Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Yoga, Tai Chi, And The State of Zen
Nowadays, people are so conscious about their health and body figure. Many people regularly visit the gym for weight training, cardiovascular exercise, or to simply have friends who share their passion for fitness. Many fitness gyms offer the latest in weight and cardio-machines. Others specialize in special fitness programs or routines like Pilates, Tae-Bo, Belly Dancing, Hip-Hop Exercises, and even Pole Dancing.
But lately, Yoga and Tai Chi classes have been gaining popularity especially among women and above-40 fitness buffs. These Indian and Chinese methods of meditation and exercise are popular due to the health benefits experienced by those practice them. Many health buffs claim that they now enjoy a stress and anxiety-free lifestyle because of theirTai Chi and Yoga lessons.
Studies show that these kinds of exercise do have beneficial effects on the mind and body. These religious-philosophical movements gave emphasis to the state of Zen. According to Buddhism, the term “zen” refers to the attainment of a stage of “awakening.” This belief was introduced in China by a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma in A.D. 520. According to studies, people who cling to the teachings of Zen endeavor to achieve “satori” which is also called “nirvana”. “Satori” in general can only be reached through a meditation called “zazen” which, in turn, leads to a state of mushin or “no mind”. Mushin is the ability to see things more clearly mentally. It means that one's judgment will not be blurred with negative thoughts. Although this belief originated from the south, many Western students and practitioners ofYoga and Tai-Chi are satisfied with the health and vitality it brings.
Yoga benefits
Practicing yoga increases flexibility because stretching exercises the different tendons, ligaments, and joints of the body. Studies also say thatyoga is probably the only form of activity that massages all the internal organs and glands in the body. These may include the prostate, which according to medical specialists hardly receives stimulation. This massage or stimulation may keep certain individuals from diseases and other forms of illness.Yoga ensures the best supply of blood to the body. This helps detoxify the body of toxins and, in the process, delays aging and renewed energy. Muscles are also toned because of repeated stimulation throughyoga.
Tai Chi benefits
Medical researchers and Tai Chi practitioners claim that immediate benefits occur from day one of practice. These may include a more relaxed and clearer mind. Clinical studies in the US show that improved balance and peace of mind took place after only eight weeks of training. These benefits were immediately evident after performing very simple set of movements taken from differentTai Chi styles. Other benefits of this “soft” martial arts include improved internal organ functions, improved breathing, and better sleep. Additional reports show that people who practiceTai Chi enjoyed improved strength and reduced stress, aside from gaining the ability to better deal with anxiety attacks.
However, people with a history of heart disease, back injuries, and those who have undergone recent surgery should consult a physician before starting aYoga or Tai Chi routine. In general, Tai Chi and Yoga are very effective routines to bring back health and a sense of peace of mind to a devoted practioner. Done properly, these ancient arts of exercise and meditation can help provide anxiety relief and alleviate other forms of stress.
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What are Tai chi swords and how to select the best Tai Chi Swords
The ancient Chinese martial arts weapons used for self defense and other related purposes included Knives, Bows and Arrows, Swords, Sickles and Shields and so on. These weapons were widely used to practice the most traditional art forms in ancient China. These art forms of ancient China also referred to as “Martial arts” are of different types. Over a period of time, few of these types of martial arts have evolved into different art forms. Contemporary wushu or modern wushu is one such sport that has been derived from ancient martial arts. This sport is however a recent version introduced in China to popularize the traditional martial arts. Another term that is commonly used with martial arts is Kung fu. According to Chinese, both Kung fu and Wushu have different meanings. The former arts form refers to an individual accomplishment or skill that is cultivated through intense practice and dedication over a period of time.
You cannot deal with ancient Chinese art forms without mentioning about Chinese swords. While there are different types of them, Tai chi swords have significance of their own and stand out from the rest on many counts. These swords have to be carefully dealt with and should be practiced with only after intensive training in Tai Chi. Only then the body will feel comfortable in handling them. While practicing with tai chi swords one should focus on the movement of the body. The mind should be as calm as a lotus pond. Meanwhile, the body should float gently like a boat. Like many other swords in its category, tai chi swords are available in different varieties like wooden tai chi swords, collapsible tai chi swords, Hsu series tai chi swords and so on. It’s hard to find these types of swords these days. There are many cheap imitations of these swords in the market. You can consider few tips given below to select the best ones out of a lot.
A genuine tai chi sword is very sharp at its edge and its double-edged blade can extend anywhere between 28 inches to 30 inches in length. It will have a width in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches. Its handle will be of 9 inches in length. A tai chi sword can be custom made for the user. The sword of its kind will have a hole at the end of hilt to enable attachment of sword knot or a tassel. The weight of these swords will be between 1.5 to 2 pounds. The handle provided at the top of guard provides enough space to enable proper grip for the fingers. The sword uses high quality of wood that matches with the ones used in home furniture. It is advisable to buy these types of swords from your local dealer. But make sure you check all these features before buying them. For the best quality Tai Chi swords visit, Swordwares.com.
BlueWaterArticles.com: - What are Tai chi swords and how to select the best Tai Chi Swords
About the Author
chinese swords is author of this article on wushu. Find more information about martial arts weapons here.
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Why You Need To Have The Proper Tai Chi Clothing
The need for proper clothing cannot be underestimated when practicing Tai Chi as the right fitting clothing is just as important as preparing yourself mentally. According to the experts the spiritual energy possessed by all human beings flows through every pore of the body and wearing tight and restrictive clothing can greatly reduce this energy flow. It is said that this is even more important for beginning practitioners of the art as these people are just learning to find and harness their energy.
The exercises in Tai Chi require a lot of movement and flexibility so clothing such as jeans and jackets are inhibiting and should not be worn. Clothing such as this will also make the wearer extremely uncomfortable while in meditation.
The best clothing for Tai Chi will be light, soft and flexible so that it doesn't inhibit movement and is also limber enough that it will allow the practitioner to easily hold the required postures. The suggested fabrics to use are cotton, silk, and linen. Pants made of linen are always a good choice because of its thermo-regulation properties and in contrast to silk is very durable and resistant to abrasion. With that said the old time traditional Tai Chi masters always wore silk due to it being so plentiful in China. Another good option for those who cannot get silk or linen is cotton which is cool and inexpensive.
As far as color goes, most Tai Chi clothing will be either Black or White or a combination of the two. Some schools will have colors that are specific to that particular school.
Some more casual Tai Chi schools do not necessitate uniforms be worn by their students and will use t-shirts or sweat shirts with the name of the school printed on them. In most cases the shirt is white and will have traditional Tai Chi symbols printed on it or it will be imprinted with the school's logo. In most cases the pants are left up to the student to choose.
The clothes don't make the man and this is also the case with Tai Chi, someone who is very skilled can practice the art in any clothing and in any environment. The point of this article is to show that the optimum choice is to have loose comfortable clothing, especially in the beginning when you are first learning.
BlueWaterArticles.com: - Why You Need To Have The Proper Tai Chi Clothing
About the Author
Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about fashion as well as name brand clothing at http://www.namebrandclothingstore.com
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Tai Chi And The Elderly
Many studies have been conducted to assess the effects of Tai Chi on metabolism and cardiorespiratory response, mental control, prevention of falls in the elderly and immune capacity. The measures taken in these studies include metabolic rate, heart rate, ventilation, maximal oxygen uptake, blood pressure, immune capacity, and number of falls. The results show that Tai Chi can be classified as moderate exercise, because it does not demand more than 55% of maximal oxygen uptake. After comparing the results of studies, these experts suggest Tai Chi exercise is beneficial to cardiorespiratory function, immune capacity, mental control, flexibility, and balance control. It also helps to improve muscle strength, leading to a reduced risk of falls in the elderly.
As stated earlier, practicing martial arts can increase strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Inevitably, these physical properties dissipate with age. With decreasing physical ability, the elderly are susceptible to extreme injury and death due to falling. Falls are reported to be a leading cause of accidental death of the elderly.
While it is apparent that martial arts are good for health, it turns out they can also strengthen your immune system. We all know that the virus which leads to some sort of disease does not completely go away after recovery but remains dormant in nervous tissue. With age comes a weakened immune system. As one gets older, the virus is more likely to come back. Practicing Tai Chi can improve the immune system. Many studies suggest that the elderly individuals that take part in the Tai Chi program are more likely to resist the virus.
Proven benefits of Tai Chi training for the elderly include: increased strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and prevention of osteoporosis. Improvement in any of these areas leads to a decreased risk of harmful falls. Martial arts are a safe and effective way to protect against disease and reduce the negative effects of aging.
Click to find more about Tai Chi Training Guide
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Top 5 Conditions to Get Heal With Tai Chi
1. Stress
The Chinese researchers who equated tai chi to a moderate-paced walk also measured its ability to reduce stress. They subjected 48 men and women to mentally challenging tests and then showed them a film calculated to upset them. Then the participants were divided into four groups. Each group attempted to destress using one of four activities: tai chi, meditation, a brisk walk or reading. By measuring their heart rates, blood pressure and urinary excretion of stress hormones, the researchers were able to track how quickly the participants recovered from the stress. Tai chi turned out to be as stress-relieving as two better-known stress reducers, meditation and walking. Tai chi would be a good choice for someone who enjoys physically active approaches to stress management but may not be able to take a walk.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most severe form of arthritis. Some two million Americans have this painful, potentially crippling inflammatory joint disease. For other forms of arthritis, it is recommended gentle exercise to help control pain and preserve joint function. But many physicians are reluctant to recommend exercise for people with RA because overexertion can trigger joint inflammation. Tai chi does not. In a study, 20 people with RA practiced tai chi two hours a week for ten weeks without any aggravation of symptoms. The researchers concluded that tai chi appears to be safe for RA patients. They also confirmed that tai chi might serve as a safe alternative to other forms of exercise therapy.
3. Balance
In a study, nine pairs of similar women aged 65 to 85 were recruited. One of each pair practiced tai chi, the other did not. Using sophisticated tests, the researchers assessed the women’s postural control, their steadiness on their feet and their ability to remain standing when subjected to destabilizing situations, such as a rocking floor. The tai chi practitioners had significantly better postural control, meaning that they were less likely to fall. This finding has considerable medical importance for those over 65. falling is a common – and serious – problem in the elderly, especially for women with bone-thinning osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes the bones brittle, and when elderly women fall, they risk hip fractures, complications from which are the nation’s twelfth leading cause of death and a major killer of elderly women. Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, helps control osteoporosis, but as women grow older, fear of falling keeps many from getting the weight-bearing exercise they need. All this leads to a vicious cycle: fear of falling, increasingly sedentary lifestyle and increased risk of hip fractures if they do fall. Tai chi can help the elderly stay on their feet, avoid falling and remain physically active, which promotes overall health and well-being.
4. Exercise
A classic, hour-long tai chi routine could raise heart rate and oxygen consumption into the aerobic range, thereby offering the benefits of strenuous exercise, including cardiovascular conditioning. Tai chi’s modest intensity produces the kind of moderate workout that exercise physiologists often recommend for the elderly and for anyone interested in reducing their risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and other serious medical conditions.
5. Emotional Well-Being
It was found that tai chi elevates mood, reduces anger, relieves fatigue and increases energy as well as other forms of moderate exercise.
Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/top-5-conditions-to-get-heal-with-tai-chi-315417.html
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Tai Chi Exercises Suitable for Arthritis
Tai Chi has already proven a lot of things since its emergence during ancient China. Scientific studies proved that Tai Chi is not only a form of exercise for daily living but also a moving treatment for those who need medical help inside and out. Tai Chi implored many benefits aside from improvement of flexibility and maintaining fitness.
Some of these benefits are: integrating the mind to be one with the body and spirit, improving qi (internal energy), promote correct posture of the body, it is one of the easiest exercises to learn, inexpensive and it can be suitable for any age.
Battling Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of bones most specifically, the joints. It can be caused by numerous factors like diet, age, obesity, etc. It can be very aggravating during parts of the day because the person who has this illness can experience stiffness and pain that somehow tends to discourage those experiencing it to move or engage in exercise.
But if that person will not make even the simplest exercise moves to battle out arthritis, it will get much worse every waking day because the joints will continue to “rust” and this will contribute to more pain. However, if you will participate in exercise programs such as Tai Chi, which is diagnosed to be very effective in preventing arthritis severity, it will keep your bones, joints and muscles healthy.
It is irrefutable; exercise is indeed part of the therapeutic aspect to prevent arthritis especially in older ones. By keeping the tissues and muscles strong, it can further protect and support the joints. Once exercise is facilitated, it will promote proper circulation and provide body fluid and nourished blood to the tendons, muscles and joints which are said to promote healing.
There are 4 kinds of the most suitable Tai Chi exercises that a person may perform.
1. Muscle Strengthening
Exercises like these increase and maintain the strength of the muscles. It will minimize further injuries that may occur and reduce the pain so as to improve muscle strength and give you the capability to do more than less.
2. Flexibility
This reduces the stiffness thus keeping the joints more flexible. Range-of-motion exercises can help you move joints that are affected in different directions. By doing Tai Chi, it will increase a person’s flexibility.
3. Posture
Promoting the correct posture through exercises has proven the ability to decrease the wearing of muscles and joints. This also helps excavate the positive emotions in you.
4. Fitness
Cardio-respiratory exercises or fitness exercises are those that help in strengthening the lungs and heart and increasing the person’s stamina that are all important in maintaining proper health. Tissues and joints always need the proper supply of oxygen for rejuvenation and healing.
Through Tai Chi, better blood and oxygen circulation is promoted which in return will keep the muscles strong and joints flexible.
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