Exercise #194 – Arthritis Exercises and Acupressure Points, Part 10
Welcome to Healing Tai Chi!
…the award-winning blog of seated Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to inspire health care professionals, caregivers and individuals seeking to balance mind, body and spirit.
(sponsored by the Exercise Equipment Super Store and the Healing Tai Chi Store)
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“The valley spirit, undying
Is called the Mystic Female
The gate of the Mystic Female
Is called the root of Heaven and Earth
It flows continuously, barely perceptible
Utilize it; it is never exhausted.”
Tao Te Ching #6:1-3 translated at http://www.taoism.net
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This week’s exercise involves leaning from side to side while releasing our breath in three controlled puffs. As always, consult your health care professional before trying any new exercise particularly if you have any back, shoulder or neck problems for which you are being treated.
Side to side leans with controlled breathing:
- Begin as usual sitting up straight with your feet flat on the floor, legs shoulder-width apart, back fully supported by the back of your chair.
- Breathe in and out through your nose 6 to 12 times slowly and very relaxed.
- Breathe in again through your nose as you lace your fingers. Breathe out through your mouth and lift your arms overhead.
- Breathe in again through your nose and lean slightly over to your left releasing a bit of your breath as you do so.
- Lean over a bit further and release a little more of your breath.
- Now, lean as far as you safely can and release the rest of your breath.
- Breathe in through your nose as you return slowly to the upright position.
- Lean to your right and repeat the graduated leans and the controlled breathing. Return again to the upright position as you breathe in through your nose.
- Continue alternating sides for 3 sets if possible.
- Locate the acupressure point labeled St 36 on the illustration above from Michael Reed Gach’s Acupressure’s Potent Points.
- Press firmly on these points on both legs that are 4 finger-widths below your knees on the outside of the leg for no less than a full minute at a time.
- To test that you are in the correct place, flex your feet. If you have your fingers directly on this point, you will feel the muscle moving.
- Mr. Gach also recommends fisting your hands and rubbing up and down on the outside of your legs (just to the side of your shinbones) twice a day if you can make the time. This massage will tone the body and reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis.
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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Seated Taiji and Qigong
Guided Therapeutic Exercises to Manage Stress and Balance Mind, Body and Spirit
Cynthia W. Quarta
Foreword by Michelle Maloney Vallie
Published by Singing Dragon
Paperback: £15.99 / $24.95
February 2012, 246mm x 173mm / 10in x 7in, 208pp
ISBN: 978-1-84819-088-7, BIC 2: WSTM VFMG VFJD
http://jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781848190887/review/
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Keep your little dancers learning and busy at Millicent’s blog: http://millicentmouse.wordpress.com
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This week’s featured item from the Healing Tai Chi Store:
http://www.healingtaichi.com/82-2625374011-B0000YWQ26-Kick_to_Get_Fit_Jr_For_Kids.html
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This week’s health article: http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/8-myths-about-arthritis-busted
This week’s natural rememdy: http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/arthritis-in-fingers.html
This week’s exercise video:
The exercises in this blog are intended for educational purposes only. Always consult with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.
Exercise #178 – Breathing Exercises to Relieve Allergies and Sinus Problems, Part 10
Welcome to Healing Tai Chi!
…the award-winning blog of seated Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to balance mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
(sponsored by the Exercise Equipment Super Store and the Healing Tai Chi Store)
“The Tao of heaven
Benefits and does not harm
The Tao of sages
Assists and does not contend.”
Tao Te Ching #81:3 translated at http://www.taoism.net
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The acupressure point we will be using in this exercise is a familiar one to all of us. We have used this effective point several times in past posts. I use this point in my classes throughout the year for the relief of headaches and to stimulate the immune system.
Joining the Valley (LI 4):
- Begin as usual sitting comfortably with your back supported by the back of the chair, feet flat on the floor shoulder-width apart.
- Breath slowly and thoughtfully6 times in and out through your nose.
- Locate the acupressure point on your own hand as shown on the illustration below from Michael Reed Gach’s book, Acupressure’s Potent Points.
- Squeeze the webbing directly behind your thumb firmly between the thumb and index finger of your other hand.
- Continue the pressure this point for 30 to 60 seconds and then change hands and repeat in the webbing of your other hand.
- You may use this effective point any time during the day to relieve sinus pain and hay fever.
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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This week’s featured item from the Healing Tai Chi Store:

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Videos to watch, pictures to color and lessons in ballet movements are available for children at Millicent’s blog: http://millicentmouse.wordpress.com
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Outsmart Your Allergies: http://www.prevention.com/summerallergens/list/6.shtml
Home Remedies for Allergies: http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/home-remedies-for-allergies.html
Exercise Video:
Learn ancient health secrets to reduce stress. Download your copy of T’ai Chi in a Chair ebook now available for your Kindle, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051U9N4S, your Nook, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tai-chi-in-a-chair-cynthia-quarta/1031408662?ean=2940012924278&itm=1&usri=tai%2bchi%2bin%2ba%2bchair, or your PC, http://www.scribd.com/doc/55904253/Tai-Chi-in-a-Chair
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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.
Exercise #170 – Breathing Exercises to Relieve Allergies and Sinus Problems, Part 2
Welcome to Healing Tai Chi!
…the award-winning blog of seated T’ai Chi and Qigong exercises to balance mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
(sponsored by the Exercise Equipment Super Store and the Healing Tai Chi Store)
“Those who are on tiptoes cannot stand
Those who straddle cannot walk
Those who flaunt themselves are not clear
Those who presume themselves are not distinguished
Those who praise themselves have no merit
Those who boast about themselves do not last.”
Tao Te Ching #24:1, translated at http://www.taoism.net
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The following exercise is a Chinese Tai Chi Chuan breathing exercise. it will give you an aerobic boost, help you to reduce stress and assist in breath control particularly when you are in a stressful situation or engaging in strenuous physical activity.
Chinese breathing exercise:
- Sit as usual with your back against the back of the chair, feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart, hands on your lap.
- Breathe in a little bit through your nose as you lift your arms directly in front of you to shoulder height.
- Then without exhaling, take another breath in through your nose as you lift your arms at shoulder height out to the sides.
- Breathe in a bit more through your nose (again without exhaling) as you lift your arms overhead.
- Then, release your breath slowly through your mouth and lower your arms in an arc back to your lap.
- Repeat at least 3 times if you don’t become lightheaded. If you do feel lightheaded or dizzy, don’t use this exercise. Go back to one of the other breathing exercises posted in this blog that you were able to practice comfortably.
Elegant Mansion (K 27):
- To enlarge your view, click on the illustration above from Michael Reed Gach’s book, Acupressure’s Potent Points.
- Locate the acupressure point labeled K 27.
- Fist your hands and press firmly with your thumbs against the acupressure points on both sides of the breastbone.
- Continue pressing on these points as you breathe slowly in and out through your nose for no less than a full minute.
- You may use these points often during the day if you are having problems breathing either due to allergies or asthma.
Benefits: These highly effective points will relieve breathing problems, chest congestion, asthma, coughing or anxiety.
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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Sign up for instant delivery of each new blog post to your email inbox by typing in your email address in the upper corner of the right hand column.
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This week’s feature item from the Healing Tai Chi Store:
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Keep the little ones busy after school and on the weekends at Millicent’s blog: http://millicentmouse.wordpress.com
Guest article from Phylameana Desy: http://healing.about.com/od/breathwork/tp/breathwork.htm
Natural remedies: http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/herbal-remedies-for-asthma.html
Exercise video for Parkinson’s disease:
Learn ancient health secrets to reduce stress. Download your copy of T’ai Chi in a Chair ebook now available for your Kindle, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051U9N4S, your Nook, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tai-chi-in-a-chair-cynthia-quarta/1031408662?ean=2940012924278&itm=1&usri=tai%2bchi%2bin%2ba%2bchair, or your PC, http://www.scribd.com/doc/55904253/Tai-Chi-in-a-Chair
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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.
Have a Wonderful Labor Day Weekend!
All of us at Healing Tai Chi wish you and yours a happy Labor Day!
We’ll see you next week with a new exercise.
Exercise #166 – Sciatica Exercises Lying Down, Part 4
Welcome to Healing T’ai Chi
…the award-winning blog of seated Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to balance mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
(sponsored by the Exercise Equipment Super Store and the Healing Tai Chi Store)
“The people’s hunger
Is due to the excess of their ruler’s taxation
So they starve
The people’s difficulty in being governed
Is due to the meddling of their ruler
So they are difficult to govern
The people’s disregard for death
Is due to the glut in their ruler’s pursuit of life
So they disregard death
Therefore those who do not strive for living
Are better than those who value living.”
Tao Te Ching #175, translated at www.taoism.net
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The exercise this week is once again for lower back pain and inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This exercise can easily be performed while lying on your bed. Remember, though, to check with your doctor before trying any of these exercises.
Stomach muscle tightening:
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Sit comfortably on your bed before beginning the exercise. Take 6 slow, relaxing breaths in and out through your nose.
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Lie down on your back and as you breathe in through your nose, pull your navel in and up.
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Hold for a slow count of 3 to 6 and then release the muscle of your abdomen as you breathe out slowly through your mouth.
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Complete 3 repetitions and then relax and see how you feel. If your stomach muscles don’t feel too tense and if you have discomfort, repeat the in and up tightening for another 3 repetitions.
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When you are completely comfortable with 6 repetitions, increase to nine and then 12.
Commanding Middel (B54)

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Click on the illustration above from Michael Reed Gach’s book, Acupressure’s Potent Points to enlarge your view if necessary.
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Locate the acupressure point labeled B54.
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Press firmly on this point with your thumbs for 1 to 3 minutes often during the day when you are experiencing lower back pain or a flare-up of sciatica.
Benefits: This potent point will relieve back apin, sciatice, knee pain, back siffness as well as arthritis in the knees, back and hips.
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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Sign up for instant delivery of each new blog post to your email inbox by typing in your email address in the upper corner of the right hand column.
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Keep the kids busy this summer at Millicent’s ballet blog: http://millicentmouse.wordpress.com
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This week’s featured item from the Healing Tai Chi Store:
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Health article: http://www.prevention.com/tips/recipes/breakfasts-jump-start-your-brain
Natural remedies for sunburn: http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/severe-sunburn.html
Video of exercises for the relief of sciatica:
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.
The exercises in this blog are intended for educational purposes only. Always consult with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.
Exercise #164 – Sciatica Exercises Lying Down – Part 2
Welcome to Healing T’ai Chi
…the award-winning blog of seated Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to balance mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
(sponsored by the Exercise Equipment Super Store and the Healing Tai Chi Store)
“The Tao, eternally nameless
Its simplicity, although imperceptible
Cannot be treated by the world as subservient.”
Tao Te Ching #32:1, translated at www.taoism.net
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This exercise is usually done while lying on the floor. However, it can be practiced while lying on your bed as well. As usual be cautious when practicing. Check with your doctor first and then, move slowly and carefully with the minimum number or repetitions. You can always increase the number of repetitions and arch your back more strongly as your muscles become stretched and more flexible.
Back arches:
- Sit on your bed and breathe slowly in and out through your nose about 6 times.
- Now, lie face down on the mattress, bend your elbows so that your hands are under your shoulders. Breathe in through your nose.
- As you press your hands on the mattress, push your chest upward arching your back as you breathe out slowly through your mouth.
- Breathe in through your nose and hold for a couple seconds.
- Breathe out through your mouth and lower yourself slowly back onto your stomach.
- Repeat the arches and slow returns 6 times if possible. Remember to breathe with your movements.
- Start with a few repetitions and increase the number when you feel comfortable about the exercise.
Womb and Vitals (B 48):
- Click on the illustration above from Michael Reed Gach’s book Acupressure’s Potent Points to enlarge your view.
- Locate the points labeled B 48.
- These spots are awkward to reach with just your fingers. To be sure you will get results from the use of these points, sit on a chair, fist your hands at the spot 1 to 2 finger-widths outside the sacrum (bony area at the base of your spine).
- Press back your fists and against the back of your chair. Breathe in and out through your nose only, continuing in this position for a full minute.
- You may use this exercise whenever your back begins to feel tense or you feel a “pinch” on your sciatic nerve.
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.
~~~~~~~~~
Sign up for instant delivery of each new blog post to your email inbox by typing in your email address in the upper corner of the right hand column.
~~~~~~~~~
Featured item from the Healing Tai Chi Store:
~~~~~~~~~
Keep the kids busy this summer at Millicent’s blog: http://millicentmouse.wordpress.com
No-cook meals: http://www.prevention.com/tips/weight-loss/no-cook-meal-ideas-400-calorie-fix
Natural remedies for sunburn: http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/sunburn-remedies.html
This week’s exercise video:
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.
The exercises in this blog are intended for educational purposes only. Always consult with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.
Exercise #163 – Sciatica Exercises Lying Down, Part 1
Welcome to Healing T’ai Chi
…the award-winning blog of seated Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to balance mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
(sponsored by the Exercise Equipment Super Store and the Healing Tai Chi Store)
“Not knowing constancy, one recklessly causes trouble
Knowing constancy is acceptance
Acceptance is impartiality
Impartiality is sovereign
Sovereign is Heaven
Heaven is Tao
Tao is eternal
The self is no more, without danger.”
Tao Te Ching #16:3, translated at www.Taoism.net
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The following series of exercises target the lower back and the sciatic nerve. They are intended to be performed while lying down on the floor but can be done on your bed as well if necessary. As always, consult your health care provider before starting a new exercise particularly if you have had surgery or a serious injury to your lower back.
Curls:
- Before you begin, sit on the edge of the bed and take 6 slow, thoughtful breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Swing your legs onto the bed making sure you are not too close to the edge.
- Now, bend your knees so that your back is flat against the mattress. If necessary, lift your hips slightly so you can’t slide your hand between the small of your back and the mattress.
- Cross your arms over your chest and take a slow breath in through your nose.
- Lift your upper back off the mattress as you breathe out slowly through your mouth. Hold this position for at least 5 seconds.
- Repeat for a total of 6 curls if you are able. Start with fewer curls if you find yourself out of breath or if you have any pain after you have completed the exercise. You can always increase the number as your back and abdominal muscles become stronger.
Sea of Energy (CV 6)
- Click on the illustration above from Michael Reed Gach’s book, Acupressure’s Potent Points, to enlarge your view if necessary.
- This point is 2 finger-widths below your belly button.
- Press firmly on this point for at least 30 seconds while breathing slowly in and out through your nose only. Repeat throughout the day if needed.
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.
~~~~~~~~~
Sign up for instant delivery of each new blog post to your email inbox by typing in your email address in the upper corner of the right hand column.
~~~~~~~~~
Keep the kids busy this summer at Millicent’s blog: http://millicentmouse.wordpress.com
~~~~~~~~~
This week’s featured item from the Healing Tai Chi Store:
~~~~~~~~~
Natural remedies: http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/sunburn-remedies.html
This week’s exercise video:
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.
The exercises in this blog are intended for educational purposes only. Always consult with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.
Exercise #162 – Relaxing and Loosening the Shoulders, Part 7
Welcome to Healing T’ai Chi
…the award-winning blog of seated Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to balance mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
(sponsored by the Exercise Equipment Super Store and the Healing Tai Chi Store)
“The highest goodness resembles water
Water greatly benefits myriad things without contention
It stays in places that people dislike
Therefore it is similar to the Tao.”
Tao Te Ching #8:1, translated at www.taoism.net
The exercise this week is a bit harder than the previous ones. You will need to be careful when you first try out this exercise. You’ll be sitting fairly close to the edge of your chair so if your balance is not particularly good, skip this exercise and go back to a previous one that seemed beneficial and safe. As always, consult with your physician before beginning any new exercise.
Arm stretches behind:
- Before you begin, take at least six slow, thoughtful breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Slide to the edge of your chair – carefully, not too far. You will be bringing your arms up behind you. Make sure there is enough clearance so that you don’t bang your hands or arms on your chair.
- Now, lace your fingers with your arms behind you. Breathe in and then breathe out as you bend over your thighs lifting your arms up behind you as far as they will go.
- Hold for a few seconds, then breathe in again as you lower your arms and sit up straight.
- Continue bending over your thighs and lifting your laced hands upward as far as is comfortable.
- Repeat 6 to 12 times if possible.
Gates of Consciousness (GB 20)
- Look at the photo above from Michael Reed Gach’s book, Acupressure’s Potent points, to see where this man has his fingers.
- Using your thumbs, locate these points directly below your skull and between the two large muscles in the back of your neck.
- Press on both sides for a full minute breathing in and out slowly through your nose.
Benefits: These effective points will relieve arthritis in your shoulders, neck and head. Use these points to alleviate the pain of a headache and to relax a stiff neck.
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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.
~~~~~~~~~
Sign up for instant delivery of each new blog post to your email inbox by typing in your email address in the upper corner of the right hand column.
~~~~~~~~~
This week’s featured item from the Healing Tai Chi Store:
~~~~~~~~~~
Keep the kids busy this summer with Millicent: http://millicentmouse.wordpress.com
Health article: http://www.prevention.com/hurtyourbackhabits/index.shtml
Natural remedies: http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/natural-wart-removal.html
Exercise video:
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.
The exercises in this blog are intended for educational purposes only. Always consult with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.
Exercise #161 – Relaxing and Loosening the Shoulders, Part 6
Welcome to Healing T’ai Chi
…the award-winning blog of seated Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to balance mind, body and spirit for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
(sponsored by the Exercise Equipment Super Store and the Healing Tai Chi Store)
“A good commander achieves result, then stops
And does not dare to reach for domination
Achieves result but does not brag
Achieves result but does not flaunt
Achieves result but is not arrogant
Achieves result but only out of necessity
Achieves result but does not dominate.”
Tao Te Ching #30:3, translated at www.taoism.com
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These exercises are designed to strengthen your shoulder muscles. You may use weights to increase the amount of benefit from the arm swings but use caution. If you have recently undergone surgery on your shoulder, consult with your physician before beginning this exercise and especially if you plan to use weights.
Arms Swings:
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Sit as usual with your feet flat on the floor shoulder-width apart, back supported by the back of your chair. For this exercise, it might be best to sit in a chair without arms.
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Begin with a breath in through your nose. Then, swing one arm back slowly, return to the center and then swing your arm to the front slowly and return to the center, then out to the side and pause and return to your starting position. Continue to breathe in and out through your nose only but don’t try to match your breaths with your arm swings.
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Repeat the front and back swing and then the side swing for a minimum of 6 sets.
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Change arms and repeat steps #2 through #4.
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Stop and rest. If you feel up to repeating the exercise with each arm once again, do so. But, don’t overdo it with too many repetitions.
Gates of Consciousness (GB 20):
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Locate the acupressure point labeled GB 20 on the illustration above from Michael Reed Gach’s book, Acupressure’s Potent Points.
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Use both hands so you can press firmly on these two points. Hold for a full minute.
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You may use this point as often during the day as necessary.
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.
~~~~~~~~~
Sign up for instant delivery of each new blog post to your email inbox by typing in your email address in the upper corner of the right hand column.
~~~~~~~~~
This week’s featured item from the Healing Tai Chi Store:
http://www.healingtaichi.com/blended-404276-B000W7QGPY-Dr_Chens_Exercises_in_Chair.html
~~~~~~~~~
Keep the kids busy this summer at Millicent’s blog: http://millicentmouse.wordpress.com
Health article: http://www.prevention.com/all-natural-pedicure/index.html
Natural remedies: http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/sunburn-remedies.html
Exercise video:
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.
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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