Yoga Chi Gung is, in a sense a product of our times. Drawing from ancient disciplines, this holistic system for good health is able to integrate two diverse systems that grew in complete isolation from each other and brings them together for the edification of today’s practitioners.
Yoga as the modern world knows it is a system of asanas (or positions) and exercises that include meditation techniques to achieve wellness of body and mind, whereas Chi Gung or Qigong as it is also known is known to be a Chinese meditative practice that employs gracefully slow movements and breathing techniques to improve the circulation of Chi or Qi in the body.
Yoga Chi Gung also draws from other wellness systems or disciplines such as Awareness through Movement, Pilates and the Alexander Technique to assist in overall self development. The main principles of Yoga Chi-Gung are:
Using principles of biomechanics, the body is sought to be stretched in the most natural way.
The accent is on extension without tension, and in challenging the body and mind without stressing it. The practice of the system should be according to the individual or person’s own abilities.
Joints such as knees, elbows and hips are soft.
The idea is to stretch only as much as 90% of a person’s capacity, so that there is some reserve at all times.
The important thing is breath awareness rather than breath control. Breathing should be done naturally but with full awareness of it.
It is important to concentrate and be aware of the center (Dantien, Nabi, Hara).
Intelligent sequencing or Vinyasa are used to build intensity of the movements while easing one into the prescribed postures rather than making hard or sudden movements.
The distribution of weight is such that there is a strong foundation of the postures.
The neck and face are to be in a relaxed position.
Since this system of wellness and good health is about working within one’s own abilities, it does not require past experience or learning or even any kind of exceptional flexibility to practice.
Yoga Chi Gung is said to benefit in a number of ways; by improving and enhancing chi as well as blood circulation with the body, by increasing the practitioners suppleness and strength, by improving one’s sense of balance and sense of being centered and increasing one’s range of motions and physical abilities.
Se afișează postările cu eticheta exercises. Afișați toate postările
Se afișează postările cu eticheta exercises. Afișați toate postările
joi, 11 martie 2010
vineri, 5 februarie 2010
Tui Na – A Massage Therapy That Uses Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tui na is a massage therapy that is classed within the system of traditional Chinese medicine as an external method.
It is particularly appropriate for elderly persons and infants.
It has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. Notably, tui na has fewer side effects than many drug- and chemical-based treatments.
In the traditional Chinese medicine philosophy, the belief is that pain and disease are the result of an imbalance in the flow and/or amount of Qi, and that tui na will bring everything back into balance.
The tui na practitioner will brush, knead, roll, press and/or rub the areas between each of the joints, also known as the eight gates, to open the defensive chi of the patient and get the energy moving.
In addition, tui na has at its disposal the techniques of traction and massage, along with the stimulation of acupressure points. Interestingly, this can be used to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, and non-musculoskeletal conditions.
There are many East Asian martial traditions that use a form of tui na to either manage or alleviate injury and pain due to training or training related injuries. That is understandable, given that an unmanaged injury in a martial career could lead to life and death consequences.
If you are interested in experiencing Tui na, you should look for a skilled practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.
It is particularly appropriate for elderly persons and infants.
It has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. Notably, tui na has fewer side effects than many drug- and chemical-based treatments.
In the traditional Chinese medicine philosophy, the belief is that pain and disease are the result of an imbalance in the flow and/or amount of Qi, and that tui na will bring everything back into balance.
The tui na practitioner will brush, knead, roll, press and/or rub the areas between each of the joints, also known as the eight gates, to open the defensive chi of the patient and get the energy moving.
In addition, tui na has at its disposal the techniques of traction and massage, along with the stimulation of acupressure points. Interestingly, this can be used to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, and non-musculoskeletal conditions.
There are many East Asian martial traditions that use a form of tui na to either manage or alleviate injury and pain due to training or training related injuries. That is understandable, given that an unmanaged injury in a martial career could lead to life and death consequences.
If you are interested in experiencing Tui na, you should look for a skilled practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.
Qigong – An Exercise For Balancing Energy
Qigong is a somewhat controversial practice that is purported to have vast health benefits.
It is, in short, a series of exercises that seek to balance the energy of the human body, first within itself and then ultimately with all of creation.
Intrinsic with this spiritual idea is the improvement of health and the curing of disease.
In many ways, it is the spiritual component that gives many western health experts the most trouble.
However, ground breaking research is currently going on that is attempting to lay aside the spiritual facet of this training and look at the results. And on that front, there are some tantalizing data.
Many Western medical experts and quite a few practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine view qigong as only a set of breathing and movement exercises, with the benefits tied to stress reduction and exercise.
In addition, any practice that encourages movement and is practiced consistently will result in an increased range of motion and improved joint flexibility and resilience. There are also mental benefits that come through focusing on the calm exercise.
The other, spiritualistic camp, have no issue with this view but add that the exercises facilitate the movement of the life force called Qi. It is more than mere movement, according to the adherents: it is more a matter of generating and balancing this force and then rectifying with the universe itself.
It is, in short, a series of exercises that seek to balance the energy of the human body, first within itself and then ultimately with all of creation.
Intrinsic with this spiritual idea is the improvement of health and the curing of disease.
In many ways, it is the spiritual component that gives many western health experts the most trouble.
However, ground breaking research is currently going on that is attempting to lay aside the spiritual facet of this training and look at the results. And on that front, there are some tantalizing data.
Many Western medical experts and quite a few practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine view qigong as only a set of breathing and movement exercises, with the benefits tied to stress reduction and exercise.
In addition, any practice that encourages movement and is practiced consistently will result in an increased range of motion and improved joint flexibility and resilience. There are also mental benefits that come through focusing on the calm exercise.
The other, spiritualistic camp, have no issue with this view but add that the exercises facilitate the movement of the life force called Qi. It is more than mere movement, according to the adherents: it is more a matter of generating and balancing this force and then rectifying with the universe itself.
joi, 15 octombrie 2009
Regular And Alternative Medicine Need To Be More Integrated
In the last ten years alternative treatments have become more universally accepted as an important part of the world of medicine.
More people are becoming open minded to these complementary therapies.Based at the University of Colorado Hospital, Dr. Lisa Corbin is the head of Integrative Medicine. She believes that there is a place for the blending of all available medicine to provide people with the best possible care available.
With a more positive attitude towards less conventional options like acupuncture, there will be a higher level of awareness by the general public.
Corbin has evidence to prove what she is saying, patients that have benefited from a combination of both mainstream and more alternative medicine.
Michelle Smith has been battling breast cancer for over five years, she is one of many now having acupuncture sessions as part of her chemotherapy course. It is the only solution to nausea besides taking yet another drug.
Smith states that without these various other treatments, she would not have been able to tolerate her long course of chemotherapy. Obviously the effect of any treatment including traditional ones is different for everyone.
However, at least therapy like massage and herbal remedies can be tried without the possibility of harmful side effects. Michelle Smith swears by her integrated treatment for her cancer and recommends that others try it for themselves.
Dr Corbin suggests that individuals should talk to their own doctor about the different treatments available to them. Once deemed too experimental or voodoo like, medicines of a more unusual nature are increasingly shown to be an essential part of today’s more evolved approach to health.
More people are becoming open minded to these complementary therapies.Based at the University of Colorado Hospital, Dr. Lisa Corbin is the head of Integrative Medicine. She believes that there is a place for the blending of all available medicine to provide people with the best possible care available.
With a more positive attitude towards less conventional options like acupuncture, there will be a higher level of awareness by the general public.
Corbin has evidence to prove what she is saying, patients that have benefited from a combination of both mainstream and more alternative medicine.
Michelle Smith has been battling breast cancer for over five years, she is one of many now having acupuncture sessions as part of her chemotherapy course. It is the only solution to nausea besides taking yet another drug.
Smith states that without these various other treatments, she would not have been able to tolerate her long course of chemotherapy. Obviously the effect of any treatment including traditional ones is different for everyone.
However, at least therapy like massage and herbal remedies can be tried without the possibility of harmful side effects. Michelle Smith swears by her integrated treatment for her cancer and recommends that others try it for themselves.
Dr Corbin suggests that individuals should talk to their own doctor about the different treatments available to them. Once deemed too experimental or voodoo like, medicines of a more unusual nature are increasingly shown to be an essential part of today’s more evolved approach to health.
miercuri, 14 octombrie 2009
How to Practice Walking Meditation
Learning how to practice walking meditation requires practice but the meditative approach is well worth the effort. There are a couple strategies people use when engaging in mindful walking that make the exercise very effective. A meditative stroll helps the mind and the body to find balance.
When we think of meditation, we typically imagine a person postured in a sitting position with intense focus. No movement is apparent. In fact, movement may appear to be a disturbance of the meditative process. Walking meditation uses motion and contact with surroundings as a vehicle for trance.
Barefoot Meditative Walking
Those who want to learn how to practice walking meditation may be a little surprised to find that one approach involves going barefoot. This may be a source of stress for some people. Worrying about stepping on a sharp object or an insect can interrupt the meditative flow.
Apprehensions aside, many proponents of meditative walking recommend the barefoot approach. This is because the sensations in feet create a deep connection between the person walking and the earth. The sensory experience engages the mind and body in conjunction with the soil.
Preparing for Barefoot Walking
Preparing for barefoot walking meditation begins with setting a route to follow. Simply examining the paths that you would like to take on a regular basis is an excellent way to become familiar with the process. Practice is very important with this exercise.
Walking barefoot can make some people feel unbalanced but creating effective balance is part of the process. If walking outside is a little overwhelming, begin practicing indoors. It is important to be mindful in the practice and to visualize as you take each step.
Barefoot hiking requires some preparations and it may not be for everyone. However, a well-selected route can offer an excellent opportunity for you to feel one with nature in the meditative process.
Breathing
Breathing is an important aspect of walking and meditating. When walking outdoors, try to engage in the activity in early morning hours or late in the evening when the air is crisp and clean. Mindful walking with breathing exercises, like barefoot walking, does take practice.
The first step is to become aware of your breathing. Most breaths we take go unnoticed but each is essential in nurturing the body. Walking gives an opportunity to use each step to build an awareness of each breath you take as you move along. Some suggest that it is best to carry a slight smile on your face to improve mood as you walk, breathe and meditate.
Creating a rhythm that combines breaths, steps and words is a great approach in the meditative process. Select a favorite mantra that has deep meaning for you in the pattern. After getting the rhythm in sync, begin visualizing as you move.
Focus during walking meditation should be on breathing, visualization, mantra and movement. As these elements are practiced, awareness of your surroundings heightened. It is as if the walker is aware of nothing and everything all at once.
When we think of meditation, we typically imagine a person postured in a sitting position with intense focus. No movement is apparent. In fact, movement may appear to be a disturbance of the meditative process. Walking meditation uses motion and contact with surroundings as a vehicle for trance.
Barefoot Meditative Walking
Those who want to learn how to practice walking meditation may be a little surprised to find that one approach involves going barefoot. This may be a source of stress for some people. Worrying about stepping on a sharp object or an insect can interrupt the meditative flow.
Apprehensions aside, many proponents of meditative walking recommend the barefoot approach. This is because the sensations in feet create a deep connection between the person walking and the earth. The sensory experience engages the mind and body in conjunction with the soil.
Preparing for Barefoot Walking
Preparing for barefoot walking meditation begins with setting a route to follow. Simply examining the paths that you would like to take on a regular basis is an excellent way to become familiar with the process. Practice is very important with this exercise.
Walking barefoot can make some people feel unbalanced but creating effective balance is part of the process. If walking outside is a little overwhelming, begin practicing indoors. It is important to be mindful in the practice and to visualize as you take each step.
Barefoot hiking requires some preparations and it may not be for everyone. However, a well-selected route can offer an excellent opportunity for you to feel one with nature in the meditative process.
Breathing
Breathing is an important aspect of walking and meditating. When walking outdoors, try to engage in the activity in early morning hours or late in the evening when the air is crisp and clean. Mindful walking with breathing exercises, like barefoot walking, does take practice.
The first step is to become aware of your breathing. Most breaths we take go unnoticed but each is essential in nurturing the body. Walking gives an opportunity to use each step to build an awareness of each breath you take as you move along. Some suggest that it is best to carry a slight smile on your face to improve mood as you walk, breathe and meditate.
Creating a rhythm that combines breaths, steps and words is a great approach in the meditative process. Select a favorite mantra that has deep meaning for you in the pattern. After getting the rhythm in sync, begin visualizing as you move.
Focus during walking meditation should be on breathing, visualization, mantra and movement. As these elements are practiced, awareness of your surroundings heightened. It is as if the walker is aware of nothing and everything all at once.
Partners
