Stress Reduction and the positive relevance of Tai Chi Qi Gong

There are many definitions of Stress:

“The adverse reaction to excessive pressure or other type of demand placed upon us”
The Health and Safety Executive 2006

“A non specific activation of the Sympathetic System” A Medical Model

“Stress is mostly psychological or emotional” Jobs Body

Taiji Qi Gong For Stress Reduction looks at the health structure of the body internally and externally, allowing for quality rest, relaxation and rejuvination of the body. The exercises practised train emotional and physical balance and body awareness, helping to calm the mind and develop the health and full utilisation of the body. This leads to an understanding of oneself. The exercises can then be applied to everyday living. Looking at the mind and body as interconnected, understanding that development in either the mind or body will be beneficial to the practitioner. Taiji Qigong helps bring balance, awareness and sensitivity to both the mind and the body creating improved health and well being.

The practice of Taiji Qigong places emphasis on the development of certain life-style principles. Of particular importance is the development of balance. In interpreting the teachings of Taiji Qigong tension and stress are expressions of imbalance. Therefore the cultivation of improved balance within the mind and body has an influence on reducing stress.

The process of learning Taiji Qigong can help to dissipate and reduce stress. The relaxed focus of the mind leading a smooth coordinated movement, the gentle, flowing transfers of balance, the development of natural breathing, the harmonious turning of the centre, the cultivating of the internal organs, and the circular movements of the limbs working with the body to develop a calm, energised, connected sensation.

The practice of Taiji Qigong has many levels for development and is relevant to people of all ages, enabling and facilitating the body’s ability to nurture, heal and strengthen itself. Do not be put of by what may seem a complicated form or set of exercises. The process of learning Taiji Qigong is about developing at your pace, within your comfort zone, strengthening yourself. The practice can be taken to all areas of life, developing one exercise or a set of exercises. There are no restrictions in the practice of Taiji Qigong, which is one of the reasons it is so relevant in today’s world.

Taiji Qigong For Stress Reduction is a set of simple exercises and a form for the body and mind that can be learnt by anyone to become part of the daily approach to a healthy lifestyle. I provides the tools to take responsibility for and to control our own bodies, calming and centring our bodies, decreasing the stimulation of our sympathetic system whilst nurturing and developing our parasympathetic system, which enhances the normal healthy functions of the body’s homeostasis system by balancing the endocrine system. The practice of Taiji Qigong helps us to boost and nurture our immune system, improve our health and lead to an overall enhancement of our lives and well being.

Taiji Qigong as taught by the UKTQF leads to empowered living: slow movement, positive intent, natural breathing all help to open, release and energise the power of the parasympathetic system to rejuvenate and restore you, so that your life can be fuller and happier.