A proven, surefire way of combating stress and relaxing is offered through the practice of Tai chi techniques, yoga, meditation and other 'Eastern' alternative therapies. I have personally tried all of them to relieve stress and found the most noticeable results came from the Tai Chi techniques.
If your stress just doesn't seem to dissipate and you think you've tried everything possible, you should first try changing your lifestyle and get rid of some of the things causing the stress. With less stress, you will find it easier for your brain and body to relax. This is the goal of most eastern alternative treatments. Tai Chi is no exception. Tai Chi presents techniques that will promote relaxation and relieve stress, through the use of 'mind/body' therapy. Tai Chi techniques are perfect for people like me, who cannot stay in a seated position for long for meditation or yoga. 'Motion therapy', which, if done frequently, promotes activity and lessens your instances of illness. Tai Chi involves the entire body and thus may offer more health benefits than other eastern therapies and western-style exercises such as aerobics. I discovered, after I began performing Tai Chi many times weekly, that I can relax easier and let go of stress better. I have more flexibility and better physical fitness. The movements are quite slow and smooth, making Tai Chi an excellent solution for physical and mental exercise for persons young and old.
Tai Chi involves two techniques that help with relaxation and relieve stress. The foremost movement in Tai Chi is called 'pushing hand'. I thought this name would mean Tai Chi would be an exercise program for more mature people and I didn't think I would receive many benefits. But, right away, I could feel the results. Tai Chi is typically not performed as a form of martial arts in the USA, but rather as an exercise routine. "Pushing hands" promotes a mental focus on moving with opponents' energies and redirecting their force, with circular motions. I think Tai Chi is quite easy to learn and people young and old alike can gain benefit from practicing Tai Chi.
"Pushing hands" requires practicing 3 steps to use the Tai Chi techniques. The first uses a single hand movement. The second simply incorporates the use of both hands. The third step is the use of both hands and specific 'stepping movements'. It should be noted that the movements should be very gentle and smooth. This 'smoothness' allows for the participant to focus on the martial art of Tai Chi and be better prepared for how the style's defense techniques work. By understanding the techniques, you can better control your inner chi at the correct moment in both the form and in self-defense, making your technique stronger and more controlled.
I have never utilized my Tai Chi training for fighting or self-defense in the many years I have been practicing, but these valuable techniques have shown a substantial effect on how I relax and deal with stress.
