CAM techniques 1: Yoga and Tai Chi

CAM refers to Complimentary Alternative Medicine. Basically, it's everything that's a mind-body approach that doesn't fit into the medical field from traditional Chinese medicine to energy healing.

I read that yoga and Tai Chi are two common practices that lupus patients use because they are considered low-impact exercises, as well as tools to reduce stress.

Yoga is a mind-body practice that originated in India. Some teachers and practitioners connect it to the 7 chakra system; however, that system is actually not an ancient concept. While chakras are mentioned in ancient Buddhist and Hindu documents, the 7 chakra system was first mentioned by Pūrṇānanda Yati in 1577. That doesn't mean it's pure fabrication.

Tai Chi is a Chinese body-mind martial art practice that was created mostly for self-defense. These days, it's rather used as an exercise, but you can definitely see the martial arts elements in the movements.

Benefits of yoga:

• Improves strength, balance, and flexibility.

• Helps with back pain relief.

• It can ease arthritis symptoms.

• Benefits heart health.

• Reduces stress and relaxes you, to help you sleep better.

• Improves balance and coordination

• Strengthens muscles and bones.

Benefits of Tai Chi (very similar to yoga)

• Reduces blood pressure

• Increases stamina, muscle tone, and flexibility

• Improves posture, balance, muscle mass, and strength, particularly in older adults

• Improves thinking ability in older adults

I tried yoga a long time ago. I failed. My balance has been horrible ever since I got a very serious ear infection at age 2 that almost killed me. Chair yoga is a nice option though. I recently got into Tai Chi, and I love it. The movements mimic nature, such as trees and water. My favorite is when you roll the moon between your hands. I have found a lot of videos on YouTube. Some are easy and only 5 minutes long, I can recommend them to beginners like me. To me, the results are incredible. Even when I'm really stressed, 5 minutes of Tai Chi calms me down and elevates my mood.