Tai Chi Reduces Stress
The benefits of using Tai Chi as a stress reliever. Tai Chi reduces stress by focusing the mind in the present moment... which calms the mind, and it tones and stretches the muscles...conditioning the body. Tai Chi Ch'uan technique is an ancient Chinese technique that reduces stress. It is based on the belief that there is a life force energy "Chi" that moves through our bodies and the Universal energies. In India, this energy is known as Prana. Tai Chi moves this vital life force energy to promote balance, inner peace and health and therefore reduces stress levels. Use Tai Chi as part of your regular stress management program. Tai Chi Ch'uan is a preventative exercise which involves a slow sequence of movements that promotes balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Tai Chi originated in China over 1,000 years ago from the martial art systems. It is beneficial to work with a Tai Chi instructor who is aware of the martial art applications of each movement to ensure that they are done correctly. Tai Chi is a great stress reliever. While doing Tai Chi focus your attention on making the technique smooth and fluid and soon your will find your mind at peace and your body relaxed.
Health Benefits
As Tai Chi originally came from the martial arts system, it can be used for self-discipline and self-defense, but also has many health benefits. Tai Chi reduces stress... as you concentrate on the movements your mind becomes calm bringing relaxation to your whole body. Tai Chi Ch'uan greatly benefits our physical and mental health. Practising Tai Chi on a daily basis has the potential to improve concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, and bring peace of mind. Years ago I had the honour of learning Tai Chi and Chi Gong with an elderly Chinese man in the park on early mornings. He told me that he began his training after he was diagnosed with diabetes and hence cured himself through his training. He trained at least twice a day, morning and night. Tai chi may reduce the severity of diabetes. Tai Chi is a slow moving exercise that repeats movements of your muscle systems strengthening and stretching them and relieving the stress and tension. Focus on improving your own Tai Chi technique every time you practise. Slow relaxed breathing is suggested to begin with. It is also said that Tai Chi balances Chi energy flow through the internal organs restoring them to balance and health. People who suffer from heart problems including high blood pressure, arthritis, and other illnesses or diseases have benefited from doing Tai Chi. In a study by Wolf et al. (1996) Tai Chi training reduced the risk of multiple falls in the elderly by 47.5%. Tai Chi training increases balance and flexibility. Practicing Tai Chi Chuan regularly is a good aerobic exercise for older people and could delay the decline of cardiorespiratory function (Lai/Lan, 1995). Tai Chi reduces stress and is also known to provide psychological benefits as it keeps the mind active, concentrating on the slow moving techniques, but is also beneficial for restoring health to the physical body!
Technique: Tai Chi has a starting posture - with your back straight, as if there is a string attached to the top of your head, and your chin tucked in, your feet are shoulder-width part, knees bent, your hips tilted forward slightly, your arms at your side with your shoulders rounded. It is best to have an instructor check your starting posture as it is vitally important to get your foundations correct. There are a variety of slow movements that you progress through until you know the whole 'set'. There are many styles of Tai Chi Chu'an named after the Chinese family systems who created them. Tai Chi reduces stress. Practise Tai Chi regularly as part of your stress management program to relieve stress and restore health to your body.
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