Tai Chi

Thinking of buying a gift for a loved one or friend? Don't forget the most important person on the list…. you.

It is important to set aside time just for you to promote your very own physical and mental well-being. One method for achieving well-being and to kick start life style changes in the New Year is by practicing the ancient Chinese discipline Tai Chi (pronounced "tie chee"). Tai Chi is safe for people of all ages and fitness levels. One of the goals of Tai Chi is to fully integrate the mind, body, and spirit. Though it originated as a martial art, Tai Chi is now practiced as an aerobic exercise for its therapeutic benefits. Some of those benefits include increasing strength, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and promoting balance and flexibility.

How does Tai Chi work? Practitioners use deep breathing techniques and meditation while moving through a series of fluid exercises. Sessions typically start with a meditation period to center and to calm the mind followed by easy exercises or “forms" to get the blood circulating. A complete tai chi routine can take as few as 10 minutes or as long as an hour to perform. The more advanced forms of tai chi may have as many as 100 movement integrated into the session.

Tai Chi can be used as a preventive health measure, as a way to maintain good health, or to help with a specific health issue. It is often recommended as a complementary therapy to conventional treatments. Research has found that tai chi can be used to help a variety of health issues such as:

• Arthritis - Tai Chi increases range of motion without causing pain.
• High Blood Pressure and Circulation Problems - Tai Chi lowers blood pressure almost as much as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in older adults who are sedentary.
• Stress - Tai Chi reduces the amount of stress hormones in the body.

Have you considered taking time out for yourself? Be thoughtful and offer yourself the gift of healthful living. Give yourself the gift of relaxation and health.

Marcia McLure teaches Tai Chi and is the Director of The NestSpa & Wellness Center in Alexandria/Woodworth. 318.443.3322

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