TAI CHI

MIND/BODY WELLNESS FOR ALL

The ancient Chinese art form of Tai Chi has gained much notoriety over the last few decades.   Why is Tai Chi so beneficial especially in the stress management department? You may think an intense weight workout, endurance workout or simply watching TV provides all the stress reduction you need.  In most people stress (defined as a physical, chemical, emotional or even environmental factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation) can’t be easily tamed or even reduced for that matter, especially at one’s first awareness of the problem.  So the first step is to realize stress is a part in your life, so by either changing your life events that cause this chaos or by simply managing the stress that you are exposed to conditions your body and mind to not let this seed of mental/emotional destruction deliver a lasting effect.  In my years of practice the first wave of treatment involves breathing, meditation and visualization and Tai Chi incorporates all three of these plus a very important component – movement.  The form of Ta Chi that I instruct is done with a Chi ruler.  This form has a soothing rocking motion that enables one to slip into a relaxing restorative state.  By simply holding a stick between the palms, exhaling on the lower circular swoop and inhaling on the upper end of the cycle, this little movement can be effective when practiced by anyone who is attempting to improve their state of being and internal healing flow.

It is estimated that 75% to 90% of medical visits are stress related.  Unmanaged stress and depression are the costliest risk factors.  This breakdown of the mind/body connection compromises the immune, cardiovascular and digestive systems.

         - according to the American Institute of Stress

What is Chi really?

Chi is based from on Chinese philosophy meaning circulating life energy or life force that is thought to inhabit all things; inside the physical body.  When Chi flows are blocked it creates blocked energy and toxic buildup (illness or fatigue) and stress overload that decreases your life energies.  When energy levels are flowing you are able to operate through your higher self; a source of calmness that allows one to center one’s self and approach life’s obstacles through a more grounded level playing field.  The impossible doesn’t seem that unrealistic and the mind becomes less trapped.  Active meditation through Tai Chi can become effective with as little as 10 minute sessions when practiced most days of the week. 

“When energy levels are

flowing you are able to

operate through your

higher self”

Calming the nervous system, clearing the mind and restoring a positive internal energy flow.  This form of Tai Chi is one of the missing links in today’s health and fitness protocols.  “Remember the side effects of stress are not who you are really meant to be, they’re just parasites of your energies.  Strive for balance in life, practice today.”