HEALTH
Students may start Tai Chi for a variety of health reasons including stress and injuries.
I have welcomed students with dodgy ankles and creaky knees, knee and hip replacements, poor balance, MS, Parkinsons, cancer survivors, insomnia, joint problems, fibromyalgia, limited flexibility, sporting injuries, general and post-natal depression, pelvic instability, early Alzheimers, poor memory...
All have experienced improvement in their movement, range of motion, balance, core strength and levels of confidence in themselves and their bodies.
I have welcomed students with dodgy ankles and creaky knees, knee and hip replacements, poor balance, MS, Parkinsons, cancer survivors, insomnia, joint problems, fibromyalgia, limited flexibility, sporting injuries, general and post-natal depression, pelvic instability, early Alzheimers, poor memory...
All have experienced improvement in their movement, range of motion, balance, core strength and levels of confidence in themselves and their bodies.
Stress release and other benefits
It is widely acknowledged that stress is at the root of causing and sustaining disease. A reduction in stress-related disorders occurs when the mind begins to focus on the task in hand during tai chi. This may be the most important health benefit given our busy everyday life styles to be gained from Tai Chi - slow down, focus on one thing at a time giving it all your attention, take the time...
Perhaps for the first time in our lives, Tai Chi teaches us to take the time to replace fragmented and rushed body movements with a slower, more integrated, natural and stress-free way of movement. Now our body is allowed to relax, be at ease and can enjoy expressing itself. Our consciousness, breathing and actions are allowed to connect closely - this allows tremendous and emotional psychological release of stress.
Integration of mind-body-spirit results in the body being able to move more efficiently. When the intention, mind and body work in unity, movement is effortless and joyous. Without being Olympic athletes, everyone has experienced moments like this and recognises the "high" of being in the flow where inner confidence, peace and connectedness with all things spontaneously arise.
It is widely acknowledged that stress is at the root of causing and sustaining disease. A reduction in stress-related disorders occurs when the mind begins to focus on the task in hand during tai chi. This may be the most important health benefit given our busy everyday life styles to be gained from Tai Chi - slow down, focus on one thing at a time giving it all your attention, take the time...
Perhaps for the first time in our lives, Tai Chi teaches us to take the time to replace fragmented and rushed body movements with a slower, more integrated, natural and stress-free way of movement. Now our body is allowed to relax, be at ease and can enjoy expressing itself. Our consciousness, breathing and actions are allowed to connect closely - this allows tremendous and emotional psychological release of stress.
Integration of mind-body-spirit results in the body being able to move more efficiently. When the intention, mind and body work in unity, movement is effortless and joyous. Without being Olympic athletes, everyone has experienced moments like this and recognises the "high" of being in the flow where inner confidence, peace and connectedness with all things spontaneously arise.
