I think I have managed to finally get the photos added to my last two reviews - Merry Christmas eve...
I think I have managed to finally get the photos added to my last two reviews - Merry Christmas everybody and a Happy New Year lyn x
Member since:08.07.2005
Reviews:103
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~~ TAI CHI FOR DIABETES ~~
About 6 weeks ago now, I was feeling very poorly, so I went to the doctors, where I was told that I had diabetes, I should not really have been surprised as it has been in my family for 4 generations, I am obese, I smoke (well did, I have given up in the last couple of weeks), and well, I am over 40, so it all leads to Type 2 diabetes. Even through I knew the chances were high, I still cried, and well, I just did not want to be diabetic.
Whilst I was waiting for my first appointments with the diabetic clinic, I scoured the internet for information on diabetes. I needed exercise, but my breathing was very laboured and I could not walk far, (my poor dog Chloe is over weight due to lack of exercise, because I cannot take her), without going dizzy. So, whilst searching on Ciao I saw this DVD Tai Chi for Diabetes. Sadly, no one had yet tried it out so I researched it on the web.
I chose Tai Chi as I have tried it once before at a health spa, many years ago (it was on a weekend break I won- in my fit and healthy days, lol). Sorry, I digress again. Back on course -
~~ What is Tai Chi? ~~
It is an ancient form of Martial Arts and centres round the Chi (life force/energy) that flows through the body. You do this with by using slow
controlled movements, controlled breathing and postures to increase this energy flow, helping to relieve stress and improve your well being.
It is a gentle exercise which has been proven to strengthen muscles and improve stamina, blood circulation, balance and relaxation. This DVD is supported by Diabetes Australia, they not only cover Tai Chi for Diabetes they have designed Tai Chi to help with other ailments including Arthritis as well.
~~ Tai Chi for Diabetes ~~
This DVD is the brain child of Dr Paul Lam who is a family physician in Sydney, Australia, he designed this DVD with a team of medical experts and his Tai Chi associates. It is based on Sun and Yang style Tai Chi, which is easy to learn, and designed to prevent and improve the control of diabetes.
I know for the sceptics out there this may sound a bit far fetched, and ok so I am new to this and have only been trying it out for a short while, but from what I have read and from my own experience with tai chi and mediation I have to agree, it works.
Tai Chi is ok for any age group, or fitness level, it is really gentle and it is not aerobics or yoga, it is a gentle form of precise movement and controlled breathing, it really does help to co-ordinate your mind and body together, helping to reduce stress and improve relaxation, improved breathing, hypertension, muscular strength, flexibility and cholesterol level, by improving these it minimises the complications of diabetes.
Mind power is a wonderful and underestimated thing, over the years many have referred to the power of positive thinking and what it can achieve, the power of believing, well Tai Chi helps you to focus your mind and uplifts your mood. Helping you with self control and empowerment, it does work, I have given up smoking without any help, I just have to tell myself why I don't want to smoke if I get the urge, and it is nice to start breathing a little better.
As well as the above the DVD goes into the Chinese traditional medicine and the power of Qi, Qi being the life energy inside a person - It incorporates Qigong with its slow and gentle movements. Thus, stretching the energy channels to keep them strong and supple, helping tone your muscles, spine and joints and pushing the energy through your whole body.
Finally a quote: 'According to traditional Chinese medicine, diabetes is a deficiency of moisture and essence (yin) of the lung, spleen, kidney or all three. Enhancing life energy or Qi in the appropriate acupuncture meridians or energy channels will improve diabetes.'
The DVD starts off explaining all the above so you understand Tai Chi and what the objectives behind the DVD are, you are then taken through a simple warm up and close down exercise program which you should do before and after any form of exercise.
Once you are comfortable doing the warm up and close down exercises you can go onto learn some of the advanced movements. Dr Lam takes you through these, very thoroughly. At first I sat and watched this through instead of going full steam ahead and trying to do the exercises, I remember thinking to myself well, this looks really easy, why he is taking so long to explain it. It wasn't until I go my 'cocky little self' to try it out, that I really understood why it took time to explain and learn each section of a move. To get it right and work in harmony with your mind and body, you have to do it right, it is not as easy as it looks, well, that is until you have been taught and followed the instructions.
Conclusion
I found the whole DVD informative, it put my mind at ease and I found the exercises relaxing and energising, you don't come away from it feeling worn out and refreshed, you come away feeling relaxed, refreshed and energised. Which for someone like me that has breathing problems, it felt wonderful. I will continue to do these exercises as they help me to overcome the daily stresses and focus on me for a little while which is a good thing and can only help improve my health. Oh I have started walking our Chloe again and she is loosing weight and having fun doing so. So overall, it has helped both of us, mainly it has took me out of feeling sorry for myself and has helped improve my breathing, I've still got a long way to go, but we have made a start.
I would reccomment Tai Chi to anyone as it is wonderful, whether or not it is for diabetes or any other illness, it is a fantastic form of exercise which is not too stressful and unites mind, body and spirit together in harmony.
I am marking this good, because I wanted more exercises and there were only a few which you repeat on a daily basis. But maybe I am just greedy, lol.
I bought this DVD via the internet from DVD.co.uk for £14.99 with free delivery.
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Tai Chi is a gentle exercise proven to strengthen muscles improve stamina blood ... more
circulation balance and relaxation. There are many forms of Tai Chi this specially designed program by medical and Tai Chi experts focuses on the health benefits for p...
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