| Do people who follow Eastern philosophies know | | | | every day doing their exercise routines in sort of |
| better than those of us who don't? If so, what is | | | | a choreographed dance. It is supposed to fuse |
| it that they know? Yoga and Tai Chi aren't just a | | | | the Yin and Yang. Many of the martial art |
| type of exercise, they are a life style. I would | | | | postures are combined with the "pushing hands" |
| suggest that before you start one of these | | | | movement we have all seen in Tai Chi |
| regimes that you have a physical at your family | | | | demonstrations. Tai Chi is a part of the Wudang |
| doctor's. This is just to make certain that you are | | | | martial arts group. Many people follow TC who |
| physically fit. It also gives you a starting point | | | | have absolutely no interest in martial arts. |
| from which to work. | | | | TC is accepted as an adjunct in Chinese medicine. |
| Yoga and Tai Chi (TC) can be learned through | | | | Aspects of Chinese medicine are taught to |
| DVD's, television programs or through hands-on | | | | advanced Tai Chi masters. Tai Chi incorporates |
| classes. I would suggest that you try the classes | | | | the use of leverage to ease the pressure on |
| first because you will have an instructor on hand | | | | joints. Tai Chi also encourages using softness to |
| to assist you in your technique. The instructor can | | | | meet hardness in life. They are taught to meet |
| also teach you how the body movements will | | | | the yin with yang. |
| assist in your mental and physical health and well | | | | Lao Tzu said that the "soft and pliable will defeat |
| being. Yoga originated in India. The name means | | | | the harsh and intractable". Those schooled in Tai |
| to unite and the movements unite body and mind. | | | | Chi are sensitive to the movements of their |
| Yoga is also a method of meditation. Many of | | | | opponents and can react to them. Modern Tai Chi |
| these methods pre date Buddha. | | | | emphasizes health. Classes are held in hospitals, |
| Yoga can be challenging for plus-sized people but it | | | | schools, nursing centers, senior centers and |
| is an excellent way for them to exercise. Yoga | | | | community centers. |
| gives a body extended flexibility. It is an exercise | | | | Medical professionals have found that TC is |
| especially good for people with arthritis because it | | | | beneficial in recovering from stroke, heart attack |
| not only increases flexibility, it also increases joint | | | | and is good in treatment of Parkinson's, multiple |
| lubrication. Yoga also completes the detoxification | | | | sclerosis and arthritis. There is speculation that it |
| of the body and tones muscles. Because yoga is | | | | also benefits people with diabetes. Studies made |
| a lifestyle, it is considered a combination of | | | | recently have shown some benefit in ADHD |
| breathing exercises, physical work outs, and | | | | treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic the |
| meditation which are done on a daily basis. | | | | movements of TC reduce stress. It is |
| Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art as well as a | | | | non-competitive and self paced. It can be done in |
| training form for longevity and health. TC is best | | | | groups or alone. |
| known for the pictures of many Chinese in parks | | | | |