Tai Chi

Hi Everyone,

I am wishing you a relaxing and happy holiday season!

I have been hearing from some people who are a little tense at this time of the year. There are travel plans not working out, last minute gifts to get, slower traffic (at least in MN), and extra snow to shovel. I was just thinking about how nice it would be to be able to give everyone the gift of relaxation this year. People who come to my office get a little relaxation, but I wish that more of us had the luxury to relax and breath this season.

I would like to challenge you all to set a new years resolution of giving yourself some time every day in 2011 to relax. Students and parents are already telling themselves as they read this that that is impossible, but what if you took three extra deep breaths before falling asleep at night? What if you gave yourself 5 min. in the morning to stretch or have a cup of tea before everyone else gets up?

I often tell people that their Chiropractor is ordering them to relax. Relaxation is important for our health. I joke that I can send a note home if that helps. :) The activities or lack of activities that are going to help our minds and bodies slow down, will vary greatly from person to person. As you are discovering what is relaxing to you today (it can change from day to day or year to year), I invite you to look at Tai Chi.

Many people find Tai Chi to be deeply relaxing, myself included. I have not previously looked for studies on Tai Chi. The following links are what I found today.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0912611- Fibromyalgia and Tai Chi

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16455435?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
-HIV and Tai Chi

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/introduction.htm -Tai Chi introduction and health benefits

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11929351?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
-health benefits of Tai Chi

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11858304?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/645945.html - Tai Chi and arthritis

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18401235?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
-Tai Chi and Blood Pressure

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16572030?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
-Tai Chi and older adults


Enjoy!

A Bit of This and That

Hi Everyone,

I know it is not officially fall yet, but it is definitely feeling like fall. I can now go jogging without feeling overly warm, and I love being able to jog just a little farther because I don't feel melted. The trees here are just starting to turn. We are getting to see some yellow and orange out there. I hope you are all enjoying this MN weather as much as I am.

Every year about this time I start to see some of the Twin Cities Marathon runners show up in the office. I'm wishing you all good luck in the race this October. It looks like I'll be working in the elite tent on Sun. (the last race day). I won't be there adjusting, but screening for Center Point Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic. The participants can come by and get a post race massage. Center Point graduates will be ready to help you feel better. If you know there is a massage at the end of the road, will it help you run faster? Don't miss out!

Today I have a video about blood pressure and chiropractic. The first reporter could use a lesson on how to pronounce chiropractic, and the video quality is not the best, but it is good information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBwJIZTq8Yg


Enjoy!