Tai Chi & Yoga Open Door to Wellness
Published in The Cape Gazette
Some seniors in Sussex County are re-defining what it means to be “Senior” by choosing age-defying Mind/Body activities such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Yoga. These baby boomers are a generation of innovators, creators and agents of social change. Rock & Roll, Civil Rights, Women’s rights, Bay and Wildlife conservation and the Peace Movement of the 60’s and 70’s are only a few landmark achievements of this group.
At present, local members of this generation find themselves re-defining retirement living and healthy aging. With undaunting enthusiasm, some pioneers of our senior population are exploring the depth of Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Classical Hatha Yoga in order to stay healthy, to maintain vitality and to reverse some of the most common problems of aging.
While these Eastern Arts and Sciences have some common threads, they are distinct practices. For example, Tai Chi is considered to be an internal martial art, often referred to as shadow boxing because one rarely has a partner or opponent. Qi Gong refers to a variety of medical and non-medical practices and movements designed to cultivate and circulate Qi. (Pronounced "chee") Chi is defined as the vital force that animates all of life. Yoga practitioners refer to this same life force as prana.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong are associated with slow, fluid movements that are coordinated with the breath: while Yoga is most commonly associated with particular postures which are held for some length of time. In all of these practices regulation of breath is essential. Each practice places high value on the relaxation response to help the body heal and renew itself.
The movements and meditation practices of Tai Chi and Qi Gong are based on ancient Chinese philosophy purported to promote mental and physical health, vitality and over-all well being. There have been many studies which show the benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong to :
- Improve balance and reduce falls
- Relieve pain and stiffness
- Relieve stress and improve concentration
- Improve strength and balance
- Improve posture
- Improve heart and lung function
- And integrate body and mind.
Traditionally, Qi Gong and Tai Chi practice include four major components
- Body posture and gentle movements
- Meditation and relaxation
- Breath regulation
- Stimulation of chi or vital force
Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are ancient healing modalities that are being revitalized for the needs of the 21st century. Regarded by millions in Asia and Korea as both prevention and cure for disease, these practices are low cost, effective and enjoyable.
“Untill I started Tai Chi, I didn’t believe I could learn to relax. After about three months, I have found myself beginning to fall asleep in class – standing up – that is! Tai Chi has helped my balance, breathing, lower back and shoulder problems. I feel this is a prelude to longevity for my slightly older body.’ --- Carolyn
Some seniors who are faced with the challenges of Cancer or caring for someone with cancer find Tai Chi, Qi Gong to help them remain strong, focused, and as relaxed and positive as possible.
“Throughout my treatment I have always had high blood pressure. Now it is low. I believe it is the Yoga . In fact, I try to schedule my treatments around my Yoga class because I don’t want to miss it.” --- Tootsie
Classical Hatha Yoga is also referred to as The Yoga of Patanjali. It is a Body/Mind and Spiritual approach to health. Yoga classes vary widely in their range from extreme athleticism to gentle restorative. While active seniors can enjoy a vigorous practice, many people who have back and neck injuries, osteoporosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes or cancer (to name a few) will benefit most from a more therapeutic approach. Many studies have found that therapeutic application of yoga practices can enhance respiratory function and balance, stretch and tone muscles, joints and bones, increase mental and physical flexibility, increase energy and reduce stress.
No matter what class you might be interested in, make sure that your teachers are certified and licensed in their respective fields. It is important to have a personal and friendly relationship with your teacher. Make sure your physician supports your decision to try one of these practices and: be prepared to make a commitment to take care of yourself in a new way. The benefits are amazing; but these health wise and enjoyable ancient practices take time.
As our population of seniors paves the way for new understanding of healthy, happy aging, we can learn a lot from their enthusiasm, courage, and willingness to enter new frontiers.
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For more information; Contact Susan Hamadock, Director of Programs and Teacher Training
Silver Lotus Training Institute@ Quakertown Integrative Health Care.
(302) 644 0130
