TAI CHI

For Lowering Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Practicing Tai Chi has long been associated with reducing stress, anxiety, depression and anger, and for enhancing mood and self-esteem, as reported by Dr. Wang, Associate Professor, from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.

Due to recent advances in both science and medicine we now have proof that the mind is connected to the body and the body to the mind. When we experience joyful moments we feel as though we are “walking on air”, or if stressed we experience “pits in our stomach”. It is important for our well-being to be more aware of being in equilibrium. This is achieved by being present and calm with more moments of feeling connected and grounded as opposed to feeling scattered and fragmented.

Stress plays a dominant role in human disease as the effects of mental stress are insidious and affect the entire structure and function of the brain and body. And, as we age we have a harder time coping with stress, which progressively leads to a decrease in our ability to adapt to both mental and physical stresses.

When we are in a state of anxiety or stress it creates unnecessary tension in our muscles, which Tai Chi is known to release. Tai Chi also increases our awareness of the “here-and-now” giving us the ability to notice that a stress response has occurred and how to reverse homeostasis quickly and effectively.

Homeostasis is an ideal state of equilibrium, in which all body systems are working and interacting to fulfill all the needs of our body. When homeostasis is interrupted by a response to a stressful situation, the body attempts to restore equilibrium by adjusting one or more physiological processes. One of these mechanisms includes the activation of the adrenals to produce cortisol, which Tai Chi has been shown to lower. However, when our adrenal glands have to chronically sustain high cortisol levels, because of constant daily stress, they eventually become fatigued. Dysfunction of the adrenal glands affects the production of cortisol and impairs the adrenals’ ability to produce and balance hormones like DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

The philosophy of Tai Chi is one of happiness and serenity achieved by moving and acting in harmony with nature and life’s circumstances, by avoiding anxiety and emotions that deplete Chi or the balance of the body, and by improving our ability to transform a negative outlook or thought into a positive optimistic one.