Meditation in Motion: Tai Chi and Stress Management
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Stress and depression are two of the things in modern life that you have to deal with at one point or another. The former is an everyday thing, one that can stem from something as difficult as social anxiety to something as mundane as tripping over your own shoelaces. The latter, depression, is not quite as easy to develop in the clinical sense, but most people will end up experiencing a point in their lives that comes dangerously close to being depressed.
For the most part, these two problems are considered to be threats to one's physical and mental health. However, recent studies show that these two conditions also have nasty side effects on one's intelligence.
One very popular stress management alternative is Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese form of "soft" or internal martial arts that helps promote health and longevity. Often seen being practiced by groups of people in parks, Tai Chi has grown popularity especially among the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. Often called the "moving meditation," Tai Chi was developed in China as early as the 12th century by a Taoist monk named Zhang Sanfeng. Tai Chi literally means "supreme ultimate boxing" or "boundless fist," a name that clearly points out to the combat applications of this slow, graceful Oriental art of physical fitness.
Many Tai Chi practitioners attest to the effectiveness of the art in promoting relaxation. The deliberate, slow movements of the upper torso, hands, arms, legs, and feet are soft exercises that promote flexibility. The practitioner breathes slowly with each graceful movement of Tai Chi. The slow repetitive movements of this unique form of martial arts promote the internal blood and oxygen circulation. It is believed that the emphasis of Tai Chi on proper breathing allows its practitioners to heal damaged internal organs and body cells.
Aside from over-training, individuals who have body dysphoria also shows signs of depression, decreased level of performance at work or school due to low concentration, and social withdrawal. In addition, body dysphoric men may feel that they do not measure up to the standards that are portrayed in the television, magazines, and the Internet. They may find some parts of their body to be something to be ashamed of.
Some signs and symptoms of body dysphoria may include the following:
For serious cases of stress and other psychological disorders, regular consultation with a doctor or psychiatrist is highly advised. While Tai Chi is already a proven alternative form of stress management, some individuals may need to take anxiety medication that is prescribed a health professional.
While it is not always necessary to take drugs to treat anxiety, balancing the collective wisdom from Eastern and Western forms of medicine may be an ideal way of approaching the issue of personal health and fitness. Millions of people around the world have taken up Tai Chi not just as a martial art but as a means to release stress and tension. With more efforts to promote the healing and fitness aspects of Tai Chi, it is expected that more people will learn and benefit from the ancient secrets to longevity and stress-free living.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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