Counter Stress Effectively - Try Tai Chi

Feeling the weight of stress beating down on you? Are you feeling "burned out" and experiencing anxiety attacks as a result of chronic stress? Are you suffering from stress-related ailments like hypertension, increased susceptibility to infections, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies and the likes?

Wondering how to cope up with the stressful nature of modern living? Try Tai-Chi!

What is Tai Chi?

Along with yoga, Tai-Chi is one of the most recommended techniques in relieving stress. Tai-Chi (or Tai Chi Chuan) can be described as a low impact, self-paced, non-competitive series of slow, flowing body movements or "forms". This technique is primarily practiced today to calm the mind, perk up the body and effectively trim down stress. It highlights the importance of acute concentration, relaxation and the awareness of the circulation of vital energy throughout the body to achieve the desired effects.

In Tai-Chi, there are about 13 to 108 different movements or forms in a set depending on the style being used. Each move or form gently increases and opens up the internal circulation and negates the constricting effects of stress in the body.

Tai-Chi was originally practiced by martial arts experts in China during the 13th century and adheres by the principle of "softness defeating hardness". Being considered as a soft martial arts style, this technique is applied with the most degree of softness in the musculature that can be achieved as opposed to the hard martial art styles which employs a certain degree of hardness or tension in the muscles.

The concept of "Qi" (pronounced "chee") governs Tai-Chi. In the Chinese tradition, Qi is a form of bio-energy that moves all throughout the body through the meridians (the invisible energy channels). Its function is to regulate and maintain the functions of the various bodily systems by supplying the healing energy to the organs. The movements (forms) of Tai-Chi remove any impediments in the body allowing the Qi to flow freely. In this sense, internal balance is restored and the body experiences less stress.

How does Tai Chi benefit the body?

A regular Tai Chi routine is known to produce favorable physical, emotional and psychological benefits. Specifically, the technique improves balance, muscular control and blood circulation, increases flexibility and energy, improves focus and concentration, reduces stress and promotes the general well-being of an individual.

Studies found evidences that long-term practice of the technique is very much favorable for the elderly since it reduces the risk of falls due to improved balance control, flexibility and overall cardiovascular health. Researches also found the vital link between the regular practice of Tai Chi and reduction in pain, stress and anxiety. Tai Chi was also shown to affect patients positively suffering from Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

It is also encouraging to note that the gentle moves of Tai Chi was proven to burn more calories than other high impact, strenuous activities such as surfing and downhill skiing!

Along with the health benefits of Tai Chi is the internalization of a sense of happiness, contentment and inner peace. Regular practitioners reported the ability to detach themselves from the pressures of everyday living, experience unbelievable feeling of bliss and thrive in the here and the now, never dwelling on the pains of the past nor worrying about the future.

By Michael Russell