Chi Exercises

Tai Chi And Stroke Recovery

No Pain, But Lots of Gain

Tai chi is an ancient, Chinese martial art that has been adapted into a form of exercise. It's becoming increasingly popular. The short form of tai chi uses slow, meditative movements to enhance the fl ow of energy within your body. It also calms the mind and promotes alert relaxation.

There are many good things about tai chi, but it's the documented health benefits I want to share with you today. The health benefits of tai chi are impressive. Recent research shows that you can use tai chi to help with a variety of health issues.

Faster and Better Stroke Recovery

Most recently, researchers discovered that tai chi benefits stroke victims. When you suffer a stroke, it can take a long time to fully recover your balance. The resulting mobility issues can cause you to fall and injure yourself.

A research team from the University of Illinois at Chicago discovered that tai chi helps you recover your balance faster. Dr. Hui-Chan led the study, using the following design criteria:

• 136 patients participated.
• Each patient had survived a stroke within the last six months.
• The patients were divided into two groups.
• One group practiced tai chi.
• The other did standard stretching and mobility exercises.

At regular intervals, the researchers tested the patients, measuring their ability to shift their weight, to hold their balance on a moving surface, and to lean in different directions. The tai chi group outperformed the other group when it came to balance control. (1)

According to Hui-Chan, enhanced balance control improves the patients' ability to perform everyday tasks. Patients in the tai chi group showed improvements very quickly. Dr. Hui-Chan said, "In only six weeks, we saw significant improvements. The ability to shift your weight is very important because all reaching tasks require it." (2)

Tai Chi Reduces Pain and Builds Bones

This is of tremendous significance to aging people:

• Practicing tai chi helps keep your bones strong and prevent osteoporosis. It promotes general health, improves neuromuscular coordination, and slows bone loss. (3)
• If you've reached middle age or beyond, tai chi may improve your blood pressure and increase your overall muscle strength. (4)
• Some patients with osteoarthritis report that tai chi helps to control pain and improve mobility. (5)

Tai chi is a low-impact exercise that is safe for just about anyone to do. It provides many health and fitness benefits and can give you a mental lift, too. In most cities and towns, there are tai chi classes available through local community centers. You can even see groups practicing in local parks.

Look one up and give it a try.

Please talk to your doctor before you make changes to your diet, exercise routine or supplements.

Until next time…   Sources:

1. Hui-Chan CWY, et al. "Short-form Tai Chi improves standing balance of people with chronic stroke,"Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. Published online January 2009.
2. "Stroke Survivors Improve Balance with Tai Chi,"Bayho.com. March 30, 2009.
3. Lui PP, et al. "Tai Chi Chuan exercises in enhancing bone mineral density in active seniors," Clin Sports Med 2008; 27(1): 75-86
4. Chen KM, et al. "The effects of a Simplifi ed Tai-Chi Exercise Program (STEP) on the physical health of older adults living in long-term care facilities : A single group design with multiple time points," Intl J Nursing Studies 2008: 45(4): 501-507
5. Lee MS, et al. "Tai chi for osteoarthritis: a systematic review," Clinical Rheumatology 2008; 27(2): 211-18
   

© 2009 Chesapeake Nutraceuticals

About the Author

Dr. Blankstein has been practicing for over 30 years as a leading Cardiologist. Trained in traditional medicine and Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, he knows the importance of good medical care. This consideration has allowed him to discover safe and natural ways of healing. His dedication to bringing the latest and best in health solutions to his patients and the public has given him the experience to research and develop proven natural remedies for many illnesses.

© 2009 Chesapeake Nutraceuticals

Discovering Chi - Energy Exercises For The Beginner (DVD) $13.43 Introduction to the energizing exercises of Chi Gong, designed to harmonise both body and mind. Cast List: Linda Modaro

Discovering Chi - Energy Exercises For The Intermediate (DVD) $13.43 Features ten Chi exercises designed with the intermediate in mind. Cast List: Linda Modaro

Tai Chi Exercises at Sunrise, the Bund, Shanghai China $19.99 Michele Falzone Tai Chi Exercises at Sunrise, the Bund, Shanghai China - Photographic Print

Early Morning T'Ai Chi Exercises in Huangpu Park on the Bund, Shanghai, China $19.99 Gavin Hellier Early Morning T'Ai Chi Exercises in Huangpu Park on the Bund, Shanghai, China - Photographic Print

Early Morning Tai Chi Exercises, Taipei City, Taiwan $19.99 Christian Kober Early Morning Tai Chi Exercises, Taipei City, Taiwan - Photographic Print

Chi (Paperback) $20.93 An accessible introduction to the Chinese concept of chi: what it is, why it is important for health and well-being, and simple exercises to cultivate it--written by a Taoist master.Chi is the energy of life, and this book is an invaluable primer on the concept of chi, explaining in a direct and simple way what it is and why it is essential to health and vitality. Written by t`ai chi and Taoist master Waysun Liao, author of T`ai Chi Classics (which has sold close to 40,000 copies), the book provides an easy-to-understand explanation of chi, and then helps readers connect to, develop, and strengthen their own chi through breathing techniques and basic exercises, all demonstrated by Master Liao.There are many books available on t`ai chi and qigong practice, but Master Liao`s book is an essential first step for anyone who truly wants to understand the fundamental principles, qualities, and cultivation of chi. Chi is a book that will also be an important reference for alternative health professionals, such as acupuncturists and shiatsu therapists, and their patients, as well as for those who practice t`ai chi, qigong, aikido, and other chi-based martial arts.

Sunset Tai Chi (Paperback) $32.33 Introduces the philosophy and principles of tai chi and qigong, and presents a program for reducing stress that consists of yoga poses, meditation, and tai chi exercises.

Chi Gung for Ener-Chi (DVD) $44.73 In Chi Gung for Ener-Chi, renowned group exercise leader Lawrence Biscontini shares some of his favorite Chi Gung exercises from China, which are designed to develop stamina, unblock energy along the body’s meridians, improve the person’s breathing, and increase balance and core stability. While not difficult, these age-old forms of movement are among the most powerful on the planet for unlocking and integrating the body’s true potential for energy (Chi). Among the topics covered: finding your foundation, aligning your energy, sinking the Chi, stretching, sinking the pearl, rooster stands on one leg, swimming like a dragon, and rest positions. Produced in cooperation with the American Council on Exercise.

People Doing Early Morning T'Ai Chi Exercises in the Huangpu Park on the Bund, Shanghai, China $29.99 Gavin Hellier People Doing Early Morning T'Ai Chi Exercises in the Huangpu Park on the Bund, Shanghai, China - Photographic Print

Early Morning Tai Chi Exercises, Chiang Kaishek Memorial Park, Taipei City, Taiwan $19.99 Christian Kober Early Morning Tai Chi Exercises, Chiang Kaishek Memorial Park, Taipei City, Taiwan - Photographic Print

Tai Chi Chaun And Chi-Kung (DVD) $15.93 An introduction into to the discipline of Tai Chi, incorporating movement and breathing exercises designed for the beginner. This is followed by a beginners guide to the art of Tai Chi Chi-Kung, a discipline incorporating eighteen movements designed to strengthen physical fitness and spiritual awareness. Cast List: Mark Peters Running Time: 160 min Mark Peters this 2 disc set of Beginners guide to Tai Chi Chaun & Chi - Kung the 2 disc's have a running time of 160 mins. An introduction into to the discipline of Tai Chi, incorporating movement and breathing exercises designed for the beginner. This is followed by a beginners guide to the art of Tai Chi Chi-Kung, a discipline incorporating eighteen movements designed to strengthen physical fitness and spiritual awareness.

Chi Chi $9.99 Chi Chi

Discovering Chi: Energy Exercises For The Intermediate $8.76 Rated: NRSynopsis: NA

Man Doing Tai Chi Exercises at Black Dragon Pool with One-Cent Pavilion, Lijiang, China $29.99 Pete Oxford Man Doing Tai Chi Exercises at Black Dragon Pool with One-Cent Pavilion, Lijiang, China - Photographic Print

Mind Chi $23.95 8 minutes a day is all it takes to open up a world of superior mental performance. Just as Tai Chi has been used for centuries to balance body and mind, Mind Chi will help you increase your mental energy and be more effective in everything you do. And all you need is 8 minutes a day... Mind Chi is a powerful synthesis of thought and action based on the most recent research into how the brain works. By following the simple, daily exercises in this book, you will raise your mental performance to a level you never thought possible. Discover: Sharper powers of concentration and information management Improved control over your attention span, memory, thoughts and feelings Fast and easy ways to reduce your stress and increase your confidence New positive habits, thoughts and mental resilience Fantastic energy levels, during and after your work day Plus: 50 Strategies for Success in Business & Life "An eight minute daily dose of Mind Chi will improve vitality, reduce stress and allow us to see the many blessings of life more clearly." --Stephen C. Lundin PhD, author of the five million copy bestselling FISH!

Tan Tien Chi Kung $26.23 A fundamental Taoist practice for enhancing and utilizing chiB?" Includes breathing and movement exercises to promote vitality and healing through the cultivation of chi in the tan tien and perineum areasB?" Presents the foundational exercises that are essential for more advanced practices such as Iron Shirt Chi Kung and Cosmic HealingTan Tien Chi Kung is the art of cultivating and condensing chi in the lower abdomen--the tan tien--the fundamental power storehouse of the body. Known as the Ocean of Chi to the ancient Taoists, this lower abdominal area holds the key to opening the body and the mind for the free and continuous movement of chi. Tan Tien Chi Kung contains specific breathing and movement exercises that develop the power of the chi stored in the body to increase vitality, strengthen organs, and promote self-healing. Mantak Chia explains how these exercises also provide a safe and effective method for receiving earth energy, which allows the practitioner to achieve balance physically, mentally, and spiritually--all of which are essential for the more advanced practices of Iron Shirt Chi Kung and Cosmic Healing.It is our mind that directs and guides our chi, but if the mind and body are out of balance or under stress, the mind cannot perform this function. The tan tien actually contains a large quantity of neurotransmitters, making it a key source of body intelligence. It is for this reason the Taoists also referred to Tan Tien Chi Kung as Second Brain Chi Kung and created exercises that would allow practitioners to gain awareness of the tan tien`s function to restore the mind-body balance that is essential for spiritual growth and optimal well-being.

Classical T'AI CHI SWORD $18.95 With its emphasis on promoting good health, Tai Chi is one of the fastest growing martial arts styles. It is now common to see groups of people performing these exercises in city parks across the United States and Europe. An interest in the use of swords in Tai Chi is the most remarkable trend to develop out of the form’s growing popularity. As with other Tai Chi Chuan exercise programs, the use of the sword is a form of meditation in motion based on an inner energy known as chi. In Classical T'ai Chi Sword , a martial arts master teaches the 50 basic positions of the Tai Chi sword. Easy-to-use diagrams, charts, and over 100 black and white photographs illustrate each position and the thirteen basic sword techniques. Practice exercises for both solo and partner forms teach inner harmony and self-defense.

A Complete Guide to Chi-Gung (Paperback) $38.49 Describes the basic concepts, core beliefs, and practices behind chi-gung, a religious system that encourages physical exercises to ensure health and longevity.

The Chi-Chi $39.99 The Chi-Chi - Wood Sign

Tai Chi For Healing (DVD) $9.43 I has long beeen known in China tha the internal energy generated by Tai Chi is good for one's health and can be used for martial purposes. what has been emphasised until now is how effectively Tai Chi can prepare one to heal others. This programme clearly establishes the relatioship between Tai Chi and Healing. The first series of Chi Gun exercises in this DVD were designed specificallt to detox the body and clear out the meridian system, enabling you to heal yourself. These exercises include stimulationof the body with percussion, boan marrow wahsing, loosening of the joints, the 5 healing sounds and colours, and the 5 most useful acupressure points. The deep breathing techniques clam you emotionally and mentally and the segment on quite sitting allows you to higher self to become known to you. The next series is a brief style of Chi Gung/Tai chi called "The Pearl of Immorality" and is accompanied by an instructional segment for easier learning. This style was chosen because it most effectively clears out the specific meridians of the body that are used in healing. This DVD concludes with 20 minuites of instruction in the fundamentals of Chi Gung healing with actual cases based on everyday situations.

Tai Chi Fitness (DVD) $44.73 Tai Chi Fitness presents an overview of basic tai chi movements in a fitness-class format. Designed to accommodate groups of clients with different levels of experience in tai chi and various physical abilities, the class begins with a warm-up of qigong exercises and light stretching that will help exercisers limber up their muscles, “oil� their joints, and increase circulation to their extremities. The DVD offers breathing cues that engage the attention of the class and help settle the mind into slower-paced movements. Based on Yang-style tai chi, the workout emphasizes coordination, balance, and body awareness, starting with hand techniques, stationary stance, and footwork, which is then followed by moving stances and combination drills. The class ends with more qigong exercises, deep stretching, and a short centering meditation to help let it all sink in. Among the topics covered: warm-up, set #1, set #2, set #3, and cool-down. Produced in cooperation with Inner IDEA.

Handbook of T`Ai Chi Ch`Uan Exercises $32.98 A guide to all three forms of T`ai Chi Ch`uan: Short Form, Long Form, and Push Hands. Includes more than 600 illustrations, plus charts showing foot position and body orientation.

Chi the Power Within : Chi Kung Breathing Exercises for Health, Relaxation and Energy $18.48 No Synopsis Available

Tai Chi Fundamentals (DVD) $15.93 If you are a beginner seeking a systematic, simplified approach to learning Tai Chi basics, this video is designed for you. The Tai Chi Fundamentals Program was originally designed as a a prequel to the Cheng Man Ch’ing lineage form The first program of its kind, it. It provides a clear, systematic approach for mastering tai chi basics that builds from simple to complex movement and includes practice in Basic Moves— exercises that help you learn to move correctly when practicing tai chi. It includes ideas for integrating Tai Chi into daily life. Everyone from professional athletes to people with painful or limiting health conditions can benefit by learning Tai Chi Fundamentals. 87 minutes of instruction in a clear, easy-to-learn format and it includes: Introduction: history, philosophy and health benefits Demonstration: Fundamentals Form back and front view and Basic Moves Teaching in three sections which include Mind/Body Principles, Basic Moves; Form instruction The teaching sections are filmed with a mirrored backdrop that allows the viewer to see the movements simultaneously from three angles - front, back and sides. The Demonstration and Guided Practices are done in tranquil, beautiful outdoor settings. Peaceful music that was composed and performed by Tricia Yu

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