The practice of tai chi has proven to be very effective at reducing stress. Originally developed in China as a martial arts style of defense, tai chi has evolved into much more. It is now used for stress reduction, balance improvement and overall conditioning, as well as for the treatment of a variety of health conditions.
Tai chi is made up of long, graceful moves and can be done at any pace, which makes it ideal for those who are not able to perform more traditional exercises. It is low-impact, requires no special equipment and can be practiced just about anywhere.
In its most basic form, tai chi is a system of gentle exercise and stretching, with all movement performed very slowly. The poses in tai chi are called postures, and done correctly, each posture flows into the next, thereby keeping the body in constant motion. Through the years, several different styles of tai chi have been developed, but they all share the same basic principles.
The practice of tai chi requires coordinating the postures with your breathing. The combination of rhythmic patterns of movement and slow, controlled breathing helps the user to attain a sense of inner calm. The concentration needed to coordinate breathing and movement help the practitioner to focus solely on the present, putting other worries or concerns out of their mind. Once the attention is focused on the breathing and movement, there is a release of tension from the muscles and a gradual release of stress from the mind.
Continued practice of tai chi helps keep the muscles limber, and they are less likely to retain tension. With the focus on both mind and body, tai chi effectively allows each individual to not only relinquish stress but reduce or eliminate its physical manifestations.