Health Guide

Body Movement

What is body movement?

Non-aerobic movement with controlled breathing can be practiced to reduce stress and anxiety, often associated with disease and illness. Two ancient oriental body movement techniques are:

• Tai Chi, an ancient form of martial art, is well-suited for the elderly or weakened. Based on Taoism, a Chinese belief system, the practice of Tai Chi includes slow, graceful movements and rhythmic breathing.
  
  Tai Chi helps to:

  • decrease blood pressure.

  • increase stamina, muscle tone, and flexibility.

  • improve posture, balance, muscle mass, and strength in older people.

• Yoga is an ancient posturing and breathing technique from India. Yoga means "union." Yoga also uses slow movement, in addition to meditation and breathing exercises to reach a state of relaxation.
  
  Yoga helps to:

  • reduce stress.

  • reduce pain associated with some chronic illnesses.

  • eliminate headaches and insomnia.

  • improve stamina for some athletes.

  • enhance quality of life for some cancer patients.