Tai Chi and Yoga are both ancient Eastern practices of self-healing that offer a series of techniques designed to engender health through attainment of inner balance. Yoga is the Indian art of using postures, movements, and breathing exercises to increase strength, agility, and poise. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that uses fluid, controlled movement to center the mind, and relax the body. Both customs are performed in a way that releases tension and promotes mental quiet.
Salute the Sun (Yoga)
Bring both hands together, forming a diamond between the thumbs and forefingers. Release any excess tension from the arms and shoulders. Extend both arms over your head, while continuing to hold the hands in formation. Look directly up directly between the center of the diamond. Keeping your feet planted, continue to focus on the space between your fingers, and begin rotating from the waist to one side. Turn to a 45-degree angle from the forward position. Breathe in slowly through the nose as you move, pulling in air with the abdomen. Exhale as you return to the midpoint. Repeat the cycle for as much as 20 rotations. Perform the exercise two times a day.
Seperating the Clouds (Tai Chi)
Stand with the body loose, relaxed, and free of tension. Let go of the muscles in your back, so that it begins to round slightly. Maintain a small bend in the knees. Close all fingers to a point on both hands, as if you were sprinkling salt over food. From the abdomen, pull air in through your nose. Simultaneously, turn your pointed fingers toward the ground, and slowly spread your arms out to the sides. Imagine that you are stretching a giant rubber band. Once your arms become parallel to the floor, turn the fingers up towards the sky and pause for a moment. Begin bringing your hands together, rotating both arms out toward the front of your body. As your hands meet in the center, allow the wrist to criss-cross, left arm on top. Inhale deeply from the abdomen. Repeat the process for ten cycles.
Nauli (Yoga)
Stand upright, with your knees slightly bent. Allow your hands to rest comfortably on the front of your thighs. Breathe in to maximum capacity, and hold for a moment. Expel all air from your lungs, while pushing both hands in on your legs. While holding the emptyness of your lungs, begin shifting the muscles of your abdomen up and down. Continue doing this until you must take a breath. Relax, and let the air ease in naturally. Complete the cycle four times. Afterwards, try alternately pushing harder with one hand than the other for three more breathing cycles.
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