. ^[2]