Body Movement
Non-aerobic movement with controlled breathing can be practiced to reduce stress and anxiety, often associated with disease and illness. Two ancient oriental body movement techniques are:
- Tai Chi, an ancient form of martial art, is well-suited for the elderly or weakened. Based on Taoism, a Chinese belief system, the practice of Tai Chi includes slow, graceful movements and rhythmic breathing.
Tai Chi helps to:
- decrease blood pressure.
- increase stamina, muscle tone, and flexibility.
- improve posture, balance, muscle mass, and strength in older people.
- Yoga is an ancient posturing and breathing technique from India. Yoga means "union." Yoga also uses slow movement, in addition to meditation and breathing exercises to reach a state of relaxation.
Yoga helps to:
- reduce stress.
- reduce pain associated with some chronic illnesses.
- eliminate headaches and insomnia.
- improve stamina for some athletes.
- enhance quality of life for some cancer patients.
Click here to view the
Online Resources of Complementary & Alternative Medicine
© 2007 Montefiore Medical Center
