Tai Chi and Yoga are ancient mind-body practices that emanate from different countries. Both seek harmony of mind, body and spirit to release stress and anxiety from our daily work, worries and even the wearing down of the body and mind through the aging process.
Both Tai Chi and Yoga are forms of mind, body, spirit exercise. Tai Chi is also described as a martial arts practice because some of its movements can be used for self-defense and combat. Those same martial arts movements are used in slow motion to stretch muscles, align bone structure and enhance breathing practices. Slow movements with knees bent develop strong muscles, flexibility, balance, together with deep breathing rhythm promotes and sustains good physical and mental health.
Yoga is not known as a martial art. However, it also focuses on meditation and breathing while stretching and holding poses. When comparing Yoga and Tai Chi, it is easy to say that Tai Chi is movement and Yoga is stretching and holding poses. However, when looked at more closely, you’ll find that Tai Chi incorporates many holding positions to engage muscles, especially when working on the eight vessels, to generate and store energy throughout the body. On the other hand, Yoga also includes slow movements from one pose to the next. A good example is the “yoga flow” where you move from one pose to another in a deliberate way, inhaling and exhaling while holding poses for a few seconds and moving into the next pose.
As a certified instructor of Chair Yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi, I encourage my students to do both practices for their whole well-being—physical, mental, spiritual, emotional. These ancient practices do not require you to be in top physical condition. Rather, it will help any person, any age, to find an equilibrium in life—a balance of good health to enjoy life as long as you want. My only caution is to listen to your body and do only what you are able to do at the moment. Gradually increase your movement, range of stretches and holding poses. If you exercise daily, you’ll recognize the growth spurts of your strength and flexibility. Do enough exercises daily and you’ll see your body grow stronger, your attitude and patience improve, you’ll stand taller, and you’ll know what your body needs just by how you feel.
When you are practicing Tai Chi and Yoga, focus first on your breathing and move in slow, deliberate, intentional motions moving from one pose or stance to another. Picture in your mind the movement of energy flowing through your body. Visualization will be discussed more as we practice.
Tai Chi and Yoga are very popular today because we are seeking health, relaxation and balance in our lives.
Congratulations on stepping up for yourself! Join the party!
Journey Around the Sun~~the Five Elements 