Body Movement

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Jeremy R. Geffen, MD

What is body movement?

Nonaerobic movement with controlled breathing can be practiced to reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with disease and illness. Two ancient Asian body movement techniques are tai chi and yoga.

Tai chi, an ancient form of martial art, is well-suited for the elderly or weakened. Based on the Chinese philosophy of Taoism, the practice of tai chi involves slow, graceful movements and rhythmic breathing. Tai chi helps to:

• Decrease blood pressure
• Increase stamina, muscle tone, and flexibility
• Improve posture, balance, muscle mass, and strength in older people.

Yoga is an ancient posturing and breathing technique from India. In Sanskrit, "yoga" means "union."  The practice is intended to unify the body, mind, heart, and spirit of practitioners. There are many different forms, or schools, of yoga that are now hugely popular throughout the Western world.  Yoga uses  careful, deliberate movement and stretching exercises, precise physical postures (called "asanas"), as well as meditation and breathing exercises, to reach a state of deep relaxation that is refreshing and rejuvenating.

Yoga helps to:

• Reduce stress
• Create a sense of inner peace and well-being
• Reduce pain associated with cancer and other chronic illnesses
• Relieve headaches and insomnia
• Improve physical and emotional stamina
• Increase respiratory capacity
• Increase circulation of the blood and lymph
• Increase strength and flexibility
• Improve posture and alignment
• Enhance quality of life