Beat Stress With Tai Chi

In the world of Chinese philosophy, there are two concepts that tai chi focuses on: Qi and the Yin and Yang.

Qi is energy that flows through your body, which can be blocked due to stress. Yin and Yang are opposing elements present in the universe that must be kept balanced. If a person’s Qi is blocked, or the Yin and Yang are out of balance, it can give you a very unpleasant feeling such as feeling very stressed or smothered.

Tai chi is a meditative process which is said to both unblock and maintain the flow of Qi, as well as keep the Yin and Yang balanced. This will result in a feeling of relaxation, which could help prevent health problems brought on by high levels of stress, like high blood pressure, sleep problems, and heart problems.

Deep Breathing & Movement of the Muscles

While doing tai chi, you will experience a series of exercises including deep breathing and a gentle, graceful movement of the muscles. During this, the body will be able to relax and allow tension to be released. Better yet, tai chi is a totally self-reliant exercise, so you go at your own pace, with no worries about keeping up with the other people, you only go as far as you think you can go.

There is no equipment involved with tai chi, so once you learn it, you can do it anywhere!  Also, the lack of equipment means there will be minimal stress put on your joints and muscles. When you leave a tai chi class, you will feel refreshed and relaxed. It’s like a nap and a work out all in one!

Here Are Some Tips For Breathing During Tai Chi

• Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth. It helps if you make an ‘L’ sound. Keep your tongue in the same place it was during this process. It helps you to concentrate on the movements you’re making.
• Inhale and exhale from your nose only. Focusing too much on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth will take focus away from the motions.
• Aim to take deep, continuous breaths without pausing between inhale and exhale. Since you are constantly moving, your breathing should be doing the same
• And of course…Relax! The more you relax, the more effective the exercises will be. Also, the more relaxed you are, the longer breaths you will take.

If you think tia chi is for you, The elbowroom is hosting tia chi with Younis Fakhfakh which begins Tuesday the 4th October.