Many people today are searching for new ways to achieve physical and mental fitness, and they’re increasingly turning to two practices from ancient Asian cultures, according to Body & Brain teachers of yoga and tai chi.
Yoga and tai chi help to connect the mind and body into one and include various techniques in addition to stretching and poses, such as meditation and controlled breathing. Each practice offers a unique way to achieve holistic fitness and overall well-being.
Below is a further explanation of where the practices of yoga and tai chi originated and how beneficial they can be.
Yoga
Yoga is a practice that was first created in ancient India. It is a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses three main areas — meditation, breath control, and physical postures. In this way, its goal is to achieve complete harmony between mind, body, and spirit.
By practicing yoga, people can gain flexibility and strength as physical activity forces the body to work multiple muscle groups.
In the same vein, the physical aspects of yoga can result in improved body alignment and posture. This can reduce the potential risk of developing musculoskeletal problems.
From a mindfulness standpoint, yoga is proven to reduce stress and, as a result, improve mental clarity. A constant focus on the breath is central to yoga, which helps you stamp out the noise and bring awareness back to what really matters.
All of this can feel like a very spiritual experience, as you’re forced to focus inward. A great part about yoga is that a program can be created for beginners and experts alike.
Tai Chi
Tai chi, meanwhile, originated in ancient China. Much like yoga, it harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit and can be thought of as a moving meditation.
The practice is rooted in Taoism and an awareness of Qi, also known as vital energy, which flows through your body. The practice emphasizes body movements that are slow and flowing, combining those with deep breathing exercises and focusing on mental clarity.
In many ways, the benefits of tai chi are similar to those of yoga.
Since it’s a low-impact exercise, it can be a great physical activity for many people — regardless of age, fitness level, or potential ailments.
The exercise engages your body’s joints and muscles in a gentle way, allowing you to enhance stability and gain flexibility. This benefits older adults particularly well since it helps them to lower their fall risk.
From a mindfulness standpoint, tai chi is great at reducing stress. Thanks to its focus on meditation, doing tai chi can result in you achieving a calmer mind, which can promote relaxation and inner peace while reducing stress.
Body & Brain also says tai chi focuses heavily on connecting the mind and body. Those who do the exercise are encouraged to increase their body awareness while engaging in mindful practices.
Those who are looking to improve their physical and mental well-being from a holistic standpoint would do well to consider trying tai chi and/or yoga.
About Body and Brain
Body & Brain offers yoga, tai chi, and a wide variety of mind-body practices online and in-studio for holistic fitness and energy healing. Founder Ilchi Lee began sharing his transformative principles with a single stroke patient forty years ago. His audience grew, and his principles became known as Brain Education. Today, this curriculum is practiced in 80 Body & Brain locations nationwide and several countries worldwide.
