Living
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Tai Chi - The Gentle Exercise for Mind and Body
Slow, graceful, fluid movements which hardly seem to take any effort would be an apt description of Tai Chi, an ancient practice rooted in China. Tai Chi combines mental concentration with slow, controlled movements. It helps focus the mind and challenge the body. To put it simply, each posture in Tai Chi can be termed an exercise in balance, co-ordination, physical control and regulation of breathing. It exercises the mind and body through a series of postures that seem like a synchronized dance effort.
Benefits of Tai Chi
According to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, Tai Chi helps control Type 2 Diabetes. Other benefits are listed below:
- A clear and relaxed mind.
- Reduced stress and an improved ability to deal with difficult situations.
- Improved working of internal organs, better breathing, ability to sleep better at night.
- Improved stamina, strength and suppleness.
Learning Tai Chi
A good idea would be to start with Qi Gong exercises to learn the fundamentals of balance, weight shifting and breathing before moving on to postures. Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese medicine exercise involving breathing techniques, postures, and motions of the body.
If you can find a good tai chi instructor near your home, nothing like it. You can also learn Tai Chi at home using a good book, an online course or with a DVD. Just do a little bit of research to find the most suitable medium and get going.
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Winter Relief for your Skin and Body
Here are some tips to prevent the elements from wreaking havoc on your skin and body this winter.
- Moisturize from the inside out - Drink a lot of water at least 1.5 litres a day and avoid spicy foods, alcohol and coffee.
- Exfoliate - Dry skin means that basic moisturizers are penetrating. Good exfoliation can help get rid of dead skin.
- Use a Moisturiser - Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream to your body as soon as you finish your bath to lock in the moisture. Avoid long baths or showers because they remove the oil from your skin. Your hands are the most exposed to the elements; make sure you apply lotion to your hands a few times a day. Apply Chap Stick every two hours to lock in the moisture and prevent scaly lips.
- Don’t forget your hair - Less shampoo and more conditioner is the way to avoid your hair drying out and feeling stiff and straw like.
- Dress right - Choose natural fabrics such as cotton or skin to let the skin breathe. Avoid excessive exposure to sun and wind by keeping your body covered.
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