Pathways to Change - NLP & Tai Chi

Improved Balance and Posture

Through learning the movements of a good style of Tai Chi you start to retrain your basic patterns of movement and posture to achieve an improved alignment of joints, a greater sense of balance and a firmer, more ‘grounded’ stance.

At an unconscious level these improved principles of movement learned in the Tai Chi form can be translated into everyday movements giving improved posture and balance.

Also balance seems to deteriorate from the age of 40 or so. For older people it is a case of ‘use it or lose it’. In elderly people poor balance seriously increases the risk of being injured in a fall. Regular Tai Chi training will improve balance.

Keeping Joints Mobile and Correctly Aligned

Tai Chi and its associated art of Chi Kung help to exercise all the principle joints of the body in a gentle and undemanding way. As well as the joints Tai Chi can help re-align the lower back away from potentially damaging stresses. The movements of Tai Chi encourage the joints to align correctly in a way that maximises efficiency and minimises wear. For example the knees align with the direction of the feet.

Improves Circulation, Co-ordination and Stretches Muscles and Ligaments

Through exercising both major and minor muscle groups there can be improved circulation in all limbs. The gentle yet firm movements of Tai Chi encourage the flow of blood into the limbs with consequent improvement in circulation. The slow, steady movements of Tai Chi help the practitioner improve physical co-ordination. The movements of the form encourage the muscles and ligaments to gently stretch out within comfortable personal limits.

Relaxation of the Mind

The slow movements of Tai Chi are combined with a slow and regular breathing pattern. This combination produces a sense of relaxation as both body and brain slow down. Tai Chi helps slow down the excessively busy mind and enables the mind to focus more on the present.