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Tai Chi Chi Kung / Qi Gong by definition refers to Tai Chi energy work. In this post I will try to shed some light on what is meant by the Chi Kung / Qi Gong energy work aspect of the practice?

Tai Chi Chi Kung / Qi Gong is often taught as a set of moves separate from the Tai Chi sets. I have found that the vast majority of the time these other moves do not come with much of an explanation of why and how they are any different from the Tai Chi in the Tai Chi sets and that the moves by themselves do not impart any kind of ability different than what is already available in the Tai Chi sets.

So, what is Tai Chi Chi Kung / Qi Gong? First of all the Tai Chi moves are just Tai Chi choreography or moves until you begin to actually to practice the energetic aspects of the art. The real practice of Tai Chi is Chi Kung / Qi Gong. As soon as you start practicing the energetic aspects the Tai Chi so to speak then you are really practicing Tai Chi (probably with the moves) and not just the moves. At that same moment you are now practicing and or applying the Chi Kung / Qi Gong.

An obvious question at this point might be so what makes Tai Chi Chi Kung / Qi Gong? That is a very big question because the answer could and does fill books. I will try to shed some light on it here.

First of all in Tai Chi Chi Kung / Qi Gong are the physical structural alignments which are a necessity for the proper flow of energy through and around the body including through the acupuncture meridians of the body. This is part of the reason that so much emphasis gets put on the moves at the beginning of a students training and why it stays an important issue in training as one progresses. Incorrect and bad posture impedes and blocks energy flow so it is important to get it right. While you are learning and working on this you are not really performing Tai Chi yet but are simply learning something you need to understand to perform real Tai Chi.

One of the first things you learn in Tai Chi and that is a necessity in Tai Chi Chi Kung / Qi Gong is known as Sung which translates as relaxation both inside and out. Any tension in the body will impede or stop the flow of energy through the body. This can be structural tension (bad or improper positioning), physical tension (like holding tension in your shoulders or neck simply because you do not allow them to relax) or mental or emotional tension that is manifested in the body such as jaws clenched and a tight face when someone is having a bad day.

So, for proper Tai Chi and Tai Chi Chi Kung / Qi Gong you first need Sung relaxation and proper posture. Once you have these you can really perform Tai Chi and Tai Chi Chi Kung / Qi Gong.

The next step in solo Tai Chi practice is all Tai Chi Chi Kung / Qi Gong. You begin to work different aspects of energy within your Tai Chi both for fighting and for self defense purposes. There are approximately 36 different primary expressions of energy in Tai Chi. You use your mind to direct the internal movement and chi into an expression. That expression is known as Jing. Jing is an expression of Chi or energy hence it is energy work. A few jing expressions are well known and some are quite obscure.

to be continued…

for more on Tai Chi and Combat Tai Chi visit Richard Clear’s Tai Chi Blog. www.ClearsTaiChi.comArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/tai-chi-chi-kung-qi-gong-1389256.html

In fitness, some people are confused about the topic of upper abs exercises and lower abs exercises, so here is some information to set the record straight.  The main muscle, that people talk about when they discuss the upper abs and lower abs, is the rectus abdominus.  Rectus means straight, and abdominus refers to the abdomen.  So simply put, the rectus abdominus runs straight down the abdomen.  The rectus abdominus is also the muscle that gives a lean person that six pack look.

The rectus abdominus is 1 muscle, but it has tendinous intersections that separate muscle fibers forming distinct sections.  Many people argue that because the rectus abdominus is one muscle you cannot isolate certain parts of the muscle, but I think the conversations around this topic get confusing because of semantics.  You cannot isolate only one section of the rectus abdominus while the other sections are not working, but you can emphasize one area over another.  So the problem comes with people using the terms isolate and emphasize interchangeably.

Our nervous system is so intricate.  Each nerve has thousands of nerve cells and each muscle has thousands of muscle fibers.  This allows us to move with accuracy, precision, agility, and grace.  The rectus abdominus is supplied by multiple nerves that work in a coordinated fashion to create a variety of movements.  The multiple nerve supply helps us move in different ways, and the upper abs and lower abs are emphasized when we do different movement.

The upper abs (upper part of the rectus abdominus) are emphasized when the trunk moves forward like in a crunch or sit up.  Ball crunches are also a good upper abdominal exercise, and crunch machines and ab machines will also emphasize the upper abs.  Even though the upper abs are emphasized during crunches, crunches also work the lower abs.  The entire rectus abdominus will work during any abs exercise when your trunk bends forwards or flexes.

1. There is just more emphasis on the lower abs when the legs are moving.

Now, one thing that I must mention is that abs exercises do not magically melt away stomach fat.  Doing upper abs exercises will not magically get rid of the fat on the upper part of your stomach, and doing lower abs exercises will not magically get rid of the fat on the lower part of your stomach.  This is known as the spot reduction myth.  If you want to lose stomach fat, you should use a comprehensive approach to fitness and healthy eating.

In regards to your ab workout, try to exercise your abdominal muscles 2-3 times a week, and include both upper ab and lower abs exercises to work your body from a variety of directions.  By using different forms of exercises, you will have a more balanced body.

Charles A. Inniss, Jr. has a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy and is a Certified Personal Trainer. He is dedicated to helping people to live healthier happier lives.

Visit his website for Free Ab and Tummy Exercises and stomach and tummy toning exercises

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lower-abdominal-exercises-versus-upper-abdominal-exercises-1389332.html

* What is it?

Organic skin care, as the name clearly suggests, is an effective yet simple way to take good care of your skin by using organic products.

* Is it good for my skin?

Yes, it is very good for your skin. In fact, several skin care experts say that it is a lot safer to use organic products as opposed to products that contain artificial chemicals.

* Why do they say so?

Organic skin care products are free of chemicals. They contain natural substances like natural oil extracts, plant extracts, and herbal extracts which are very good for your skin. Unlike products that contain artificial chemicals, they do not cause any side effects.

* I have sensitive skin. Can I use these products?

Yes, you can. In fact, if your skin is very sensitive, you should make sure that you only use organic skin care products. The skin care products that people normally use contain chemicals like triclosans, parabens, liquid paraffin, phenol carbolic acid, artificial fragrance and mineral oils. All these chemicals are harmful to your health and can cause serious health problems in the long term. Some of these chemicals can trigger severe allergic reactions if your skin is very sensitive. So, it is a lot safer to use organic products which do not contain these chemicals.

* I have wrinkles, lines, cracks, and dark circles. My skin is saggy. I look like a 45-year-old when I am actually only 30. How can organic skin care help me?

You can get rid of all these problems by using good skin care products. High quality organic products can boost the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin, increase the collagen and elastin production in your skin, promote new cell growth to get rid of wrinkles, lines, and cracks, and rejuvenate your skin cells. They also fight the free radicals in your body and prevent cell damage. They moisturize your skin thoroughly and make it smooth and soft. In short, they can make your skin younger and healthier.

* Are all organic skin care products this good?

This is a very important question. You need to remember that not all organic products are equally good. In fact, some of them are not really ‘organic’, if you know what I mean. They usually contain a lot of artificial chemicals, including some of the harmful chemicals I have mentioned above, as preservatives. So, you must make sure the product you choose does not contain these chemicals.

* How can I choose the best organic skin care products?

First and foremost, you should make sure that the product does not contain any of the chemicals mentioned above. Second, you should look for the following substances – phytessence wakame, witch hazel, cynergy TK, babassu, coenzyme Q10, active manuka honey, natural vitamin E, and the extracts of essential oils like olive, macadamia, grapeseed, avocado, and jojoba. All these substances are completely natural and they are very effective at fighting aging skin problems.

* Are organic skin care products very expensive?

Some of these products could be a little costlier when compared to cheap knockoffs which contain nothing but artificial chemicals. However, they are certainly affordable. In fact, most people who use these products say that they are worth more than what they paid for, since they give amazing results in a relatively short period of time.

* What is the right way to use these products?

Organic skin care products are meant for long term use. After you start using these products, within a month or two, you will find a lot of improvements in your skin condition. However, you should not stop using these products once your skin condition improves. You should use them regularly to get the best results. By using them every day, you can keep your skin young and healthy for a long time.

If you’re looking for Organic Skin Care Products that you can trust, check out Kalpana’s website, http://www.naturalbeautyandskincare.com and see how it can change your perception about natural skin care products.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/organic-skin-care-products-why-these-are-a-must-for-a-healthy-glow-1382786.html

O.K. So what are they?

Uterine Fibroids (leiomyomas) are common noncancerous (benign) tumors that occur within the muscle walls of the uterus (womb). Uterind fibroids can be the size of a pinhead and show no signs or symptoms that they are there, or they can be very painful and grow to a 10 inch diameter.

There are four types of uterine fibroids:

Subserosal Fibroids, develop under the outside uterine covering. Intramural Fibroids, develop within the uterine wall. Submucosal Fibroids, develop under the uterus lining. Pedunculated Fibroids, develop on a “stalk” or stem-like structure attached to the inside or the outside of the uterus.

Fibroids may grow as a single nodule or in clusters. They may range in size from 1 mm to more than 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. Fibroids in the uterus are a common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain and pressure in women. During pregnancy, fibroids can greatly increase in size.

What are the Symptoms?

Some women with uterine fibroids experience no symptoms at all. Symptoms may include excessive and prolonged menstrual bleeding, pain, abdominal mass effect, frequent urination or urgency or constipation and many others.

When symptoms appear, they can vary greatly, depending on the size and exact location of the fibroid tumors. Women sometimes underestimate the impact of their symptoms because they have become accustomed to the excessive bleeding, pain and the pressure that fibroids can cause. Also, for some reason African-American women develop symptoms faster and with greater severity than other women.

What does one do about them?

Uterine fibroids often do not require treatment, but when they are problematic, they may be treated surgically, non-surgically, with medication or with alternative treatments. The very heavy menstrual bleeding, clotting and pelvic pain, that fibroids sometimes cause leads many women to seek treatment.

What about treatment?

There are several different types of treatments:

Hormonal: Uterine fibroid tumors require estrogen and progesterone to grow, and without these hormones, fibroid tumors usually shrink in size. Hormonal treatments (such as birth control pills) may help control excessive menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids in some patients.

Non-surgical: Uterine Fibroid Embolization, UFE – Known medically as uterine artery embolization, approaches the treatment of fibroids by blocking the arteries that supply blood to them causing them to shrink or disappear. Uterine fibroid embolization is a more permanent solution than hormone therapy. When hormonal treatment is stopped the fibroid tumors usually grow back. UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization) isn’t considered to be surgery, but it is generally done at a hospital or specialized clinic. This uterine fibroids treatment procedure usually takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on how long it takes to position the catheter and how easily the catheter can be positioned in the arteries to the uterus.

Although uterine artery embolization has been in use for two decades to treat bleeding after childbirth, it wasn’t until early 1997 that the technique was introduced as a potential treatment for uterine fibroids.

Follow-up studies have shown that nearly 90 percent of women who have their fibroids treated by uterine fibroid embolization experience either significant or complete resolution of their fibroid-related symptoms.

Surgical: Surgery for uterine fibroids involves either removing the fibroids (myomectomy) or the entire womb (hysterectomy). Surgery has risks, including bleeding and infection. About a third of the more than 500,000 hysterectomies done in the U.S. each year are done because of fibroids. Most of the women having these operations are said to be unaware of the non-surgical options.

Alternative treatment: Alternative treatments for uterine fibroid tumors also abound. Naturopaths, homeopaths, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and other alternative health care providers have treatments to offer as well. While some of these are not as well supported by scientific studies that prove effectiveness, the treatments are usually safer and provide a less invasive alternative than surgery.

Remember that some medical treatments for uterine fibroid tumors can affect your fertility. For this and other reasons it is very important to seriously investigate and consider alternative treatments for uterine fibroids.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Jorge Chavez is a researcher, writer and student of natural health. For more information about dealing with uterine fibroids treatment and what to do about fibroids in uterus, follow the link in this sentence.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/uterine-fibroids-here-are-the-basics-1382852.html

Leukemia is a disease that is considered to be life-threatening. It requires prompt intervention when discovered, in order to maximize the chances of recovering through specific treatment and therapy. Leukemia is basically a type of cancer of the bone marrow and blood, caused by inappropriate cellular activity. The disease can be of different forms, according to the types of blood cells that cause its development. Also, if leukemia is developing rapidly, it is called acute leukemia, while if the disease is developing slowly, it is referred to as chronic leukemia.

The direct leukemia causes are still unknown. In present, medical science isn’t able to establish the specific leukemia causes. However, a strong connection between certain genetic factors and the development of the disease has been revealed. Leukemia occurs on the background of genetic failure that causes the excessive production of incomplete, partially matured blood cells. Also, leukemia has a hereditary character, allowing the transmission of genetic predispositions to disease from one generation to another. Although many factors are known to contribute to the development of leukemia, they alone can’t be considered leukemia causes.

Despite the fact that statistics indicate a higher incidence of the disease in people that are exposed to some environmental factors of risk, leukemia doesn’t seem to be caused by neither of them in particular. Among the environmental factors that are thought to be leukemia causes, here are some of the most plausible ones:

- Smoking – smoking is thought to increase the chances of being affected by leukemia. Although statistics show that around 20 percent of acute leukemia cases are related to smoking, leukemia also occurs to people that don’t smoke and therefore it can’t be considered a leukemia cause on itself;

- Prolonged exposure to radiation – Radiation is considered to facilitate the development of leukemia. It is believed that exposure to X-rays can be a leukemia cause;

- Prolonged exposure to benzene – statistics reveal that this is a major factor of risk in some forms of leukemia, such as myelogenous leukemia;

- Chemotherapy and cancer treatment – previous cancer treatments and chemotherapy are known to facilitate the occurrence and development of leukemia and can be considered plausible leukemia causes. Within a few years from the completion of chemotherapy and other treatments for certain forms of cancer, most people can develop leukemia.

Among the genetic factors that are considered to be leukemia causes, the following ones are thought to be the most important:

- chromosome abnormalities – some rare genetic syndromes are known to contribute to leukemia causes;

- Immune system genetic problems – a weak immune system is very likely to facilitate the occurrence of leukemia and therefore can be considered a leukemia cause;

- Down syndrome – children born with this syndrome have a very high risk of developing acute leukemia.

The list of possible leukemia causes can continue further, but these are the most common factors that are considered to be interrelated with leukemia. While some of them can be prevented, others reside within the genes and in present can’t be corrected. In future, however, thanks to medical advance, we will probably be able to prevent leukemia and other forms of cancer.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/possible-leukemia-causes-and-risk-factors-1383245.html

When most people think about exercise, they think of strength training and cardiovascular activities, e.g. lifting weights and running on the treadmill.  A good fitness program definitely involves doing both of these sorts of exercise, but it also includes a third often overlooked type of exercise – stretching.  Most people think of stretching as something you do for sore muscles or as a quick supplement for cardio or lifting.  However, these people fail to recognize the importance that stretching has on being fit.  Stretching provides you with a half dozen serious benefits; and anyone who wants to maximize their health should take stretching seriously.

Stretching initially promotes a greater range of movement and circulation through the joints.  This is excellent because it allows you to maximize your regular exercise.  By promoting good range of muscle movement through joints, you will be ensuring that your muscles can move in the ways needed to lift weights or cycle.  Often people injure themselves with their muscles are too tight to perform a motion the way it ought to be done, and stretching can help prevent problems like this.  

Stretching is one of the easiest ways to promote blood flow and circulation to the muscles that need it.  Increased blood flow provides a two-way street that helps muscles perform better with less effort.  On the one hand, the increased blood flow is able to bring oxygen and nutrients to the muscles in order to provide them with the energy they need to function properly.  On the other hand, the blood flow is there to flush out waste products that build up when muscles work out, including lactic acid.  Stretching also provides a low impact way to condition muscles and tendons.  The better conditioned your muscles are, the less prone to injury and soreness they are.  

By stretching before you engage in cardio or weight training, you will be warming up muscles and promoting blood flow and circulation; which is a definite way to enhance your workout.  However, just as important as stretching before running or lifting, is stretching after the exercise.  Post-exercise stretches help develop new flexibility and strength in muscles and tendons, and provide better conditioning to prevent injury.  Post-exercise stretches are also a good way to even out blood circulation and flush out the damaging lactic acid buildup.

One thing that everyone serious about stretching should know is that protein is a needed nutrient to promote healthy stretching.  Protein helps repair torn muscle fiber and can maximize the benefits that come from stretching.  One of the easiest ways to get added protein into your diet is through a whey protein supplement.  Whey protein is easier for the body to digest than soy protein, and provides better utilization and absorption into the body.  The reason you want to take protein in supplement form is for this reason, you want your body to quickly absorb the nutrients and get the nutrients to the parts of the body that need them.

For more info on tasty whey protein, visit My Top Form Protein

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/why-stretching-matters-and-how-to-maximize-your-stretches-1383345.html

Sponsorship will provide support for Cartersinclair Feeding Program

CarterSinclair Org announced that Choy Sum Food Company has signed on as a Program Sponsor to support Cartersinclair outreach program, Spoon Feeding.  It is a community-based outreach campaign that brings information about the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of a healthy lifestyle to the La Quinta community.

The Marketing officer will also tackle how to stay healthy and still enjoy Chinese food by planning ahead, choosing wisely and watching how much you eat.  Choosing traditional food dishes that are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and low in fat. Choosing beans, peas, tofu, bean sprouts and dark green vegetables such as Chinese broccoli, choy sum, watercress, Chinese chives, Chinese yard-long beans and amaranth also known as Chinese spinach.

Also pointed out other Chinese vegetables that are rich in iron like Chinese mushroom, seaweed and black fungus. Go for the mung beans (green gram beans), yellow bean and black bean dishes for soup or desserts with artificial sweetener. Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber and very nutritious . Whole wheat and rye bread and cornbread are good sources of fiber and are good for everyone.

As the sponsor, Choy Sum will support Carter Sinclair Org’s mission to prevent the onset of diabetes within La Quinta community and help those who are already living with the disease.  Support will emphasize importance of diabetes information from the CarterSinclair Org, including information about making better food choices.

“Food plays an important role in the prevention and management of diabetes,” said Mary Scott, MS, RD, a certified diabetes educator and nutritionist at La Quinta “Many of the behaviors needed to prevent type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications – behaviors such as meal planning and physical activity – are shaped by an individual’s culture and values.

Most people over the age of 20 have diabetes and are at raised risk for severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations.  Cartersinclair Org wishes people to know that it is possible to enjoy Chinese food that is both delicious and good for everybody by making simple changes to ingredients and cooking methods.

Carter Sinclair Org is non-profit organization that helps monitor health status, inform and educate people about health issues. Research for new approach and modern solutions to health problems. For more information please visit www.cartersinclair.org.  Email at info@cartersinclair.org

Carter Sinclair Org is non-profit organization that helps monitor health status, inform and educate people about health issues. Research for new approach and modern solutions to health problems. For more information please visit www.cartersinclair.org. Email at info@cartersinclair.org

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/carter-sinclair-org-and-local-chinese-food-company-choy-sum-team-up-to-support-diabetes-1378416.html

CarterSinclair Org together with the medical professionals and child psychologists have gathered and compiled a simple to use source of daily guide and wisdom to help families live happily and healthfully. The entire family is affected in many ways when a member of the family is diagnosed with chronic diabetes. How does a family deal with the range of emotions (such as worry, guilt, or anger) that come with every day family moments that are a normal part of a family’s life; such as finding a babysitter? Daily Guide provides supportive thoughts for families of children with diabetes, inclusive with games to help foster and facilitate communication.

This is a free booklet to provide to families of children with diabetes to help your child tell others about his or her diabetes diagnosis. The booklet talks about training and educating babysitters and prepare for emergencies, and transitioning into adulthood with major milestones such as dating.

” I have see families who experience overwhelmed and separated by the tests that diabetes give. Sometimes painless to forget that daily moments like school trips, vacations can be a big challenge when a chronic disease like diabetes is on your way,” says Cathy Rogers, MD, MPH, Marketing Officer of CarterSinclair Org for Youth and Childrenn Committee. “We build the booklet to help families gain knowledge of how to live with diabetes by giving common-sense answers to daily diabetes challenges “.

It also includes an informational DVD, games for the family members. This booklet  was designed for kids and young adults with diabetes and for their families.

To order a copy of Daily Guide visit www/cartersinclair.org.

Carter Sinclair Org is non-profit organization that helps monitor health status, inform and educate people about health issues. Research for new approach and modern solutions to health problems. For more information please visit www.cartersinclair.org.  Email at info@cartersinclair.org

Carter Sinclair Org is non-profit organization that helps monitor health status, inform and educate people about health issues. Research for new approach and modern solutions to health problems. For more information please visit www.cartersinclair.org. Email at info@cartersinclair.org

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/daily-guide-carter-sinclair-assists-families-live-well-through-booklets-1378423.html