By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Friedemann_Schaub]Friedemann Schaub
The health damaging effects of stress have been well documented. Heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, gastro-intestinal problems, and auto-immune disease are only some of the diseases that are closely linked to increased stress. Our immune system is especially susceptible to negative emotions. Deepak Chopra says in his book, Quantum Healing, "Our immune system is continuously eaves-dropping on our thoughts and feelings. Studies have corroborated this notion: major depressive disorders are associated with increases in infectious disease risk as well as the incidence of inflammatory disorders. Declines of natural killer (NK) cell activity are reliably found in depression, whereas other studies report evidence of inflammation in depressed patients. Other studies showed that emotional stress correlated with impaired DNA repair mechanisms in cells that were subjected to radiation. Another trial suggested that anxiety, anger, and negative attitudes are a 30 times stronger risk factor for cancer thank smoking.
These and other studies show is that inner balance is one of the most important keys to healing. This means that you want to make sure that what you see, hear, smell, taste, feel, and think are supporting your healing. Start with choosing a team of doctors and health care practitioners that are in alignment with your intention to completely heal. It is still a mystery to me why most hospitals look so sterile and impersonal. Even Motel 6 is able to create a more inviting and friendly atmosphere. Although you may not be able to be too picky about the looks of the facility, you need to choose your healing team wisely.
Many times I have been told stories of doctors, who were bombarding their patients with discouraging and strongly limiting messages. "You will always have to live with the pain," "there is nothing anyone can do," etc. Being a physician myself, I know that there is a positive intention behind these rather negative and disempowering messages-whether it is the idea to "be realistic" or "not encourage false hope," or simply to prepare the patient for the "inevitable". However, doctors rarely consider the destructive and deflating effects on the patient's psyche that outweigh any possible positive outcome. In our society, a physician is such an authority figure, that whatever he or she says has enormous impact on the patient.
As a physician, I often felt that patients gave up faith in their self-healing abilities, completely surrendering and trusting in the abilities and wisdom of the doctors. Many young physicians are not prepared for this and don't know how to deal with the power that is handed to them by their patients. The movie, The Doctor, should be a requirement for medical students. William Hurt plays a doctor who realizes how little he knows about healthcare when he himself is diagnosed with throat cancer. As a doctor he was mighty and all knowing, but as a patient he has to endure being treated as a helpless kid, without regard for his feelings and his dignity.
Unfortunately this is not only a Hollywood story; I am sure that many of you have had or are having similar experiences. Doctors and health care providers aren't the only culprits. Family and friends can also be the source of "gloom and doom" messages. A colleague of mine told me the story of a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer. During their first session, she was feeling more and more encouraged and determined to focus on her healing and get well again. As soon as she came home and told her family that she would heal, they warned her not get her hopes up, that she'd heard the diagnosis and should know that there was not much that could be done. A few weeks later she died.
Here are a few suggestions that will help you to establish more emotional balance that can in turn support your healing.
Take the messages from the medical field and others with a grain of salt-especially if they are limiting and disempowering. Avoid obsessive "Googling" on the Internet, which can often lead to more fear and discouragement.
Choose a medical support system and personal environment that are in alignment with your beliefs about your healing.
Focus on what you want, which is health and well-being! Rather than identifying yourself with a diagnosis, see yourself as a person who has the potential and the ability to heal and create well-being.
Find ways to regularly relax and bring your body into a parasympathetic state, which is the healing state. Meditating, listening to calming music, being in nature, and taking a bath are just some examples that can help you to achieve this state.
Learn more about the mind-body-spirit connection and how to use it to activate your self-healing abilities. Remember that you are ultimately in charge of your body and your health. Whatever your body has created can be uncreated. Use visualizations and self-hypnosis as ways to utilize and activate your mind-body-spirit connection. Books by Deepak Chopra and Dr. Bernie Siegel can be excellent starting points.
Identify and resolve the emotional root causes, inner conflicts, and significant emotional events that are connected to the illness. The work of Dr. Hammer, Dr. John Sarno, and Louise Hay can also provide you with more information on the deeper meanings and messages of illness.
Also call us for a rel=nofollow [http://www.cellularwisdom.com/hypnotherapy-services.shtml]free phone consultation. The Personal Break-through and Empowerment program is designed to support you with all of these important steps.
Dr. Schaub received his medical degree from the University of Munich and pursued a career in cardiology at the Munich University Hospital. He also holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Washington in Seattle. His research has been published and featured in some of the most prestigious national and international medical and science journals.
After more than 15 years of experience and research in the medical field, he became increasingly fascinated by the powerful influences of thoughts, emotions and beliefs on health and disease. Dr. Schaub recognized that our abundant self-healing abilities can only function effectively when mind, body and spirit are in alignment.
The mind-body-spirit connection and in particular the subconscious mind hold the keys to accelerated healing, well-being, and success. http://www.cellularwisdom.com/Release-Anxiety.shtml
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Can-I-Start-Using-the-Mind-Body-Spirit-Connection-to-Heal-Myself?&id=6661112] How Can I Start Using the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection to Heal Myself?
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Stress Is Killing Your Life
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_R_Davidson]Sam R Davidson
Stress is one of the most silent killers in today's hectic world. It can affect you in many adverse ways and draw your health into a downward spiral. It might be surprising for you to know that stress could be the reason you overate the last time or felt dog-tired to close a simple task at hand. Here we give you 5 ways stress eats into your existence, every day.
Stress messes with feelings
Ever wondered why you became so angry at your partner the other day? Did they call you when your mind was on other things? It is learned that when a person faces a stressful situation, his/her responses can change dramatically and unexpectedly. Quite often, people develop feelings of anxiety, helplessness, anger, and restlessness when tension mounts. It is fairly common to feel easily irritated or impatient in nerve-wracking times.
Stress can stimulate obesity
Do you often rush to the nearest fast food joint after a hard day in the office? Watch out, for you may be developing into a stress-eater. It is something that almost everyone experiences at some point in life. When we feel let down in life in some ways, we try to compensate it with something else. And if food is the source of your comfort when you feel low, you don't have to replace it with any so-called positive engagement (it never works!). Just have a bite of some nutritious delicacies instead to steer clear of weight problems that lead to obesity.
Stress can aggravate physical pains
Stress is known to exacerbate physical pain such as headache, backache, stomach pain, or clenched jaw. While it is recommended that you first talk to a doctor for a quick diagnosis of any of these health problems you might be facing, it also helps a lot to avoid the potential triggers for these conditions. Just in case you experience any kind of physical pain at workplace, try to do a bit of stretching exercise to relax your muscles and drive stress away.
Stress can deprive you of sleep
There is nothing quite as rejuvenating as a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, stress can be one definitive sleep-buster. And the problem with stress-induced sleep problems is that it can only get worse until you get a sound 7-8 hours of sleep. So it could very soon turn into a vicious chain of sleep deprivation for you, which might take a heavy toll on your day-to-day activities. Lack of sleep can be quite tiring at times, leading to a lot of rushing around with very little results to show for.
Stress can trouble your sex life
Stress never goes well with sex. Many men develop erectile dysfunction or suffer from low libido because they never seem to find a moment to relax and think about physical intimacy with their partners. Similarly, many women who juggle different roles outside and at home complain about loss of interest in sex. Once again, stress is the usual suspect in many of these cases.
Sam R. Davidson is an experienced writer and editor working with [http://www.121doc.co.uk]http://www.121doc.co.uk, specialising in different health and lifestyle conditions, including obesity, baldness, contraception, influenza, male and female sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Stress-Is-Killing-Your-Life&id=6665348] Stress Is Killing Your Life
Stress is one of the most silent killers in today's hectic world. It can affect you in many adverse ways and draw your health into a downward spiral. It might be surprising for you to know that stress could be the reason you overate the last time or felt dog-tired to close a simple task at hand. Here we give you 5 ways stress eats into your existence, every day.
Stress messes with feelings
Ever wondered why you became so angry at your partner the other day? Did they call you when your mind was on other things? It is learned that when a person faces a stressful situation, his/her responses can change dramatically and unexpectedly. Quite often, people develop feelings of anxiety, helplessness, anger, and restlessness when tension mounts. It is fairly common to feel easily irritated or impatient in nerve-wracking times.
Stress can stimulate obesity
Do you often rush to the nearest fast food joint after a hard day in the office? Watch out, for you may be developing into a stress-eater. It is something that almost everyone experiences at some point in life. When we feel let down in life in some ways, we try to compensate it with something else. And if food is the source of your comfort when you feel low, you don't have to replace it with any so-called positive engagement (it never works!). Just have a bite of some nutritious delicacies instead to steer clear of weight problems that lead to obesity.
Stress can aggravate physical pains
Stress is known to exacerbate physical pain such as headache, backache, stomach pain, or clenched jaw. While it is recommended that you first talk to a doctor for a quick diagnosis of any of these health problems you might be facing, it also helps a lot to avoid the potential triggers for these conditions. Just in case you experience any kind of physical pain at workplace, try to do a bit of stretching exercise to relax your muscles and drive stress away.
Stress can deprive you of sleep
There is nothing quite as rejuvenating as a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, stress can be one definitive sleep-buster. And the problem with stress-induced sleep problems is that it can only get worse until you get a sound 7-8 hours of sleep. So it could very soon turn into a vicious chain of sleep deprivation for you, which might take a heavy toll on your day-to-day activities. Lack of sleep can be quite tiring at times, leading to a lot of rushing around with very little results to show for.
Stress can trouble your sex life
Stress never goes well with sex. Many men develop erectile dysfunction or suffer from low libido because they never seem to find a moment to relax and think about physical intimacy with their partners. Similarly, many women who juggle different roles outside and at home complain about loss of interest in sex. Once again, stress is the usual suspect in many of these cases.
Sam R. Davidson is an experienced writer and editor working with [http://www.121doc.co.uk]http://www.121doc.co.uk, specialising in different health and lifestyle conditions, including obesity, baldness, contraception, influenza, male and female sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Stress-Is-Killing-Your-Life&id=6665348] Stress Is Killing Your Life
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Feeling Bad? Have a Tantrum!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Abigail_Steidley]Abigail Steidley
If you've been following my blog for a while, you know the drill. You know you have to feel emotions that arise on a daily basis, because avoiding and therefore storing them in your body creates tension and pain. Obviously, no one is going to be perfect at feeling emotions. However, I, like you, have the goal to feel as pain-free and healthy as possible. This keeps me motivated to continually allow myself to have emotions, albeit imperfectly.
Every now and then, I fall back into the don't-feel mode. I start making self-judgments like "I should be okay with this already," or "I shouldn't get THAT angry, for heaven's sake..." This usually means there is something I REALLY need to feel, and I am busy convincing myself I am fine, it's all good, and I'll just attend to a few more emails instead of stopping to feel.
This past month, I noticed creeping tension accumulating in my back, and I knew I needed to feel something. I did some avoiding, then some distracting, and a little bit of eating. Strangely, none of that magically eliminated my tension. Finally, I took a deep breath and dove into my own psyche. I should have known. It was stored anger.
For me, anger is the hardest emotion. I've worked for years to allow sadness, and now I can pretty much allow myself a good cry whenever I need it. I've gotten much friendlier with fear, and I can allow it to be present for the most part. Anger, on the other hand, is almost always the culprit when I say to myself, "Gosh, I just don't KNOW what I'm feeling. Hmmm. What on EARTH could it be?"
I believe deeply in honoring emotions, the body, and the mind and how they work together. I decided I needed some help accessing what was stored in my body. I booked an appointment series with my chiropractor, who also does intense (by that I mean hideously painful) myofascial and deep tissue release. If I had any anger stored in my muscles and tissues, he would definitely help it start to flow.
After last week's session, I drove home (blinking the tears of pain out of my eyes - the man has thumbs of steel) and got back to work. He'd done a new type of fascial release that hurt so much I thought I would pass out. He attacked muscles on the top of my head that were highly offended by the assault. Yet, it felt oddly good afterward. I sat, typing away at my desk.
Suddenly, a tsunami of anger exploded into my awareness. Wow. I did some Conscious Complaining, I felt it, I talked to a fellow coach. I thought I was doing pretty good, allowing the anger to flow. Yet, the muscle tension was still there. I was a little puzzled.
A couple of days later, I was visiting my mom, chatting with her in the kitchen. I told her about the anger explosion, and she said, "Oh, yes, I like to have tantrums when that happens." I've tossed around the word tantrum before, but I had a sense something really good was about to be revealed. Sure enough, she began to demonstrate, and something indescribable came over me. It was a sense of relief, a giant easing of years of tension. It was permission to let go. She really got INTO the tantrum. She yelled. She mocked. She moved her whole body. It was spectacular, and impossible not to join in. Pretty soon I was having a tantrum, too. I was shaking all parts of my body, I was being a three-year-old, and I was letting it all out. It was kind of like a tantrum dance, though lying down and kicking our legs was still involved. (Stolen from the classic 3-year-old tantrum move.)
The tantrum came to a natural close, because we couldn't continue long without exploding into fits of laughter. It was possibly the funniest thing, ever. I so wish you could see my mom having a tantrum. She is gifted. She is a genius. She knows how to let herself have the moment. How many times do we stop ourselves and say, "I shouldn't really feel/think x...." when we just need a two-minute tantrum?
We like to think we're adults now, and tantrums are a 3-year-olds prerogative. Not so. There is nothing more freeing than letting loose your inner 3-year-old. I imagine that, like us, you'll have a hard time not laughing when you're done with your tantrum, especially if you really let yourself get into it. (I highly recommend grabbing a friend who's willing to explore the tantrum concept, too. It's more fun with company.)
It might seem silly, but a tantrum done well is actually one of the most healing things you can do for yourself. First, you get to combine Conscious Complaining (at the top of your lungs, no less, or in scathing, mocking tones - soooo fun) with moving your whole body. There is something hugely powerful about that. Second, you get to shake, punch, kick, and otherwise pummel the air, releasing actual stored energy from your body. Third, you get to feel whatever you're feeling, and it's much easier to let it flow when you're really getting into it physically. Fourth, you get to laugh at the end, which is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself in general.
Not five minutes after my tantrum, my back loosened up. I felt lighter. I felt happy. I felt awake. My body was alive, fluid, and strong. I was present. I told my mom she is a genius. She said she learned it from me, when I was a three-year-old. When I had tantrums as a kid, she used to join in, because, well, why not? My mom GETS kids, in a way that no one else I know does. She knows that you've just got to have the tantrum, and trying to stop it is futile. She knows that a little company during a tantrum makes it that much better. Somehow, I forgot, as my adult self, this gem of wisdom. I am grateful to have recovered it.
I guess, for some reason, we always try to be so grown up. Why is that? Kids have way more fun. They are naturals at feeling and moving on, no stored tension necessary. Whatever changed you and me from a freely feeling four-year-old to a hold it in adult (yes, there are many experiences in life that, unfortunately, facilitate that process), it's time to recapture our kid genius.
I tried to get Mom to make a tantrum video, but she was a little shy. Maybe I'll coerce her to give Tantrum Workshops with me. Somehow, I hope to convey her genius to you, because I think you'll benefit in a huge way. For now, the written word is the best I can do. I've learned from the master, but I don't consider myself a fully trained tantrum instructor just yet.
How to Have a Conscious Tantrum
1) Queue up the issue you're upset about in your mind. (If you don't know what it is, that's fine - you can start with the feeling instead.)
2) Start moving. Wiggle your shoulders, shake your arms, make air punches - just do anything your body wants to do. Keep moving.
3) Start complaining about whatever it is, or anything. (If you don't have an actual complaint, you can just make noise, too.) Stoop to your lowest levels. Say what you really want to say but aren't letting yourself express. Use your bitchiest voice. Then yell. Get snarky. Mock. Whine. Judge. Channel your inner toddler. (Keep moving.)
4) Feel whatever emotion is there. Say what you feel. (Keep moving.) Let your movements express what you're feeling in whatever way feels right. Be the drama queen. Go way over the top. (This will facilitate step 5.)
5) Laugh hysterically at yourself.
I really can't recommend this enough. I employed it yesterday while having a wardrobe meltdown. (These recur at a regular monthly interval for some odd, completely inexplicable reason...) I felt completely hysterical about all of my clothes, and spent a good several hours ruminating on how awful they all look, before I remembered the Conscious Tantrum Technique. Ahhh, sweet relief. (Now seriously, aren't you just a little intrigued by a tool that is powerful enough to release PMS mania? You've gotta try it.)
So, I encourage you to be a toddler when you need to feel through something. Have the moment. Let yourself go there. Let it all hang out. Stoop to your lowest levels. Then, you'll rise up on the sweet aftermath, with laughter to carry you home - to you.
Abigail Steidley is a Mind-Body Coach and mind-body-spirit healing expert.�She works with clients throughout the US and Europe, teaching mind-body tools to create health and spiritual connection.�She is the founder and owner of The Healthy Life, LLC and author of the audio course�The Healthy Mind Toolbox: Essential Tools for Creating Your Healthy Life.�Her current coaching practice also includes training mind-body coaches in the specific mind-body tools that help clients lose weight, de-stress, relieve pain, and create a deep, lasting connection between mind, body, and spirit.�She works with and teaches a variety of healers, applying mind-body-spirit connection techniques, to help them stay healthy, sane, and productive in their own lives and enabling them to effectively serve others and prosper.�She can be reached at� http://www.thehealthylifecoach.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Feeling-Bad?-Have-a-Tantrum!&id=6669181] Feeling Bad? Have a Tantrum!
If you've been following my blog for a while, you know the drill. You know you have to feel emotions that arise on a daily basis, because avoiding and therefore storing them in your body creates tension and pain. Obviously, no one is going to be perfect at feeling emotions. However, I, like you, have the goal to feel as pain-free and healthy as possible. This keeps me motivated to continually allow myself to have emotions, albeit imperfectly.
Every now and then, I fall back into the don't-feel mode. I start making self-judgments like "I should be okay with this already," or "I shouldn't get THAT angry, for heaven's sake..." This usually means there is something I REALLY need to feel, and I am busy convincing myself I am fine, it's all good, and I'll just attend to a few more emails instead of stopping to feel.
This past month, I noticed creeping tension accumulating in my back, and I knew I needed to feel something. I did some avoiding, then some distracting, and a little bit of eating. Strangely, none of that magically eliminated my tension. Finally, I took a deep breath and dove into my own psyche. I should have known. It was stored anger.
For me, anger is the hardest emotion. I've worked for years to allow sadness, and now I can pretty much allow myself a good cry whenever I need it. I've gotten much friendlier with fear, and I can allow it to be present for the most part. Anger, on the other hand, is almost always the culprit when I say to myself, "Gosh, I just don't KNOW what I'm feeling. Hmmm. What on EARTH could it be?"
I believe deeply in honoring emotions, the body, and the mind and how they work together. I decided I needed some help accessing what was stored in my body. I booked an appointment series with my chiropractor, who also does intense (by that I mean hideously painful) myofascial and deep tissue release. If I had any anger stored in my muscles and tissues, he would definitely help it start to flow.
After last week's session, I drove home (blinking the tears of pain out of my eyes - the man has thumbs of steel) and got back to work. He'd done a new type of fascial release that hurt so much I thought I would pass out. He attacked muscles on the top of my head that were highly offended by the assault. Yet, it felt oddly good afterward. I sat, typing away at my desk.
Suddenly, a tsunami of anger exploded into my awareness. Wow. I did some Conscious Complaining, I felt it, I talked to a fellow coach. I thought I was doing pretty good, allowing the anger to flow. Yet, the muscle tension was still there. I was a little puzzled.
A couple of days later, I was visiting my mom, chatting with her in the kitchen. I told her about the anger explosion, and she said, "Oh, yes, I like to have tantrums when that happens." I've tossed around the word tantrum before, but I had a sense something really good was about to be revealed. Sure enough, she began to demonstrate, and something indescribable came over me. It was a sense of relief, a giant easing of years of tension. It was permission to let go. She really got INTO the tantrum. She yelled. She mocked. She moved her whole body. It was spectacular, and impossible not to join in. Pretty soon I was having a tantrum, too. I was shaking all parts of my body, I was being a three-year-old, and I was letting it all out. It was kind of like a tantrum dance, though lying down and kicking our legs was still involved. (Stolen from the classic 3-year-old tantrum move.)
The tantrum came to a natural close, because we couldn't continue long without exploding into fits of laughter. It was possibly the funniest thing, ever. I so wish you could see my mom having a tantrum. She is gifted. She is a genius. She knows how to let herself have the moment. How many times do we stop ourselves and say, "I shouldn't really feel/think x...." when we just need a two-minute tantrum?
We like to think we're adults now, and tantrums are a 3-year-olds prerogative. Not so. There is nothing more freeing than letting loose your inner 3-year-old. I imagine that, like us, you'll have a hard time not laughing when you're done with your tantrum, especially if you really let yourself get into it. (I highly recommend grabbing a friend who's willing to explore the tantrum concept, too. It's more fun with company.)
It might seem silly, but a tantrum done well is actually one of the most healing things you can do for yourself. First, you get to combine Conscious Complaining (at the top of your lungs, no less, or in scathing, mocking tones - soooo fun) with moving your whole body. There is something hugely powerful about that. Second, you get to shake, punch, kick, and otherwise pummel the air, releasing actual stored energy from your body. Third, you get to feel whatever you're feeling, and it's much easier to let it flow when you're really getting into it physically. Fourth, you get to laugh at the end, which is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself in general.
Not five minutes after my tantrum, my back loosened up. I felt lighter. I felt happy. I felt awake. My body was alive, fluid, and strong. I was present. I told my mom she is a genius. She said she learned it from me, when I was a three-year-old. When I had tantrums as a kid, she used to join in, because, well, why not? My mom GETS kids, in a way that no one else I know does. She knows that you've just got to have the tantrum, and trying to stop it is futile. She knows that a little company during a tantrum makes it that much better. Somehow, I forgot, as my adult self, this gem of wisdom. I am grateful to have recovered it.
I guess, for some reason, we always try to be so grown up. Why is that? Kids have way more fun. They are naturals at feeling and moving on, no stored tension necessary. Whatever changed you and me from a freely feeling four-year-old to a hold it in adult (yes, there are many experiences in life that, unfortunately, facilitate that process), it's time to recapture our kid genius.
I tried to get Mom to make a tantrum video, but she was a little shy. Maybe I'll coerce her to give Tantrum Workshops with me. Somehow, I hope to convey her genius to you, because I think you'll benefit in a huge way. For now, the written word is the best I can do. I've learned from the master, but I don't consider myself a fully trained tantrum instructor just yet.
How to Have a Conscious Tantrum
1) Queue up the issue you're upset about in your mind. (If you don't know what it is, that's fine - you can start with the feeling instead.)
2) Start moving. Wiggle your shoulders, shake your arms, make air punches - just do anything your body wants to do. Keep moving.
3) Start complaining about whatever it is, or anything. (If you don't have an actual complaint, you can just make noise, too.) Stoop to your lowest levels. Say what you really want to say but aren't letting yourself express. Use your bitchiest voice. Then yell. Get snarky. Mock. Whine. Judge. Channel your inner toddler. (Keep moving.)
4) Feel whatever emotion is there. Say what you feel. (Keep moving.) Let your movements express what you're feeling in whatever way feels right. Be the drama queen. Go way over the top. (This will facilitate step 5.)
5) Laugh hysterically at yourself.
I really can't recommend this enough. I employed it yesterday while having a wardrobe meltdown. (These recur at a regular monthly interval for some odd, completely inexplicable reason...) I felt completely hysterical about all of my clothes, and spent a good several hours ruminating on how awful they all look, before I remembered the Conscious Tantrum Technique. Ahhh, sweet relief. (Now seriously, aren't you just a little intrigued by a tool that is powerful enough to release PMS mania? You've gotta try it.)
So, I encourage you to be a toddler when you need to feel through something. Have the moment. Let yourself go there. Let it all hang out. Stoop to your lowest levels. Then, you'll rise up on the sweet aftermath, with laughter to carry you home - to you.
Abigail Steidley is a Mind-Body Coach and mind-body-spirit healing expert.�She works with clients throughout the US and Europe, teaching mind-body tools to create health and spiritual connection.�She is the founder and owner of The Healthy Life, LLC and author of the audio course�The Healthy Mind Toolbox: Essential Tools for Creating Your Healthy Life.�Her current coaching practice also includes training mind-body coaches in the specific mind-body tools that help clients lose weight, de-stress, relieve pain, and create a deep, lasting connection between mind, body, and spirit.�She works with and teaches a variety of healers, applying mind-body-spirit connection techniques, to help them stay healthy, sane, and productive in their own lives and enabling them to effectively serve others and prosper.�She can be reached at� http://www.thehealthylifecoach.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Feeling-Bad?-Have-a-Tantrum!&id=6669181] Feeling Bad? Have a Tantrum!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
How Does Relaxation Benefit the Mind And Body?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_L_Davis]Karen L Davis
Relaxation is the process of releasing tension and returning the balance of both the mind and body. Relaxation techniques are important in managing stress. Since stress is known to contribute to the development of many diseases, one needs an antidote to battle stress. In fact, relaxation might be one of the most essential factors in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Relaxation is so important that health professionals suggest the use of relaxation techniques to manage not only everyday-life stress but also the stress caused by health conditions. Relaxation techniques can benefit both psychological and physical health.
Relaxation Techniques that Benefit the Mind and Body
There are a number of relaxation techniques that promote both psychological and physical health. Some techniques are taught and performed by experts. There are also techniques that you can use by yourself.
One relaxation technique is called autogenic relaxation. This technique utilizes both body awareness and visual imagery in order to release tension and stress. One example of autogenic relaxation is picturing yourself in a peaceful environment and then focusing on controlling your breathing, heart rate, or other physical sensations.
Visualization is another relaxation technique. In utilizing this technique, you create mental images to be able to take yourself into a peaceful place or a calming situation. When practicing visualization, you attempt to use all your senses if possible.
Progressive muscle relaxation is another relaxation technique that focuses on slowly tensing and relaxing the muscles. This technique will make you more aware of the difference between the relaxation and tension of muscles; this is a way to become more aware of your physical sensations.
Most relaxation techniques, such as the three mentioned above, are usually performed with minimal movements and while lying or sitting down. These techniques are called passive or formal relaxation exercises. Relaxation techniques can also incorporate exercises such as yoga, gardening, Tai chi, and Qigong. Bodyworks such as massage, reflexology, acupuncture and sauna use are also used to promote relaxation.
The Benefits of Relaxation on Physical Health
Relaxation can bring about a number of physical health benefits. During relaxation, your heart rate and breathing slows down. Your blood pressure decreases, and the blood flow to your primary muscles is increased. Chronic pain and muscle tension are also significantly reduced when practicing relaxation techniques. The body systems including the circulatory, immune, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems also function better.
Relaxation has also been shown to improve certain health conditions. Skin disorders such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis tend to improve upon relaxation. Heart burn, ulcers, asthma, emphysema, arthritis, migraine, epilepsy, premenstrual and menopausal syndromes, angina, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and diabetes mellitus are just some of the conditions which are known to improve with relaxation.
The Benefits of Relaxation on Psychological Health
Relaxation is a way to calm the mind. People who are practicing relaxation techniques are known to get better sleep. Relaxation can also help you keep your emotions in check leading to less bouts of anger and crying spells. Furthermore, it can increase your memory, concentration, and problem solving skills. Anxiety disorders, depression, and panic attacks are also known to improve with relaxation.
Notice: The article you are reading is for your personal edification. The information contained therein is for educational purposes only and is not to be used in place of proper medical advice, nor is it intended to treat, diagnose or cure any ailments. One should always seek out a properly licensed medical professional to answer any questions or render treatment. As always please check with your doctor before engaging in any new regimen.
Brownstoneshopper, an online gallery of uniquely sourced items for your home. Our company is now featuring The Relax Far Infrared Sauna. Medical technology in a portable, professional sauna that is easy to use, inexpensive to operate and travels well. Learn more, GET FREE REPORT! Sign-up at <a target="_new" href="http://www.brownstoneshopper.com/about/sign-up">http://www.brownstoneshopper.com/about/sign-up</A> for coupons, news and specials on this revolutionary product.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Does-Relaxation-Benefit-the-Mind-And-Body?&id=6664430] How Does Relaxation Benefit the Mind And Body?
Relaxation is the process of releasing tension and returning the balance of both the mind and body. Relaxation techniques are important in managing stress. Since stress is known to contribute to the development of many diseases, one needs an antidote to battle stress. In fact, relaxation might be one of the most essential factors in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Relaxation is so important that health professionals suggest the use of relaxation techniques to manage not only everyday-life stress but also the stress caused by health conditions. Relaxation techniques can benefit both psychological and physical health.
Relaxation Techniques that Benefit the Mind and Body
There are a number of relaxation techniques that promote both psychological and physical health. Some techniques are taught and performed by experts. There are also techniques that you can use by yourself.
One relaxation technique is called autogenic relaxation. This technique utilizes both body awareness and visual imagery in order to release tension and stress. One example of autogenic relaxation is picturing yourself in a peaceful environment and then focusing on controlling your breathing, heart rate, or other physical sensations.
Visualization is another relaxation technique. In utilizing this technique, you create mental images to be able to take yourself into a peaceful place or a calming situation. When practicing visualization, you attempt to use all your senses if possible.
Progressive muscle relaxation is another relaxation technique that focuses on slowly tensing and relaxing the muscles. This technique will make you more aware of the difference between the relaxation and tension of muscles; this is a way to become more aware of your physical sensations.
Most relaxation techniques, such as the three mentioned above, are usually performed with minimal movements and while lying or sitting down. These techniques are called passive or formal relaxation exercises. Relaxation techniques can also incorporate exercises such as yoga, gardening, Tai chi, and Qigong. Bodyworks such as massage, reflexology, acupuncture and sauna use are also used to promote relaxation.
The Benefits of Relaxation on Physical Health
Relaxation can bring about a number of physical health benefits. During relaxation, your heart rate and breathing slows down. Your blood pressure decreases, and the blood flow to your primary muscles is increased. Chronic pain and muscle tension are also significantly reduced when practicing relaxation techniques. The body systems including the circulatory, immune, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems also function better.
Relaxation has also been shown to improve certain health conditions. Skin disorders such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis tend to improve upon relaxation. Heart burn, ulcers, asthma, emphysema, arthritis, migraine, epilepsy, premenstrual and menopausal syndromes, angina, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and diabetes mellitus are just some of the conditions which are known to improve with relaxation.
The Benefits of Relaxation on Psychological Health
Relaxation is a way to calm the mind. People who are practicing relaxation techniques are known to get better sleep. Relaxation can also help you keep your emotions in check leading to less bouts of anger and crying spells. Furthermore, it can increase your memory, concentration, and problem solving skills. Anxiety disorders, depression, and panic attacks are also known to improve with relaxation.
Notice: The article you are reading is for your personal edification. The information contained therein is for educational purposes only and is not to be used in place of proper medical advice, nor is it intended to treat, diagnose or cure any ailments. One should always seek out a properly licensed medical professional to answer any questions or render treatment. As always please check with your doctor before engaging in any new regimen.
Brownstoneshopper, an online gallery of uniquely sourced items for your home. Our company is now featuring The Relax Far Infrared Sauna. Medical technology in a portable, professional sauna that is easy to use, inexpensive to operate and travels well. Learn more, GET FREE REPORT! Sign-up at <a target="_new" href="http://www.brownstoneshopper.com/about/sign-up">http://www.brownstoneshopper.com/about/sign-up</A> for coupons, news and specials on this revolutionary product.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Does-Relaxation-Benefit-the-Mind-And-Body?&id=6664430] How Does Relaxation Benefit the Mind And Body?
Friday, February 17, 2012
How To Manage Stress And Regain Well-Being
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jappreet_Sethi]Jappreet Sethi
Without doubt, wellbeing is the ultimate objective of human existence. Paradoxically, we often wind up surrendering well-being in order to earn money, and then spend a major part of the earnings in attempts to regain it. These efforts are invariably fruitless - so why do we do it? More often than not, the only real beneficiary of the eternal rat race is the healthcare industry.
For most of us, work is the central pursuit in life. We strive to move up the career ladder, putting up massive efforts at the expense of other important factors that make life meaningful. We are not unaware of the toll this takes; the effort leads to physical and mental stress, while the subconscious knowledge that we engaged in a fool's errand leads to psychological and spiritual stress.
Managing stress is essential for maintaining a sense of well-being. Stress occurs when we face situations for which we don't have ready-made responses. The stress factor remains in check and can even be exhilarating as long as our minds entertain the hope that success is imminent. As soon as a feeling of impending defeat or loss sets in, stress becomes unpleasant, unhealthy and draining. This also leads to loss of motivation and destroys all feelings of well-being.
The Building Blocks Of Stress
Stress is multi-faced demon which we create to drive success, and which eventually gobbles us up. It consists of:
Threat perception
Feeling of negativity
The resultant psychological arousal.
The drivers of stress are called stressors, and everything perceived as an impediment to what one desires to achieve is a stressor. The defense reaction causes a psychological alarm to go off, and makes us to muster all our energy to achieve the goal. If the situation continues for a prolonged time, the human mind prepares for long-term battle by remaining in a persistent state of active alertness. Eventually, both mind and body tire of this constant stage of red alert. Energy levels drop and there are increased chances of failure at the task level.
The Effects Of Stress
At the mental level, persistent and continuous stress leads to anxiety, insecurity and lack of concentration. At the physical level, it leads to changes in our hormonal secretion, in turn leading to cardiac problems and reduced immunity levels. In the societal realm, it leads to the steady erosion and breakdown of relationships. Burnout - emotional, physical and mental exhaustion mixed with reduced self-confidence and morale - sets in.
The Causes Of Stress
In an organization, some of the commonly observed caused of stress among employees are:
Very high or very low role demands
Lack of sufficient authority to discharge duties effectively
Favoritism and poorly-handled appraisal discussions
Lack of career prospects
Impending layoff or role redundancy
At a more individual level, existing personal circumstances, learned responses as well as inherent genetic dispositions cause us to react to stress differently. Major life transitions such as the death of family member, family breakdown, illness or loss of friends also play a role and make us sensitive to stressors that would have been ignored under other circumstances.
How to Manage Stress
Here are some of the most effective stress management precepts:
Be conscious of your thoughts and deeds, and of what your action do to you and others
Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
Draw up an integrated life plan - give equal weightage to work, family and society
Practice regular yoga and meditation to balance body and mind - there are very easy modules run by several agencies
Remember that it is not about winning at all costs but winning without any damage to you
Finally, remember that we cannot remove stress from our life. There are too many causative factors, and not all of them can be stopped. A reasonable degree of stress can actually be beneficial, because it makes us strive for more. However, it is essential to how much is enough for each one of us.
Visit the [http://www.humanresourcesblog.in]Human Resources Blog for more insights and articles on human resources development.
Jappreet Sethi has over a decade of experience across various facets of HR and holds a masters degree in Sociology. He is a certified black belt in Six sigma and has certifications in various psychometric instruments like MBTI, FIRO and CPI.
Jappreet has restructured a number of business processes to increase efficiency and reduce turnaround time. He brings strong project management and business partnering skills to the table. He is also extensively trained in group dynamics and leadership development using behavioral labs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Manage-Stress-And-Regain-Well-Being&id=6667181] How To Manage Stress And Regain Well-Being
Without doubt, wellbeing is the ultimate objective of human existence. Paradoxically, we often wind up surrendering well-being in order to earn money, and then spend a major part of the earnings in attempts to regain it. These efforts are invariably fruitless - so why do we do it? More often than not, the only real beneficiary of the eternal rat race is the healthcare industry.
For most of us, work is the central pursuit in life. We strive to move up the career ladder, putting up massive efforts at the expense of other important factors that make life meaningful. We are not unaware of the toll this takes; the effort leads to physical and mental stress, while the subconscious knowledge that we engaged in a fool's errand leads to psychological and spiritual stress.
Managing stress is essential for maintaining a sense of well-being. Stress occurs when we face situations for which we don't have ready-made responses. The stress factor remains in check and can even be exhilarating as long as our minds entertain the hope that success is imminent. As soon as a feeling of impending defeat or loss sets in, stress becomes unpleasant, unhealthy and draining. This also leads to loss of motivation and destroys all feelings of well-being.
The Building Blocks Of Stress
Stress is multi-faced demon which we create to drive success, and which eventually gobbles us up. It consists of:
Threat perception
Feeling of negativity
The resultant psychological arousal.
The drivers of stress are called stressors, and everything perceived as an impediment to what one desires to achieve is a stressor. The defense reaction causes a psychological alarm to go off, and makes us to muster all our energy to achieve the goal. If the situation continues for a prolonged time, the human mind prepares for long-term battle by remaining in a persistent state of active alertness. Eventually, both mind and body tire of this constant stage of red alert. Energy levels drop and there are increased chances of failure at the task level.
The Effects Of Stress
At the mental level, persistent and continuous stress leads to anxiety, insecurity and lack of concentration. At the physical level, it leads to changes in our hormonal secretion, in turn leading to cardiac problems and reduced immunity levels. In the societal realm, it leads to the steady erosion and breakdown of relationships. Burnout - emotional, physical and mental exhaustion mixed with reduced self-confidence and morale - sets in.
The Causes Of Stress
In an organization, some of the commonly observed caused of stress among employees are:
Very high or very low role demands
Lack of sufficient authority to discharge duties effectively
Favoritism and poorly-handled appraisal discussions
Lack of career prospects
Impending layoff or role redundancy
At a more individual level, existing personal circumstances, learned responses as well as inherent genetic dispositions cause us to react to stress differently. Major life transitions such as the death of family member, family breakdown, illness or loss of friends also play a role and make us sensitive to stressors that would have been ignored under other circumstances.
How to Manage Stress
Here are some of the most effective stress management precepts:
Be conscious of your thoughts and deeds, and of what your action do to you and others
Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
Draw up an integrated life plan - give equal weightage to work, family and society
Practice regular yoga and meditation to balance body and mind - there are very easy modules run by several agencies
Remember that it is not about winning at all costs but winning without any damage to you
Finally, remember that we cannot remove stress from our life. There are too many causative factors, and not all of them can be stopped. A reasonable degree of stress can actually be beneficial, because it makes us strive for more. However, it is essential to how much is enough for each one of us.
Visit the [http://www.humanresourcesblog.in]Human Resources Blog for more insights and articles on human resources development.
Jappreet Sethi has over a decade of experience across various facets of HR and holds a masters degree in Sociology. He is a certified black belt in Six sigma and has certifications in various psychometric instruments like MBTI, FIRO and CPI.
Jappreet has restructured a number of business processes to increase efficiency and reduce turnaround time. He brings strong project management and business partnering skills to the table. He is also extensively trained in group dynamics and leadership development using behavioral labs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Manage-Stress-And-Regain-Well-Being&id=6667181] How To Manage Stress And Regain Well-Being
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
One Psychologist's Opinion: Martin Buber Explained Relationships
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_Glick]Karen Glick
When I was a sophomore in high school, I stumbled upon a book that would prove to have a lasting effect on the way I view the world and my relationships, I and Thou by Martin Buber. I don't remember how I came across this book; possibly I was under the influence of my older brother who was attending Columbia University at the time. All I know is that something within me resonated with the ideas in the book and still finds truth within Buber's writings today.
Buber proposed that people can only relate to nature, or each other in one of two ways: I-It or I-Thou. I-It relationships are rooted in time and space and comprise our experience of the other in a tangible way. For example, I could describe my husband as a 5 foot, 11 inch man with blue-gray eyes and a wide grin. Or I could describe my dog,Luna, as a small, black, white, and tan animal with large brown eyes and a perennially- wagging tail. In using such physical descriptions, I am experiencing both of them as objects of my affection, an I-It relationship.My perception of them emerges from the way they affect my limited experience.
It is more difficult to describe the I-Thou relationship since by its very nature, it is ineffable. It is unlimited in time and space and consists of the total connection between my essence and the essential nature of the other. This type of connection resembles the ultimate relationship between a mystic and the Divine. An I- Thou encounter cannot be contained within our usual experience of time, because once the interaction is relegated to a memory in the past or to an anticipation of the future, I will have limited the other person to either my ability to encode the relationship, a finite enterprise at best given my memory, or to expectations I impose on the other for the future. My ability to experience my loved one is strongly influenced by my own limitations. Although I-Thou relationships can only exist in the present, the present is always with us, and the relationship brings with it a flavor of the infinite, an experience existing outside of time. Buber states that this relationship allows us a "glimpse into eternity." Amazing that we could do that for each other!
So, how can the I-Thou relationship affect our friendships or our love for others? I feel that the recognition that each person has an eternal, unlimited potential that can interact with our own potential has to elevate our connections. The I-Thou relationship may explain how we can love each other, sometimes in spite of short-term arguments or anger. Realizing that the person we love may delight or irritate us is an I-It experience, and Buber states that we are all capable of more. True, our daily interactions must take place in the time-space continuum and we can get immersed in arguments about whose turn it is to walk the dog or why we flirted at a party. Our relationship becomes astronomically more meaningful when we can still honor the infinite in our loved one. Perhaps we can feel that best when our heart speaks to the other wordlessly and we know that the other truly "gets" us in spite of petty issues. This infrequent but awesome transcendence may even make it possible for us to deal with each other through all of the stressors that will accompany us through our lives. As Buber wrote, "Without I-It, man cannot live. But he who lives with I-It alone is not a man."
Karen Glick is a clinical psychologist who lives outside of Philadelphia. Her novel, Questions in the Silence is available at Amazon.com. Follow Karen on her website - [http://www.bellalunavoicecompany.com]http://www.bellalunavoicecompany.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?One-Psychologists-Opinion:-Martin-Buber-Explained-Relationships&id=6663446] One Psychologist's Opinion: Martin Buber Explained Relationships
When I was a sophomore in high school, I stumbled upon a book that would prove to have a lasting effect on the way I view the world and my relationships, I and Thou by Martin Buber. I don't remember how I came across this book; possibly I was under the influence of my older brother who was attending Columbia University at the time. All I know is that something within me resonated with the ideas in the book and still finds truth within Buber's writings today.
Buber proposed that people can only relate to nature, or each other in one of two ways: I-It or I-Thou. I-It relationships are rooted in time and space and comprise our experience of the other in a tangible way. For example, I could describe my husband as a 5 foot, 11 inch man with blue-gray eyes and a wide grin. Or I could describe my dog,Luna, as a small, black, white, and tan animal with large brown eyes and a perennially- wagging tail. In using such physical descriptions, I am experiencing both of them as objects of my affection, an I-It relationship.My perception of them emerges from the way they affect my limited experience.
It is more difficult to describe the I-Thou relationship since by its very nature, it is ineffable. It is unlimited in time and space and consists of the total connection between my essence and the essential nature of the other. This type of connection resembles the ultimate relationship between a mystic and the Divine. An I- Thou encounter cannot be contained within our usual experience of time, because once the interaction is relegated to a memory in the past or to an anticipation of the future, I will have limited the other person to either my ability to encode the relationship, a finite enterprise at best given my memory, or to expectations I impose on the other for the future. My ability to experience my loved one is strongly influenced by my own limitations. Although I-Thou relationships can only exist in the present, the present is always with us, and the relationship brings with it a flavor of the infinite, an experience existing outside of time. Buber states that this relationship allows us a "glimpse into eternity." Amazing that we could do that for each other!
So, how can the I-Thou relationship affect our friendships or our love for others? I feel that the recognition that each person has an eternal, unlimited potential that can interact with our own potential has to elevate our connections. The I-Thou relationship may explain how we can love each other, sometimes in spite of short-term arguments or anger. Realizing that the person we love may delight or irritate us is an I-It experience, and Buber states that we are all capable of more. True, our daily interactions must take place in the time-space continuum and we can get immersed in arguments about whose turn it is to walk the dog or why we flirted at a party. Our relationship becomes astronomically more meaningful when we can still honor the infinite in our loved one. Perhaps we can feel that best when our heart speaks to the other wordlessly and we know that the other truly "gets" us in spite of petty issues. This infrequent but awesome transcendence may even make it possible for us to deal with each other through all of the stressors that will accompany us through our lives. As Buber wrote, "Without I-It, man cannot live. But he who lives with I-It alone is not a man."
Karen Glick is a clinical psychologist who lives outside of Philadelphia. Her novel, Questions in the Silence is available at Amazon.com. Follow Karen on her website - [http://www.bellalunavoicecompany.com]http://www.bellalunavoicecompany.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?One-Psychologists-Opinion:-Martin-Buber-Explained-Relationships&id=6663446] One Psychologist's Opinion: Martin Buber Explained Relationships
Monday, February 13, 2012
What Is in Tai Chi That's Good for You?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jasmine_Bu]Jasmine Bu
Silk Reeling in Chen Tai Chi
The chan si jin or Silk Reeling movements characteristic to Chen Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi) have evolved from the dynamics of the human form. In this, we can recall Leonardo Da Vinci's diagram of the Vitruvian man. Outstretched, our limbs mark out the dimensions of a circle. In the Chen style, we train our bodies to utilize the power of circularity. The upper arm moves in diagonal circles. At a more advanced level, we train our core to move in circles. As we become more familiar and gain more mastery over our bodies, we train until the circles get smaller and smaller. But that requires some explanation that is best explained separately.
As we exert our bodies to produce circular chan si jin movements, we massage the inner parts of our body with the rotations. This can be likened to the cycles of a washing machine. When we execute a left chan si, a right chan si, an upwards chan si, and a chan si downwards, there is a great deal of movement at our core. This routine can give rise to a great amount of heat being generated in the body within a very short time. As our body heats up, good cholesterol will be built up, fatty deposits will be dislodged and toxins carried away from the body through perspiration. We know that exercise makes us sweat out the toxins. Due to the constant internal activity that the body is put through, the body's metabolism is kept working at a healthy level. In turn, this may keep old age spots at bay.
Breathing and Salivation
The breathing skill in rel=nofollow Chen Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is known as the tu na breathing skill, or reverse breathing. When inhaling, the chest expands and the abdomen contracts. When exhaling, the chest contracts and the abdomen expands. This is actually how we breathe during sleep! In performing the Chen routines, we concentrate on our core or dantian. By training ourselves to breathe in tandem with each move, we will not pant or get breathless. This is the nice part of doing Tai Chi instead of an aerobic sport where you find yourself breathing very heavily as you get into your zone. As we keep up the practice, we take longer, deeper breaths. This becomes a good habit. Our lung capacity will increase and we will be able to take in more oxygen at any time.
Within minutes of concentrated practice, salivation should occur. This form of salivation is known as tuo ye or spiritual discharge and should be swallowed back into the stomach. Hence, as the practice continues, salivation should be frequent.
It is deemed that salivating promotes vitality and is beneficial to the complexion. The Japanese have been exploring how acupuncture can be applied to create salivation, and it has become a research trend for the beauty industry in Japan.
Flexibility and Balance
Silk Reeling practice builds flexibility. The twisting and spiralling motions require significant pivotal shifts in our limb joints. This results in a lot of movement there. So, whenever, we do silk reeling, we are, in effect, stretching and exercising the ligaments at the joints.
A long-term, diligent investment in Tai Chi improves the sense of physical balance. The basic requirement is an upright posture without any hunching or slouching. In a Tai Chi routine, we learn to adjust our feet in relation to how we shift our weight. This trains our bodies to find balance each time we move which is a valuable skill.
Practicing traditional Tai Chi with its tripartite requirement of focus, mindful movement and regulated breathing disciplines the mind. It has many important health benefits wrapped up inside a beautiful art.
It is never too late to start practicing now.
Jasmine Bu is the Chief Editor and Certified Instructor of The World of Taijiquan ( http://chen-taiji.com/), which she maintains with her husband. She is a holder of the Gold titles in traditional fist and swordplay and an ex-national team member of Singapore.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-in-Tai-Chi-Thats-Good-for-You?&id=6660494] What Is in Tai Chi That's Good for You?
Silk Reeling in Chen Tai Chi
The chan si jin or Silk Reeling movements characteristic to Chen Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi) have evolved from the dynamics of the human form. In this, we can recall Leonardo Da Vinci's diagram of the Vitruvian man. Outstretched, our limbs mark out the dimensions of a circle. In the Chen style, we train our bodies to utilize the power of circularity. The upper arm moves in diagonal circles. At a more advanced level, we train our core to move in circles. As we become more familiar and gain more mastery over our bodies, we train until the circles get smaller and smaller. But that requires some explanation that is best explained separately.
As we exert our bodies to produce circular chan si jin movements, we massage the inner parts of our body with the rotations. This can be likened to the cycles of a washing machine. When we execute a left chan si, a right chan si, an upwards chan si, and a chan si downwards, there is a great deal of movement at our core. This routine can give rise to a great amount of heat being generated in the body within a very short time. As our body heats up, good cholesterol will be built up, fatty deposits will be dislodged and toxins carried away from the body through perspiration. We know that exercise makes us sweat out the toxins. Due to the constant internal activity that the body is put through, the body's metabolism is kept working at a healthy level. In turn, this may keep old age spots at bay.
Breathing and Salivation
The breathing skill in rel=nofollow Chen Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is known as the tu na breathing skill, or reverse breathing. When inhaling, the chest expands and the abdomen contracts. When exhaling, the chest contracts and the abdomen expands. This is actually how we breathe during sleep! In performing the Chen routines, we concentrate on our core or dantian. By training ourselves to breathe in tandem with each move, we will not pant or get breathless. This is the nice part of doing Tai Chi instead of an aerobic sport where you find yourself breathing very heavily as you get into your zone. As we keep up the practice, we take longer, deeper breaths. This becomes a good habit. Our lung capacity will increase and we will be able to take in more oxygen at any time.
Within minutes of concentrated practice, salivation should occur. This form of salivation is known as tuo ye or spiritual discharge and should be swallowed back into the stomach. Hence, as the practice continues, salivation should be frequent.
It is deemed that salivating promotes vitality and is beneficial to the complexion. The Japanese have been exploring how acupuncture can be applied to create salivation, and it has become a research trend for the beauty industry in Japan.
Flexibility and Balance
Silk Reeling practice builds flexibility. The twisting and spiralling motions require significant pivotal shifts in our limb joints. This results in a lot of movement there. So, whenever, we do silk reeling, we are, in effect, stretching and exercising the ligaments at the joints.
A long-term, diligent investment in Tai Chi improves the sense of physical balance. The basic requirement is an upright posture without any hunching or slouching. In a Tai Chi routine, we learn to adjust our feet in relation to how we shift our weight. This trains our bodies to find balance each time we move which is a valuable skill.
Practicing traditional Tai Chi with its tripartite requirement of focus, mindful movement and regulated breathing disciplines the mind. It has many important health benefits wrapped up inside a beautiful art.
It is never too late to start practicing now.
Jasmine Bu is the Chief Editor and Certified Instructor of The World of Taijiquan ( http://chen-taiji.com/), which she maintains with her husband. She is a holder of the Gold titles in traditional fist and swordplay and an ex-national team member of Singapore.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-in-Tai-Chi-Thats-Good-for-You?&id=6660494] What Is in Tai Chi That's Good for You?
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