A bit more about me,I have had two spinal fusions to my lower back, as well as a cradle placed in my neck C4 and C5 immobilization. If you have follow my hubs, you will have read about what I know think of as part 1 of my Hernia repair. In which it describes what caused me to lose what was then a month of my life. Part 2 as yet unwritten, will then detail what transpired as that the entire past winter was lost. As I was either in hospital, for another two surgical procedures, or was walking around with abdomen stapled up as well as post op drains.

So I have to now be extra careful of weight control as well as to maintain some sort of core strength, having a major disadvantage of a hernia in my abdomen.

I now need to resort to some form of diet as well exercise that I can practice daily at home. Being a one car family I do not always have the immidiate access to transport so that Ican go off to gym.

Going back on the various forms of exercises, their Tshirts adorn the hangers in the cupboards, and only one of the many, now would actually fit.

It is very low impact, strengthens the core and has a very wide range of other benafical spinoffs.

Tai Chi

Overview

We can start of by saying that, I am sure no matter where you live you have seen, either live in any of the surrounding parks, or on television, that slow moving flow of a fairly large group involved in their early-morning or late afternoon regime or can also be thought of as a performance of what looks like slow motion dance of sorts. This is called Tai Chi, and they are doing their Yang, or for those that know karate would call their kata.

If you look closely you will observe that the group contains all age groups and levels of fitness.

What is Tai Chi?

A bit of its history

It is a Chinese form of martial arts that originated in the 12^th century in China; it was originally a form of Martial Art that had its derivative in 12^th Century from the therapeutic exercises that were commonly used in Chinese medicinal practices, many centuries before that. The most common form of Martial Arts was called Tai Chi Ch'uan. There are others like Yang which concentrates on the medicinal side of its practice. There is elements of Martial Arts within the forms, it is interpretation and how you process the Chi that changes it from one to the other..

Tai Chi, is also sometimes referred to as ‘moving meditation', as this helps you reach a state of inner calm, although still providing the mind with focus or interest and the physical body being in constant movement for the entire period it takes to complete the form.

How does this help you?

Your body is has a network of both energy channels and meridians which flow throughout the body, although these were mapped out centauries ago they are still being used by masseurs, acupuncturist and healers today.

These systems are stimulated by the various body movement within each form during Tai Chi practise.

What are the benefits of Tai Chi?

1^st Stages, in the very beginning:-

• Improved sense of balance
• Improved posture
• Increased self confidence
• Improved general fitness
• Improved resistance to colds and flu
• Improved suppleness
• Improved focus

The spin-offs in your daily life:-

• Improved creativity
• Increased awareness and sensitivity
• Speedier recovery from illness and injuries
• Increased mental energy
• Improved Stress and Anger management
• Improved reflexes
• Improved memory retention

How does that come about?

• Slow and gentile relaxed movement
• Calm regular breathing
• Stimulates muscle tone
• Stimulates circulation
• Stimulates the lymphatic system
• Strengthens immunity to common ailments
• Promotes relaxation
• Encourages mental clarity, self confidence
• Develops an inner calm

2^nd Stage, as you progress about a month from start

• Provides gentle aerobic exercise
• Releases physical tension
• Tones the muscles of the legs, waist and buttocks
• Strengthens immune system
• Relaxes you helps you stay calm
• Assists your lymphatic system to function correctly
• Assists in the efficient functioning of the heart, lungs and digestive system, improves efficency
• Assists in the control of osteoporosis

Why would it work?

• This provides a daily exercise regime that is enjoyable
• Increases the bodies intake of oxygen which assists in the burning up of calories
• Assists in improving your posture which makes you stand and walk correctly making you look good
• Stimulates the circulation of lymph fluid, reducing the build up of fat and cellulite
• Assists in improved function of bladder and bowels

Final note

For any of those of you that practise any form of holistic healing or massage or any other hands on therapies will be amazed at how more sensitive you are to the patients needs.

Care should be taken and the following needs to be adhered to:-

• 1. Consult your health care professional for advise on any chosen exercise
• 2. Choose a reputable instructor for whatever you do
• 3. MOST IMPORTANT make him aware of your medical problem, if he/she is a good instructor they will be able to advise and guide you correctly

As an anecdote:-

I was training under a Chinese Doctor who was giving us our training sessions on a Tuesday evening. One of our fellow learners, a white male, owned a gym as well as a dojo in the eastern suburbs.

What he was doing was then teaching what was taught to him, to his pupils.

What I am saying learn from a master who cam support and guide you.

By all means use any of the books or DVD's to assist you and help you decide on your path, but try and join up with a school.