Acupuncture & Wellness Updates

As the world’s population ages, exercise has become increasingly important as a tool to prevent and manage the chronic illnesses that are affecting larger portions of society. Tai Chi (also known as Shadow Boxing) has evolved from its original ancient Chinese form of self-defense to a modern-day, gentle form of exercise and stretching.

It is often referred to as “meditation in motion” requiring concentration and accompanied by deep breathing. It consists of graceful, flowing movements and postures that transition smoothly into each other without pause.

About Tai Chi

Tai Chi is grounded in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism. This philosophy emphasizes the natural balance in all things and encourages spiritual and physical harmony with nature. It surrounds the relationship of perpetual balance between the two opposing but complementary elements of yin and yang. The effectiveness of the Tai Chi exercises is believed to lie in the perfect balance between yin and yang.

There are varying styles of Tai Chi based on its different principles and methods. While some styles focus on the healthful aspects, others are more concerned with the traditional martial arts aspects of Tai Chi.

Benefits of Tai Chi

• It is considered safe for all fitness levels and ages, due to the fact that it is low impact with minimal stress on muscles and joints.
• Taichi has been shown to reduce joint pain.
• Taichi requires no specialized equipment and is therefore an inexpensive form of exercise.
• It may be done anywhere and at any time, whether alone or as part of a group.
• Tai Chi improves your mood and helps to a decrease anxiety, depression and stress.
• A regular practice of Tai Chi movements improves muscle definition and strength with consequent increases in stamina and energy.
• Persons who practice this form of exercise experience improvements in their agility, balance and flexibility.
• Taichi is shown to increase aerobic capacity of the maximum amount of oxygen the body is able to use during physical activity.
• It is believed that Tai Chi can contribute to a better quality of sleep, leaving practitioners feeling more rested and rejuvenated.
• Taichi has been said to help lower blood pressure and as such aids overall heart health.
• The immune system is boosted by the practice of Tai Chi, making those who practice it benefit from greater general wellness.

Tai Chi is practiced worldwide by as many as 300 million people. It is considered as an effective approach to maintaining health and improving the quality of daily life.

The Christmas season often involves reconnecting with family and friends over high-fat, high-calorie goodies, leaving you feeling guilty once the season ends.

You can enjoy the time spent with loved ones without sabotaging your health goals. It takes conscious effort and some self-control, but you’ll be glad when the holidays are over that you got through the festivities without kicking your diet to the curb.

1. Don’t think that you are saving calories when you skip breakfast. It helps to keep hunger at bay and reduces the chance of over indulging in high-calorie snacks between meals.

2. Don’t skip meals to compensate for over indulgence the night before. Getting back on track with your healthy eating plans is vital to ensure you get the nutrients your body needs throughout the

3. Offer to bring a scrumptious salad or vegetable side dish to the festivities. That way, you know there will be something healthy and diet friendly on the table.

4. Take along a healthy, easy-to-carry snack to munch on between the main meals. (An orange, a banana or a bag of nuts will do).

5. Join in the conversation and socialize as you eat – it will slow down your consumption and give your body enough time to signal when it is full.

6. Choose lean meat (turkey or ham) and vegetables before the fatty and sugary options. Leave those for seconds when you’re already partially full and less likely to overdo it.

7. Prevent spikes in your blood sugar level by having a healthy snack or small meal every three to four hours, instead of eating a single large meal.

8. Have antioxidant rich green tea with your dessert (or in place of it). It’s good for you and fills you up so you are less likely to take that second slice of pie.

9. Choose red wine for the great phytochemicals they contain or carbonated water with a slice of lime and a few mint leaves, instead of sugary cocktails loaded with calories.

10. If you consume alcohol, ensure you eat regular meals to help your body better cope with its effects. Also, alternate your alcoholic beverage with a non-alcoholic one to lessen your intake.

11. Socialize away from the buffet table, so you are less likely to become a victim of recreational eating.

12. Fit physical activity into your days to use up some of the extra calories you’re consuming. This can be an exercise routine, a leisurely walk or playing with the children.

Conclusion

Moderation is the key to enjoying the happy holidays – so go ahead and try the not-so-healthy stuff on the table– just don’t get stuffed.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” –Steve Jobs

In this article we will apply the Apple founder’s words, to the thing we each desire most in life – success.

 “… don’t waste (time) living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.”

Do not try to copy someone else’s success story, since what they have achieved or hope to achieve defines them not you. The best approach for you to take is finding motivation in the philosophies, behaviors and attitudes of people you think of as successful. Identifying your personal success goal is crucial to achieving it, realizing you have attained it, and enjoying it.

Take an honest look at your life and where you want it to go. Determine what ultimate success means to you and how you can go about reaching it. You may need to break it down into smaller achievements to help you envision its attainment. Write it down!  Seeing your desired success goal on paper makes it more tangible, taking the idea out of your head and setting its actualization into motion. But, it is not cast in stone. Expect and accept that you will need to tweak it here and there as time and experiences pass by. Many successful people note that when they review their successes, it is the journey to success that they treasure most.

 “Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

This is not suggesting that you should shut out the world and ignore the input of others. On the contrary, you must share your desired success goal with those around as they can provide valuable encouragement and help you to remain focused. You must have the presence of mind to weigh their suggestions and discard those that do not mesh with what you are hoping to achieve and how you wish to achieve it. Do not ignore your inner voice reminding you of what you have set out to achieve. Ultimately, your success depends on how strongly you believe in it.

Conclusion

You cannot follow someone else to your success, but at the same time the road to success is best traveled in the company of a strong supportive group of family and friends. Welcome the support they offer but be confident in the choices you have made.