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.
