Year Of The Snake #1
by Barbara McMahon
Title
Year Of The Snake #1
Artist
Barbara McMahon
Medium
Painting - Acrylic On Canvas
Description
Taoist Tai Chi is an exercise form of t'ai chi ch'uan which is taught in more than 25 countries by the non-profit International Taoist Tai Chi Society and associated national Taoist Tai Chi societies. It is a modified form of Yang-style t'ai chi ch'uan developed by Taoist monk Moy Lin-shin in Toronto, Canada. Moy incorporated principles of Lok Hup Ba Fa and other internal arts to increase the health benefits of practising the form. Tai Chi generally provides health benefits. In all the forms of Tai Chi there are movements that involve briefly standing on one leg, which may improve balance; circular movements of the shoulders and wrists which improve suppleness and circulation; learning the sequence of the set movements may improve cognitive function such as concentration; the social atmosphere can sometimes forge friendships and alleviate loneliness and anxiety; and the exercise itself can boost a person's mood and alleviate depression.
All forms of Tai Chi have been noted by YK Chen as regulating body weight, improving cognitive, lung, digestive and heart functioning as well as improving skin tone and bone structure.
Research on Tai Chi in general, carried out at the University of Toronto by Dahong Zhou, MD, shows that Tai Chi provides moderate exercise, equal to brisk walking. Zhou also notes that Tai Chi in general reduces stress levels and emotional problems while improving "concentration, attention, composure, self confidence, and self control". Zhou indicates that Tai Chi generally reduces hypertension, relieves chronic headaches, dizziness and insomnia, has benefits for people suffering with mild arthritis and rheumatism, improves breathing and blood circulation and is "an excellent exercise for the mind." His research shows that due to the low intensity of most forms of Tai Chi, that as an exercise regimen it does not lead to fatigue or stress.
Uploaded
March 24th, 2013
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Comments (12)
ROSE WANG
I like this picture because I am teaching taichi in ymca now. I have long years experice. Barbara.
Marian Hebert
Nice quiet relaxing piece. voted and favorite
Barbara McMahon replied:
Thank you Marian for your lovely comments and support for my works. Much appreciated.
Nadine and Bob Johnston
Congratulations, on your Feature AND Publication in -The Artist News - an Internet Weekly... http://paper.li/f-1343723559# and on the Home page of ARTIST NEWS. Thank You for submitting it to the group....
Nadine and Bob Johnston
Good Idea to do it. Know a woman 86 years old confined to a wheel chair with severe arthritis. She began learning, doing only what she could do while in the chair. In eight weeks, she improved enough so she could get out of the wheelchair and practice. In a few more weeks, she had no need to use the chair at all....
Barbara McMahon replied:
What a wonderful story Bob! I've witnessed people in my group restore their health also!
Jessica Shelton
I have always wanted to try it, right now im into bollywood! but your beautiful picture reminds me that I should give it a try very soon:)
Barbara McMahon replied:
If this painting inspires one person to try Taoist Tai Chi, I am humbled. Taoist Tai Chi is a series of 108 moves that is practised all over the world. As a member one can join in any class on this planet and the sequence of moves is identical. The society is very strict as to who can teach (volunteers) so that the integrity of the set remains the same everywhere. Wonderful to travel and do a set in any country!
Jessica Shelton
lovely Barbara
Barbara McMahon replied:
Thank you Jessica for your kind comment. Tai Chi is something I practise everyday. Whether it's painting for long periods or out and about photographing in rough terrain at unusual angles, the stretch of Tai Chi helps to ease those muscles and calm the mind.