A Little Gem on how Tai Chi works to effect the relaxation response

by Lynne Byrne
(Trafalgar, Victoria)

I wrote a previous article on ' My Little Gems of thought' on Tai Chi. I would like to share my experiences when putting just three of these little gems into practice.

"Tai chi integrates the mind, body and emotions" -- The first thing I noticed when practicing the various movements was the gradual relaxation of the stiffness in my body, the therapeutic effect of the slow movements, was followed by a calmness that then seemed to flow from my head to my toes as my enhanced concentration took in the relaxation of my physical body. My contentment in this feeling of relaxation was my affimation that I had discovered a true path, to better health.

The second 'little gem', I wanted to share was that -- "proper breath techniques are the most powerful tool". With the correct abdominal breathing the physical benefits are many. By tensing and relaxing the abdominal muscles, the pressure is alternately high then low. This not only makes the blood flow within your abdominal cavity flow more smoothly, but it also improves the blood circulation of all other organs, especially the liver and spleen, the blood reservoirs of the body. Other organs located near the diaphram and also effected by the rise and fall include the heart, the lungs, the kidneys, the stomach, the small and large intestine, the gall bladder, bladder and so on.

So that leads to our third 'little gem', which of course proves that "Tai Chi provides an acupressure treatment and organ massage, while promoting circulation and centeredness". As the movement of limbs and body in Tai Chi enhances the massaging effect abdominal breathing has on these, some of the most important organs for life thus ensuring circulation and centeredness. I hope you enjoy the sharing of these experiences helpful!