Greater Longevity Through Qigong and Tai Chi

by Alexander Diaz

The ancient arts of Qigong (energy work) and Tai Chi (the supreme ultimate fist) powerfully benefit our health, wellness, and lifespan.

Breathing slowly into the diaphragm, we increase oxygenation and blood flow to the brain and internal organs. 

Utilizing circular, rhythmic movements of the joints, we improve flexibility and tissue strength. 

By activating stepping and striking patterns and developing a rooted stance, we build balance and adaptability.  

Moreover, the steady cultivation of Chinese internal arts aids spiritual wellness. Over-active nervous systems are at the center of many diseases and illnesses. By calming our mind while still moving and learning, we grow infinitely as individuals. These arts also improve sleep, digestion, detoxification, and organ function.

While many exercise programs are anaerobic, causing stress but building muscle, Qigong and TaiChi help you to hover in the aerobic state and improve it, meaning you leave class feeling centered, awake, balanced, and peaceful. Thus, our classes are ideal complements to other healing processes such as physical therapy or receiving care from acupuncturists, chiropractors, or doctors. 

In class, we learn to slow down and synchronize our movements. This creates a powerful healing field that is shared among the practitioners. It also helps rectify pre-existing movement patterns, which may be quick but fail to utilize the entire system. We move from our feet, activating every part of our bodies and creating a comprehensive workout different from any other.

Finally, beyond balance, oxygenation, and mobility, which are all super important in crafting greater longevity, we learn. In our classes, students constantly learn and grow.  This creates neo-plasticity, the core of preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia. By developing new brain patterns, we build synapses and improve cognitive quality, which ultimately translates to greater character, compassion, and understanding.  

As a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, my gold standard for patients is to get them to the point that they can safely train and workout, cook and eat, hike and play and enjoy life to the fullest. In 20 years of study, Qigong and Tai Chi remain for me the best way to help people improve their health and thrive.

Join us for Tai Chi class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:15 a.m. or join Joe Martinez for his excellent offering on Thursdays at 11:45 am.  

Alexander Diaz is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese and Functional Medicine. He operates out of south town, Corvallis. He is available at www.CorvallisAcupunctureFunctionalMedicine.com and can be emailed for more questions at healthcommonwealth@gmail.com. He has practiced and taught martial arts since 1999.