As your brain shifts away from the stress response to fractured, fluctuating thoughts, your stress hormones are replaced by relaxation hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, nitric-oxide, and endorphins. You feel good immediately, and also benefit from long-term results like reduced heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and muscle tension.

Dr. Herbert Benson, MD, credited with identifying the Relaxation Response said, “Regular elicitation of the relaxation response has been scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for a wide range of stress related disorders. In fact, to the extent that any disease that is caused or made worse by stress, the relaxation response can help.”

There is a reason the Chinese masters of Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) are known for their longevity. Actually, While this may sound new to you, Qigong, a traditional practice of energy cultivation, promotes optimal health, vitality, and longevity.

Qigong is one of the four branches of traditional Chinese medicine: Acupuncture, Massage, Herbs, and Qigong. Qigong exercises are among the best exercises to help you fulfill your health goals. These exercise can be done seated, standing, or even lying down.

Every person who uses Qi cultivation methods consistently experiences some form of health improvement and personal access to greater energy and power.

Tai chi challenges the body gently by providing load bearing exercises to improve your balance, strength, and flexibility. This gentle form of exercise could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.

Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might as well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art form, has value in treating or preventing many health problems.

It is simple to get started, even if you are not in top shape or the best of health. Dr. Roger Jahnke developed a Tai Chi Easy class for veterans that was taught by our founder Kevin Merrigan and covered in Psychology Today. Click HERE to read the article.