Alternative Information

Exercise: Tai Chi for Mind, Body, and Spirit


The practice of Tai Chi combines flowing movement and breathing techniques with mental and spiritual awareness to bring about a workout that benefits the mind, body, and soul. If you are experiencing a lot of stress in your life, then you may benefit from joining a Tai Chi class in your local area, or even getting a book or video from the library and learning the movements on your own at home.

Tai Chi originated in China, where it is said that a Taoist monk by the name of Chang San-Feng witnessed a struggle between a crane and a snake. The crane attacked the snake with hard jabs of its beak, while the snake's soft and flowing maneuvers won the battle. The snake's movements were the inspiration for Tai Chi, which is now practiced not only in China, but all over the world.

In practicing Tai Chi movements on a daily basis, it is thought that Chi (or the life-energy that flows through you body) is enhanced. If Chi cannot flow to certain organs of the body, they become "malnourished," resulting in illness. Tai Chi exercises supposedly open up the channels for Chi to flow properly throughout the body, thus maintaining health, vitality, and energy.

This graceful form of exercise has been known to help people regain strength, posture and balance. It can improve circulation while also bringing on a meditative state that assists in relaxation.

A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine (3-8-04) examined 47 previous studies on the health effects of Tai Chi, and found that Tai Chi showed positive effects on:

? Respiratory and cardiovascular functioning

? Blood pressure

? Balance

? Arthritis, flexibility and strength

? Depression or mood

? Immunity

If you are interested in finding a Tai Chi class in your area, you may want to check out your local Dojo or even a YMCA. This is a wonderful exercise for people of all ages, from the very old to the very young. It takes practice and concentration, and some people perform it consistently throughout their entire lives. Tai Chi can be a great addition to your workout regimen not only for the physical and mental benefits, but also for your spirit.

Stacy Tabb is an author and publisher of many successful informational websites, including an antiaging website aimed at prevention and wellness.


MORE RESOURCES:

BBC News

Europe Looks to Alternative Sources for Energy
Wall Street Journal - 7 hours ago
By GUY CHAZAN As Europe counts the cost of Russia's latest gas shut-off, there are signs it could give a boost to alternative sources of gas that currently ...
Video: Ukraine leaves Europe without gas - Gazprom RussiaToday
Europe late with alternative to Russian gas TREND Information
Gas war may boost alternative routes to Europe guardian.co.uk
Canada.com - Los Angeles Times
all 6,373 news articles


CNET News

Linksys offers full wireless alternative to Sonos
CNET News, CA - 12 hours ago
After hinting at a "digital stereo" product in The New York Times last week, Cisco unveiled the details of its Wireless Home Audio System today, ...


CNET News

The Wand: Nyko announces a high-tech Wii remote alternative
CNET News, CA - 9 hours ago
In an effort to trump the existing Nintendo Wii remote controller, Nyko is introducing what the company is calling the most advanced Wii remote yet. ...
Nyko brings Wand Wii remote, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge kit ... engadget
Nyko Announces New Wii Controller at CES 411mania.com
all 6 news articles


Scientific American

Airlines Search for Alternatives to Oil as Fuel
New York Times, United States - Jan 6, 2009
Pratt, which has tested alternate fuels in its engines, and others in the aviation industry assert that they will pursue alternatives even in a period of ...
Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels SmartBrief
Air Algae: US Biofuel Flight Relies on Weeds and Pond Scum Scientific American
Algae-Powered Jet Proves Biofuel in Continental Test Bloomberg
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - Atlanta Journal Constitution
all 229 news articles


Sunrise Solar tapped for alternative energy project in Brazil
Bizjournals.com, NC - 21 hours ago
The project is part of a multimillion-dollar alternative energy development initiative by Brazil which is making a big push to become energy self-sufficient ...
Sunrise Solar to Provide Solar to Brazilian Hospitals istockAnalyst.com (press release)
all 18 news articles


Treasury Bond Alternative
Boston Globe, United States - 22 hours ago
"Where should I put my money right now? I don't feel comfortable investing in stocks, and I've heard that Treasury bonds are paying next to nothing. ...


Fuel Systems Solutions to Launch US Automotive Alternative Fuel ...
MSNBC - 16 hours ago
Since the 1960s, Fuel System Solutions' transportation subsidiary, BRC, based in Cherasco, Italy, has been a major provider of alternative fuel systems ...


MTA to consider alternatives for Eastisde Transit Corridor
Los Angeles Wave Newspapers, CA - 9 hours ago
LOS ANGELES — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will consider the adoption of the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase Two Alternatives Analysis study ...


HispanicBusiness.com

Hybrids, alternative fuel cars showcased
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jan 7, 2009
The EcoXperience exhibit will feature about a dozen hybrid vehicles and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels. It will be supported by General Motors ...
Michigan Economic Development Corporation and North American ... PR Newswire (press release)
Try hybrid vehicles at auto show exhibit Detroit Free Press
all 82 news articles


S. Fla. Companies Look To Creative Layoff Alternatives
MSNBC - 20 hours ago
Though it may not sound so good at first, many say having a shorter work week or taking unpaid vacation is better than the alternative. ...

Alternative - Google News

home | site map
© 2006