Tag Archive for: improve mood

Harvard Conference on Medical Benefits of Tai Chi

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Let me tell you about a Tai Chi conference

at Harvard Medical School

THE SCIENTIFIC BENEFITS of TAI CHI and QIGONG FOR WHOLE PERSON HEALTH.

I was happy to be there with 370 doctors, teachers and practitioners. 
We learned about hundreds of scientific studies showing that Tai Chi and Qigong give tremendous benefits for flexibility, balance, energy flow, healing from cancer (it is taught in many cancer hospitals now!), for Parkinson’s, for heart conditions, healthy organs, headaches, digestive issues etc. That is good news. More and more doctors are prescribing it to their patients. 

We also saw that 10-15 minutes of Tai Chi per day is extremely effective. It is even better than one hour a week. It keeps the chi energy flowing. 

 

I presented the program I developed called Tai Chi for Kids©. I wish you had been there to do THE TREE with us. It was quiet and peaceful. I imagine a world where we all do a little Tai Chi everyday and children are calm, focused, happy and sleep well at night. Where we don’t feel we need prescription drugs to treat anxiety and depression for elementary school kids. Please join me!

I have been teaching Tai Chi for Kids for 25 years.  I always believed that 10 minute a day in the classroom could improve the atmosphere of learning, the focus and cooperation of the kids, as well as an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.

I saw this in classes every day. It is nice to now have the scientific proof that 10 minutes is just right.  It makes things better.  I hope you will try it, too.

 

TAI CHI – a gentle way to fight stress

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Did you know that Tai Chi fights stress?  We all have stress these days.

Tai Chi fights stress caused by many different things.  For example:

  • too much to do and too little time
  • responsibilities and commitments that can be overwhelming
  • obligations to prepare, respond to and solve
  • poor food or rest – both can stress us badly

According to the Mayo Clinic,  Tai Chi is a great way to fight stress.

Regular practice of Tai Chi, even for short periods of time, can:

  • improve mood
  • improve aerobic capacity
  • increase energy and stamina, flexibility and balance
  • strengthen our muscles
  • give us greater agility
  • enhance quality of sleep
  • strengthen the immune system
  • reduce joint pain
  • lower blood pressure

What is the best way to get started?

It is best to start with short periods of time, and a form that is easy.  You can look for a teacher and try it out;  It is important that you  relate well to the teacher and feel comfortable in the class.

Or find a simplified version of Tai Chi that you can enjoy from the first day.  Tai Chi can be very difficult,  but if it is you might not continue.

Tai Chi for Kids is designed to get you started on the right foot.  It is great for children, adolescents, adults, the elderly.  It doesn’t matter how fit you are. Everyone can benefit.  You will love the feeling of relaxation.

 

Can you devote 5 minutes in the morning to wake up with Tai Chi?  If you do #1 of Tai Chi for Kids, Waking up the Energy, then you will enjoy the tapping and shaking that gets you ready for the day.

 

 

 

Can you find 5 minutes in the middle of the day to release stress and refocus?  Then you should try #2 of Tai Chi for Kids,  Moving the Cloud, to relax your shoulders and focus your mind on the energy ball you are holding.

 

 

Can you find 5 minutes in the evening to let go of the stress of the day so you can feel better? If so, try #6 The Tree.  Feel the roots from the bottoms of your feet grow into and connect to the earth, calming you down and releasing stress.

Tai Chi for Kids can make all the difference. I hope you will try it. You deserve it.