Tai chi
The relaxation response elicited by tai chi generates an integrated hypothalamic response, the pause cortical-thalamic leading to a decrease in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and relaxes skeletal muscles, lowers blood pressure, respiration, and pupil constriction
Tai chi as a strategy for stress management.
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Tai Chi Chuan, meaning “supreme ultimate boxing,” originated in China
about 300 years ago as a martial art based on the Taoist philosophical principles
of Yin and Yang.
A study by Slater and Hunt(1997)indicated that a shot period of tai chi training resulte in a reduction un nightmares among collage students and the control group
Tai chi is a vehicle for meditation and spiritual well-being Tai chi is based on 5 basic principles: relaxation, separation of yin and yang, turning the waist, keeping the back straight and total body commitment.
The art of Tai Chi rests on five basic principles:
Relaxation,Separating Yin and Yang,Turning the waist, Keeping the back erect and Total body involvement
Benefits: Relief of muscle tension, reduction of anxiety, stress and pain, greater balance, self-awareness and strength
Szabo, Mesko, Caputo, and Gill (1999) compared post-exercise affect after sessions of aerobic dance, weight training, martial arts, Tai-Chi and yoga, andas a control, music appreciation.
Mack (1980) proposes that Tai Chi is a stress management strategy. The choice of Tai Chi was based mainly on its nature meditative; Meditation is believed to reduce anxiety, hypertension and blood pressure, fear and anger.
Channer, Barrow, Barrow, Osborne, and Ives (1996) studied changes ihemodynamic parameters following Tai Chi Chuan and aerobic exercise in patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction.
Jin
Jin conducted a study (1991) that compared four different methods for stress reduction: brisk walking, meditation, reading, and Tai Chi, and like another study.
Jin (1989) was interested in determining the effects of Tai Chi practice on heart rate, norepinephrine, cortisol and mood.
Tai chi
Tai Chi practitioners claim that Tai Chi should be practiced in a conscious way and learn the philosophy behind movements to deal with stress effectively.
Tai chi is a stress management strategy mainly due to its meditative nature because it also reduces anxiety, hypertension, blood pressure, fear and anger.
The dynamics of Tai Chi emphasize movement in graceful patterns.
Tai chi combines exercise, yoga techniques and relaxation
Tai chi is a buffer against arthritis, faulty metabolism, and other diseases.