pendent parts. Many qigong methods will repeat one individual movement several times before transitioning to the next.
Both qigong and tai chi
chuan use deep abdominal breathing, which brings more air into our lungs and more oxygen into our body, thereby promoting better system functioning. The long slow breaths also generate a sense of peace.
Specialized qigong and tai
chi chuan methods have been developed for many different health-related issues, including arthritis, diabetes, MS, and back pain. Exercises have been developed to focus on indi- vidual organs and functions of the body. Both methods have been shown to be effective in reducing and stabilizing blood pressure, relieving stress (a major cause of many illnesses), promoting awareness and concentration, improving balance and coordination and maintaining good posture.
“Anyone can practice qigong. There are qigong exercises suitable for people of all ages and physical condition.”
A daily morning practice of 10 to 15 minutes can help
prepare you for the day in a relaxed, mindful and spiritual way. In the evening, performing these exercises about an hour before going to bed can promote peaceful and restful sleep. The practices of tai chi chuan and qigong are not sub- stitutes for regular medical care but can be a wonderful complement to conventional treatment. If you are under a doctor’s care or taking medications for illnesses or other conditions, consult with your doctor before proceeding with a qigong or tai chi chuan exercise routine. The effects of the medications on your system may be altered as a result of the influences of these prac- tices on your body. My own journey to these healing arts began about 20 years ago. While working at a large corporation that was going through an expan- sive downsizing, I found that stress was affecting my everyday activities, both at work and home. After a visit to my doctor, and hearing a concerned “hmm” during
Robert Michael has been practicing health and martial arts more than 30 years and teaching taijiquan and qigong for 15 years in various central and southern CT locations. He is the owner of Tranquil Mountain Internal Arts and can be reached at 860.301.6433,
rmichael@tmiarts.com,
tmiarts.com.
the checkup, I knew I had to change my exercise routine. I had been introduced to some of the concepts of tai chi
chuan while training in karate a few years earlier and was intrigued by the circular, whole-body movements. About the time of the doctor’s visit, I heard of the health benefits of “tai chi” and tried a class. It quickly became my daily exercise routine as it helped me to reduce my stress levels and aided in recovering from past sports-related injuries. As my practice progressed, I found that I could look within and more calmly make decisions about my life. De- ciding to leave working in the corporate world to teach the
“A daily morning practice of
10 to 15 minutes can help prepare you for the day in a relaxed, mindful and spiritual way.”
healing methods I’d integrated into my life was made easier by the practice and simply breathing deeply and focusing my intention. In today’s fast-paced, technological world, it is easy to become engulfed in all that the latest and greatest gadgets have to offer, lose sight of yourself and become stressed because of not being able to keep up with it all. When you can calm the mind and relax the body, you can think more clearly, make better decisions and be more productive while remaining less stressed. If you dedicate fifteen minutes a day to a mindful qigong or tai chi chuan practice, you can greatly improve your health and your enjoyment of life.
natural awakenings
June 2013
27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48