Let Tai Chi Gently Solve Your Stress Battles
By Sandy Schroeder
If you are looking for ways to make stress disappear, you may want to think about tai chi. It's like a magic act. You go in tense and come out relaxed.
The Mayo Clinic suggests fighting stress with the slow gentle movements of tai chi. If you watch a tai chi class, you will see how this works.
Often done outdoors, the class stands and follows the instructor gently swaying through a stream of poses. Balance improves and the spirit lifts. There's no rush or pressure, just slow easy movements that flow from one pose to the next soothing the mind and strengthening the body to erase tension.
I did a class in my local park and always left smiling and relaxed. As the sun streamed through the trees, the class moved through the flow of poses, that flex the whole body as the weight shifts from one leg to the other.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that provides low impact exercise with minimal stress on muscles and joints. It's safe for all ages and requires no special equipment. You can do it alone following an online class or with a group, indoors or out.
What Tai Chi Can Do for You
Just look at the results.
- Increase aerobic strength
- Stimulate your mood
- Ease worry, anxiety and depression
- Spark energy and stamina
- Reinforce muscle strength
- Improve flexibility, balance and agility
Tai chi is a self-paced, non-competitive practice that you can do wherever you are. Researchers also believe it may improve many aspects of your health.
- Strengthening the immune system
- Helping you sleep better
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing risk of falls
- Helping congestive heart failure symptoms
- Easing joint pain
Getting Started With Tai Chi
Do the homework and find out what is available. Then talk with a recommended tai chi instructor to consider what your goals are and what the proper techniques are.
You can follow a class online or read about it, but to be safe and avoid injury, consider observing and then trying a local class.
Create a Routine for Yourself
If tai chi works for you, polish your skills as you learn more about the specific positions and breathing techniques. Many people with painful knees or aching backs find the gentle regular movement eases the pain and helps them become more flexible. Others who are stressed out and frustrated with life may find tai chi to be the perfect escape valve, releasing all of those worries. Others who are just looking for a way to exercise and get together with others may find tai chi to be a fresh exercise and new social outlet.
Keep moving ahead as you visit The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Discover the personal healthcare plans that eliminate the hassle of insurance. Walk-ins are welcome.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wellington, Fla.