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Smile Science in Tai Chi: Unlocking the Power of a Simple Smile for Mind and Body
We all know that smiling is a simple, universal gesture, but did you know it can actually transform your wellbeing—both mentally and physically? Science shows that the act of smiling has profound effects on our brain, body, and even our social interactions. When combined with the mindful movements of Tai Chi and Qigong, smiling can become a powerful tool to enhance your practice and elevate your overall health. The Science Behind Smiling Smiling is more than just an expression of happiness. It’s a biological trigger that activates numerous chemical reactions in the brain, influencing everything from mood to physical health. Research confirms Charles Darwin’s facial feedback hypothesis, which suggests that…
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Feeling the Flow: Understanding Qi Sensitivity in Energy Practices
Exploring the Dynamics of Energy Awareness in Traditional Practices Qi, the vital life force central to traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, remains a fascinating concept, particularly concerning personal sensitivity to its presence and movements within the body. Why do some individuals readily feel and manipulate this energy while others seem unaware of its nuances? The answer lies in physical, mental, and cultural factors influencing our ability to perceive qi. Here’s a deeper exploration of why qi sensitivity varies among individuals and how one can enhance this subtle awareness. 1. Training and Practice The cornerstone of developing qi sensitivity is a regular and disciplined practice in energy-focused disciplines like Tai…
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Embrace Focus and Reflection on Blah Blah Blah Day— 17th April 2024
Deepen Your Practice and Engagement: Celebrating Mindfulness and Action Often in our practice and daily lives, we encounter the metaphorical “blah, blah, blah”—those moments where our focus drifts and we merely go through the motions. On Blah Blah Blah Day, we challenge you to re-engage deeply with your Tai Chi and Qigong practice, turning passive listening into active participation and mindfulness. Understanding Blah Blah Blah Day Derived from ancient expressions of dismissal, Blah Blah Blah Day is now a call to action to listen actively and respond thoughtfully. Initiated by Wellcat Holidays in 2006, this day invites us to revitalise forgotten resolutions and tackle neglected tasks, both in our personal…
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Celebrating Chinese New Year: Embracing the Year of the Wood Dragon 🐉🌳
As we step into the vibrant festivities of the Chinese New Year, we celebrate the transition from one zodiac animal to the next and the profound influence of the elements that shape the year’s character. This year, we welcome the auspicious Year of the Wood Dragon, which promises growth, creativity, and prosperity. The festival, commencing on 10 February 2024, is a 15-day celebration that intertwines tradition, family values, and the hopes for a flourishing future. The Significance of the Wood Dragon 🌿 In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon symbolizes strength, luck, and wisdom. When combined with the Wood element, which signifies growth, flexibility, and vitality, the Year of the Wood…
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The Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi and Qigong
"In today's fast-paced world, finding ways to reduce stress and improve overall well-being has become increasingly important. One way to achieve this is through the practice of ancient Chinese exercises known as Tai Chi and Qigong. These practices have been around for centuries and offer a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key advantages of incorporating Tai Chi and Qigong into your daily routine."
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The Difference between Qigong and Neigong
When it comes to traditional Chinese practices for cultivating energy and improving health, two terms that often come up are Qigong and Neigong. While both practices focus on harnessing the body's internal energy, known as Qi, there are distinct differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the dissimilarities between Qigong and Neigong and shed light on their unique benefits
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Tai Chi And The Wrong Shoes
One of the first questions I’m often asked by new students is, “What do I wear for class?” The answer is pretty simple: wear comfortable-fitting clothing and flat, trainer-like shoes. But then the subject rarely comes up again. Actually, the right shoes for tai chi class is an important discussion. Because if the footwear is wrong, you could cause yourself injury. If you have spent much time looking at trainers within a sports shop, you’ll know that not all trainers are equal. They vary a lot, not just in price, size and aesthetics but also in function. The good news is that finding the right tai chi footwear is easy…
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Are You Missing The Point?
It’s hard to oversell Tai Chi. Certain aspects of Tai Chi have been around for thousands of years. There’s a good reason why it’s stood the test of time. The list of benefits is wide-ranging and tai chi is a richly researched exercise, linking it to help with insomnia, stress relief, depression, improved heart function, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, balance, muscle strength, joint health and so much more. One of the things I love about Tai Chi is the depth; we can learn a simple form and that can be enough for us – the benefits can still be enjoyed. But if we want more, there’s a whole world to discover; a notion of where the name “Tai Chi Globe” came…
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Bits of Wisdom: How can Qigong help Parkinson’s and other neurological disease – Mingtong Gu
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Qigong Global Summit
Restore your connection to nature, innate vitality, and peace of mind. Looking to clear out a year’s worth of stagnant energy and emotional malaise? Would you like to boost your physical and emotional flexibility with nourishing low-impact routines? Are you eager to cultivate health and longevity from curative traditions grounded in nature and the cosmos? Qigong is the foundation for a life lived with more flow, bliss, and balance.
