Research And Discuss The Effects Of Tai Chi On Stress (Essay Sample)

Tai Chi and Stress
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Tai Chi and Stress
Tai Chi was originally introduced for self-defense but off late it has evolved into a mode of stress reduction and also other mental conditions. It is an uncompetitive system of gentle stretching and physical exercise that involves a couple of moves executed in a slow manner that go hand in hand with deep breathing. Tai chi has a number of styles, each explaining different Tai chi methods, and principles. In this paper, I will discuss the effects of Tai chi on stress.
Generally, exercise is scheduled repetitive physical action whose main objective is to achieve improved health and also proper body functioning. Exercise has both physical and psychological effects. Physical effects are such as strength, and flexibility. Some psychological effects include better sleep, lower stress levels, and positivity. Tai Chi as an exercise has been found to increase the feeling of well-being and also boost self-confidence in individuals (2000). This has made it a key tool used by therapists.
Tai chi is a form of exercise that involves movement in meditation and comprises of several coordination workouts that associate movement with body alertness, breathing with movement and also breathing with the realization of energy. It stimulates the secretion of chemical compounds that promote internal balance, body relaxation, and peace of the mind, quietness and the joy of life (Sandlund & Norlander, 2000). This is one of the key ways tai chi helps to reduce stress levels in individuals.
Tai chi is also said to boost self-esteem, is a very vital requirement for the growth of any human-being since it includes nurturing of affirmative acceptance and assessment of oneself and turns out to be a preserving aspect for psychological healthiness. Low self-assurance can be a threat to mental health. By boosting self-esteem, Tai Chi keeps an individual at a lower risk of acquiring stress-related diseases such as premature aging and loss of memory.
Additionally, Tai Chi employs a number of deep breathing techniques to relax the mind. It emphasizes on abdominal breathing since it is the most natural way. This technique has been found out to be very effective in reducing high blood pressure and anxiety ("Diaphragmatic Breathing", 2018). It also helps the body to extract waste products such as carbon dioxide.
In old people, psychological stress and loneliness are connected to the increased levels of NF-kB, a protein that controls the manufacture of numerous inflammatory cytokines and is caused by stress activation of the nervous system. Tai Chi reduces the markers of inflammation and hinders the activation of the genes containing the NF-kB elements (Sandlund & Norlander, 2000). As a result, the psychological stress is reduced. Tai Chi is also a group activity with a strict no phone policy. The aged get a chance to bond with one another hence eliminating loneliness and isolation, a key cause of stress.
Tai chi also reduces stress by enhancing physical relaxation. The odd exercises of tai chi twist and rotate the ligaments and joints releasing the accumulated tension in the body. It a...