The Nei Jing, or Inner Classic, the oldest Chinese medical text and source of all Chinese medical theory states: "Prolonged sitting damages the flesh" and "Prolonged lying damages the qi." The Nei Jing was written between 300 and 100 B.C, which means Chinese doctors have known for over 2000 years that lack of physical exercise causes health problems. Consequently, a vast array of therapeutic exercises and exercise systems have developed and been refined over many centuries in China. What works is still in use; what doesn't was discarded long ago.
Walk through almost any park in China in the morning and you'll see people doing stretching, strengthening, breathing, massage and relaxation exercises. Why? Because these are time-tested ways to promote health and prevent ill health. Stretching exercises limber your muscles and joints, which promotes blood and qi (vital energy) circulation. Strengthening exercises, particularly for your back and legs, not only strengthen and tone, but also provide balance and support for your body. Breathing exercises energize and relax you and enhance your blood and qi circulation. Acupressure massage also promotes circulation and relaxes you, and tones your muscles and internal organs.
Chinese health exercises and techniques are:
Simple to learn & easy to do
Require no equipment, classes or training partners
Suitable for young & old, men & women
Can be done virtually anywhere, anytime, and
Require just 15-30 minutes daily
What's the single, most important benefit of exercise, Chinese style? The greatest benefit of traditional Chinese health exercises and exercise systems is that they are holistic, i.e. they benefit your body, mind and spirit. Most people exercise primarily to develop a strong, toned body, which of course brings many benefits. However, including exercises and techniques in your workouts to deepen and regulate your breathing, calm your mind and balance your emotions, takes your health to a whole new level!
About the Author
Matthew Scott is a professionally trained Chinese medicine practitioner from Australia, living in China since 2000. Matthew has been doing Chinese style exercises for over 15 years. His website http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com provides classic Chinese therapeutic exercises & techniques to stretch, strengthen, energize, relax & relieve pain & stiffness.