Exercise #131 – Oxygenate to Reduce Stress and Improve Your Health, Part 9


  

Welcome to Healing T’ai Chi

…the award-winning blog of Tai Chi and Qigong seated exercises to balance mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and levesl of fitness.

(sponsored by the Exercise Equipment Super Store and the Healing Tai Chi Store)

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“The soft and weak overcomes the tough and strong
Fish cannot leave the depths
The sharp instruments of the state
Cannot be shown to the people.”
Tao Te Ching, #36:2, translated at www.Taoism.net

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The following exercise is from the wonderful book by Michael Reed Gach, Acupressure’s Potent Points.  The purpose of the exercise is to reveal the symptoms of depression.  However, it is also a great exercise for breath control and stretching.  Whatever your reason for using this exercise on a regular basis, know that it is effective for both depression and improved breathing.

 

Letting go of depression:

  1. Sit comfortably with yoru feet shoulder-width apart, feet flat on the floor.  Tuck your hips under you slightly so that your back is fully supported by the back of the chair.
  2. Reach up toward the ceiling with both hands as you take a slow breath inward.
  3. Hold your breath as you squeeze your hands into fists and tighten the muscles of your arms.
  4. Slowly exhale, keeping your arm muscles tensed as you bring your arms back down in front of your chest.
  5. Repeat the breath in and muscle tightening 3 times.
  6. Now cross your arms in front of the upper part of your chest touching the the upper outside area of your chest with your fingers.
  7. Lower your chin toward your chest as you take four short breaths in a row without exhaling.  Expand your lungs and rib cage on the last breath as much as is comfortable for you.
  8. Hold your breath for a few seconds (again, as long as you can comfortably do so).
  9. Exhale slowly as you bring your head upright.  Repeat this part of the exercise 3 times.

 

Acupressure point:

 

 

  • Locate the acupressure point, GV 24.5 in the middle of the forehead.  This acupressure point is called the Third Eye Point.
  • Steeple your fingers in a prayer position and press y our 2 index fingers on this point.
  • Press firmly and breathe in and out through your nose only for no less than a full minute.  Repeat as often during the day as you wish.

Benefits: This effective point relieves depression as well as glandular and emotional imbalances.

 

Don’t forget to drink water at the end of your exercise session or any time you begin to feel thirsty.  A Word of Caution…If you have or have had problems with your kidneys, please consult your physician.
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Featured item of the week from the Healing Tai Chi Store:

http://www.healingtaichi.com/blended-1000-1886230137-Is_That_All_There_Is_Balancing_Expectation_and_Disappointment_in_Your_Life.html

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Download your free e-book here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/9529497/20Minutes-a-Day-to-Energy-and-Health

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Parents and grandparents:  if you have a young child in your house, please check out the blog for children who love to read and who want to learn about ballet:  http://millicentmouse.wordpress.com

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This week’s blog/site:  :  http://neilkingham.com/2010/09/fibromyalgia-treatment-chinese-medicine/

Featured video:  

Interesting health article:    http://www.prevention.com/health/fitness/tips-for-success/the-fitness-formula/article/84edb7492aea4110VgnVCM10000013281eac____

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Click on the links below for sites that feature products for your fitness program or informative blogs to help you live a healthier life.

Find great deals on Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Yoga, Pilates and Feng Shui products at http://healingtaichi.com

Find brand name products for home exercise equipment at Exercise Equipment Super Store.

Everyday low prices for your home gym at http://www.valufitness.com

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~The exercises in this blog are intended for educational purposes only.  Always consult with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.~

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