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EXERCISE-RELATED TREATMENTS: TAI CHI AND BODY WORK
Tai Chi
If you see a group of people engaged in graceful, slow, controlled movements, you\'re probably observing a tai chi class, an ancient exercise program that has been called \"moving meditation.\" Today\'s tai chi classes are full of young and old alike who are trying to improve balance, fitness, and bodily control. Programs in tai chi have been reported to improve balance and reduce falls among the elderly and to lower blood pressure among the chronically ill. This low-impact exercise, which involves a series of slow movements or forms, allows even those who are not fit to participate. Surprisingly, tai chi provides participants with a vigorous workout without appearing to do so. Virtually any ambulatory person can get involved. The only exception is someone who has problems with the knee or ankle.
Body Work
Body work actually consists of several different forms of exercise. Feldenkrais work is a system of movements, floor exercises, and body work designed to retrain the central nervous system to help it find new pathways around areas of blockage or damage. It is gentle and effective in rehabilitating trauma victims. Rolfing is a more invasive form of body work, aimed at restructuring the musculoskeletal system by working on patterns of tension held in deep tissue. The therapist applies firm pressure to different areas of the body, and this pressure may be painful. Rolfing can release repressed emotions as well as dissipate muscle tension. Shiatsu is a traditional healing art from Japan that makes use of firm finger pressure applied to specified points on the body and is intended to increase the circulation of vital energy. The client lies on the floor, with the therapist seated alongside. Trager work is one of the least invasive forms of body work, using gentle rocking and bouncing motions to induce states of deep, pleasant relaxation.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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