| Feature Article Better Health & Well Being
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
According to traditional Chinese medicine, good health is the
result of the unrestricted flow of chi (intrinsic energy). Illness is caused by inhibited
or unbalanced flow of chi. Chi is a subtle energy not usually detected unless one has
engaged in specific practices, such as Tai Chi or Chi Kung. Practitioners of these arts
usually describe the sensation of chi as a tingly feeling, associated with warmth, inner
peace, increased salivation and deep, smooth and fine breathing.
One of the most effective means to improve health is regular,
appropriate exercise. What form of exercise is most beneficial for the mind and body? One
that:
- trains the joints and sinews,
- strengthen the internal organs,
- promotes the circulation of blood and chi,
- calms the mind, and
- regulates the nervous system so that it functions at its
optimum level.
The slow, smooth and circular move ments
of Tai Chi improve the circulation of blood and chi throughout the body.
This helps to eliminate toxins from the body. The presence of toxins in
the body leads to a dramatic reduction in one’s energy level. Poor
circulation is similar to a pool of water, which when cut off from the
main flow, soon becomes stagnant.
Practising regularly changes the body as it
adapts to the demands of the exercise. With appropriate, frequent exercise, you will
become stronger and healthier. This is the best way to improve and maintain your health so
that you will not need to rely on health professionals in the long term. A truly self-care
system!
Another important element for good health
is diet. Eat smaller meals. Avoid over-indulging. Eat more vegetables
and fish, less meat and dairy products. Learn to eat according to your
need, not your desire. The dietary intake of one who does hard, manual
work will naturally be
different from one who does office work, mainly at a desk. Be aware of your eating habits. Do you eat only when
you are hungry? Or, do you eat for comfort during times of stress? One word which sums up
a good diet is balance. Learn to avoid being obsessed with one type of food, such as,
sugar in its many disguised forms. For example, if you are used to eating chocolate
everyday, your body is conditioned to crave it and will present withdrawal symptoms, if it
is not available. When you are able to balance your food intake, you will find the
cravings disappear slowly. However, your body will not adjust if you substitute chocolate
with another form of sugar.
One of the most important ingredients to
good health is attitude. Be optimistic. Apply the philosophy of
Yin Yang so that you learn to be more flexible in your dealings with
others. Examine your needs and desires. Sometimes you may find yourself
moving in the opposite direction of your goal. Are you giving yourself
the time you deserve for your own personal development or are you just
busy, meeting everyone’s demands and expectations?
Health cannot be separated from lifestyle. This includes the
way you eat, exercise, live and how you care for yourself and others, emotionally. All of
these have some bearing on your state of health. When you are able to see that health is
more than just diet or exercise, you will begin to adopt a wholistic approach to your
well-being.
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