 This week I decided to begin one of my New Year’s Resolutions: to incorporate Tai Chi into my morning routine. I am so pleased with the results after just two days of 20 minute each, that I decided to have a date with google to see what she had to say about the health benefits. Before I brief you on what I found, I have to tell you how good I feel right now. And I still feel amazing several hours after the session. How I felt after my 20-minute Tai Chi Session I am relaxed, my mind is clear, and I am able to focus. I feel renewed, and I am still, several hours later, tackling my day with both enthusiasm and calmness. As a business owner and health care practitioner, my days are challenging, both mentally and physically. I want to take care of myself so that I can continue to help my clients improve their health - physically, mentally and emotionally. This is phenomenal. I feel great! Alright, here’s what google had to say... Origins of Tai Chi Tai Chi (pronounced: TIE-CHEE) is an ancient Chinese tradition which has its beginnings as a martial art, and was originally used for self-defense in combat. It has evolved into a practice of slow moving, dance-like meditation that has both mental and physical benefits. What is Tai Chi? Tai Chi is a series of slow, graceful movements that involve deep breathing in which you are pulling in fresh energy (or Chi) and expelling old, stale energy (or Chi). From a physics standpoint I think we may be tracing meridians or actually changing our EM (electromagnetic) field by correcting the directional flow of electrons and polarity. There is an actual material conduit that the electricity flows through. This isn’t “woo woo” spiritual stuff. This is an actual physical process.  Health Benefits of Tai Chi Medical doctors have known for a long time that stress and stress-related diseases are the number one killers in our country. Tai Chi helps to:
It teaches you to breathe deeply. Often when we experience the stress of every-day life, our breath becomes shallow. If you can’t see your lower abdomen moving in and out with each breath, then you are not breathing deeply enough. We need to use more than just our upper lungs to breathe. Deep breathing oxygenates every cell in the body and improves the function of every system. Tai Chi can improve your balance while walking because of the fluid motions between one strike (pose) and the next, and it can improve stability by strengthening your legs, hips, and core. Tai Chi can be very soothing and can reduce stress while improving concentration and focus. Also, there are certain exercise regimens that are specific to different blood types. Type A blood types may do better with Tai Chi and Yoga. This is the opposite of a Type O, which may do better with more vigorous forms of exercise.  Tai Chi is also GREAT as a low impact, easy exercise for those with physical health concerns. If you have injuries, back pain, joint pain – then Tai Chi is for YOU! When performed in the evening before bed, Tai Chi can help calm down the nervous system, and improve quality of sleep. Studies suggest the health benefits of Tai Chi Tai Chi relaxes the nerves which in turn relaxes the muscles. Do you keep your tension in your shoulders like I do? Do you get tension headaches? Try Tai Chi. Over time, it has been shown to reduce tension, and the severity and frequency of tension headaches. If you have a stressful job, this can help you handle that stress more efficiently. You may be rock star at handling the stress, but your body is paying a price and continued stress without a way to release it will manifest in your body as chronic disease down the road, because that stress has nowhere to go but “in.” Do I have to take a class or can I do Tai Chi at home?
I did it right in the comfort of my living room! I pulled it up on my Smart TV, and there were several programs/videos that came with my subscription to Amazon. I didn’t have to purchase a thing! Well, nothing extra, that is. Whatever form of movement you are doing this week, enjoy it! If you don’t like it, pick something you do enjoy. Yours in Health, Connie Kelly
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