The therapeutic value of exercise, was, however, always known to all practitioners of yoga, the Tibetan Technique and other holistic healing therapies. And they lived their lives accordingly.
Today, exercise is recommended, by all streams of healing, as the fastest route to recovery ( and prevention) of a diverse number of ailments. From minor aches and pains to serious illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease - even cancer, exercise can have a beneficial effect on many conditions.
Ailment: Age-related loss of balance and flexibility. Suggested exercise: Yogic stretches and some of the postures in the Tibetan Technique are ideally suited for development of balance and flexibility in a slow, steady and sustained manner.
Ailment: Asthma
Suggested exercise: Yoga.
It's true that exercise can trigger asthma attacks. But it can also cut the risk and frequency of asthmatic attacks by opening the airways and strengthening the lungs. Finding the routine that is right for you is important. Yoga's mind control and breathing aspects are particularly beneficial as Asthma attacks are known to be directly related to stress.However over-exertion should be avoided. Unsuitable activities, for asthmatics, are outdoor winter sports such as skiing and skating, or hiking in areas infested with allergy-inducing agents.
Ailment: Arthritis
Suggested exercise: Swimming or walking.
Activity induces the body to produce endorphins, which assist in the pain-healing process. In addition, exercise serves to strengthen the muscles around injured joints. An added bonus, exercise usually leads to weight loss which helps to fight osteoarthritis.
Ailment: Depression
Suggested exercise: Any aerobic activity.
There's no better mood-bolstering routine than a good workout. Experts recommend exercising at least three times a week. Even short bouts of aerobic activity such as cycling, repetitive exercises such as the Tibetan technique, or swimming can combat stress. Virtually any activity stimulates the release of those "feel good" endorphin hormones and can enhance mood and lift one out of depression.
Ailment: Epileptic Seizures
Suggested exercise: Gentle, relaxation-inducing routines.
A new study has determined that practice of yogic asanas and stretches are effective in the containing of frequency and duration of seizures, which are often precipitated by stress.
Ailment: Heart disease and stroke
Suggested exercise: Walking.
Lack of activity ranks as one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, the number one killer. Combined with proper diet, exercise lowers high blood pressure (which protects against stroke), besides controlling such risk factors as high cholesterol, stress and obesity. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate aerobic activity, is required. The American Heart Association also recommends weight training and practice of proven stress-busters such as meditation, yoga and tai chi, which are being increasingly used in cardiac rehabilitation.
Ailment: Menopause Suggested exercise: Yoga and the Tibetan technique. Hot flashes, high cholesterol, mood swings, weight gain, insomnia and bone loss can all be tackled through exercise. The Tibetan technique, also acts upon the endocrine glands which are responsible for hormone levels.
Ailment: Osteoporosis
Suggested exercises: Walking, running or repetitive resistance exercises.
Exercise not only helps prevent injuries from falls, but reduces age-related bone loss. Don't leave this preventative measure till you reach a point beyond repair and your skeleton becomes too brittle to build bone mass. The hip and thigh bones benefit greatly from walking. Lifting weights adds bulk to muscles, which in turn puts pressure on bones, so strengthening them. If you're not into weights, you can bone up using the Tibetan technique which incorporates some resistance exercises similar to push-ups and lunges, and stimulate bone formation.
Ailment: Obesity
Suggested exercises: Walking, dancing (standing or sitting), swimming, and bicycling (regular or exercise bike).
The more activity you incorporate into your regimen, the faster you will lose weight. It's a simple math formula; energy burnt (through activity) must be more than energy consumed (through food).
It won't happen overnight. But be determined, set fitness goals, start slowly, and enjoy the routine & you WILL make it.
The first rule is to find an exercise you love to do. If you thrive on challenge, you may want to take up tennis or golf. If you are the reflective sort, you can try early morning walks, tai chi or any form of yoga (the Tibetan technique, too, is a form of yoga).
You'll have to listen to your body when making the choice. Whatever activity you choose, try to maintain your target heart rate for at least 30 minutes several times each week. (Doing so once every day would be most beneficial). Try meditative exercises, yogic stretches or gardening, or rhythmic exercises such as swimming, dancing, the Tibetan technique or running. These are all healing activities for mind, body and spirit.
Make sure you check with your doctor before starting any exercise program, and ask what heart rates you should target while exercising.
Studies have found the effects of low-intensity activities to be very favourable, although no one kind
of exercise can claim to be the best. The Tibetan technique uses weight-bearing principles, and is an amalgam of rhythmic exercise, yoga and breath control. We consider it very effective in addressing most of the ailments mentioned above. It is the exercise regimen of choice for ourselves.
And, when you incorporate, exercise, the all-purpose therapy into your daily routine you will see and feel the benefit almost immediately. You'll look fantastic, and feel fantastic!
Better skin, better shape, better self-esteem! Better start practicing how to handle the compliments!
