How does chi theory relate to tai chi and stress reduction? Stress is the body’s inability to maintain a balance. Both Qigong and Tai Chi attempt to bring the body back into balance through the use of exercise and breathing. Stress is cumulative. Damage will occur over time if nothing is done to restore the balance.
As the body is stressed the muscles become stiff. The arteries, veins and capillaries constrict because of the tension from the muscles. Because of the constriction, the blood does not flow freely and the cells are deprived of oxygen. This results in high blood pressure. Since the body is being deprived of oxygen, the heart will beat faster to increase the oxygen levels in the blood. The breathing becomes faster and each breath becomes shallower, with each breath the muscles become more strained and the tension increases. Soon it becomes a deadly cycle of stress. lack of oxygen and ever increasing blood pressure.
Daily practice of Tai Chi will break the cycle by clearing the mind and relaxing the body. This is accomplished by allowing the body to slow down and breathe. Once the body receives a good supply of air the muscles will relax. This will allow the arteries, veins and capillaries to open up. Next the blood flow to the body is increased and the heart can slow down. As the heart slows down the muscles relax even more, lowering the blood pressure to safe levels. Soon the body will regain balance.