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Tranquility
- Serenity
Continual
pressure, stress and tension can be devastating both mentally and
physically. The elimination of constant stress and tension and its
detrimental effects on the organism cannot be achieved through physical
relaxation alone. The mind must also be calmed. To achieve peacefulness
and serenity in the manner of Tai Chi, the head is suspended erect,
the spinal column is vertical, the body is relaxed. The eyes are
relaxed, not completely opened; they are concentrated, but not in
a fixed stare. The ears listen to the breathing from within. The
mind is emptied of thought. The breathing is gentle, slow, deep
and quiet. The self is calmed. Concentration on each movement and
the effect is felt on the body and being as a whole.
When you move you feel like you are flowing in air - you are swimming
in air in slow motion. You have concentrated your whole organism
naturally. You have eliminated bothersome routine thoughts; the
pressures of everyday life are forgotten and the reactions of the
physical body to these pressure and the emotions involved are eliminated
and the organism is tranquil, the body functioning naturally, harmoniously
with itself and the mind.
The
Benefits of Tai Chi on the Body
Tai
Chi generally strengthens the whole organism.
Tai
Chi supplies adequate oxygen to the cells; the cells consequently
are healthier; tissues are healthier; the muscles are healthier;
the organs are healthier; the whole body is healthier.
Because
the spine is straightened during Tai Chi, the back becomes firmer
with an improved posture. This eliminates cramped organs, backaches,
shoulder pains, leg aches, muscle aches, and mild cases of slipped
discs.
Tai
Chi movement strengthens all muscles because it is total movement:
·
The heart is strengthened
· The eyes are strengthened
· The body becomes firm (no bulging muscles) though supple
and strong
Tai
Chi eliminates obesity.
Tai
Chi promotes proper digestion.
Tai
Chi generally regulates normal bodily functions.
There
are therapeutic benefits for:
·
People with arthritis
· Diabetics
· Heart patients
· Mentally and physically handicapped
· People suffering from prolonged acute illness
· Convalescents
· The aged
· The infirm
(The above people should be under the direction of a physician when
using Tai Chi as therapy.)
Tai
Chi is a preventative as well as a curative.
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