Alternative Therapies T-Z

Tai Chi
Also known as T'ai Chi Chuan, translates as supreme ultimate fist (power). Thought to have developed from qigong, tai chi is a series of moving and still postures, and 'open hand' techniques of which many are based on the movements of animals. Often promoted and practised as a martial arts therapy for the purposes of reducing stress and promoting health and longetivity. One of its principle aims is to develop an appreciation of the practical value in one's ability to moderate extremes of behavior and attitude at both mental and physical levels. Said to increase flexibility and improve posture.

For further information, visit the BBC Complementary Health website.

Vitamin Therapy
The use of vitamins and minerals to prevent or allieviate symptoms of certain medical conditions. Doses given are quite often higher than the daily recommended dose but kept within 'safety margins'. One such example is Vitamin C. Known to provide a major boost to the immune system, Vitamin C has been shown to help in fighting infection and warding off or lessening the symptoms of colds and flu. Other established uses include Iron for the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia, B12 for pernicious anemia, Vitamin A for severe acne, and Niacin to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in patients suffering from coronary artery disease. See our vitamins page for information on the benefits of different vitamins and minerals. See also:
www.liferesearchuniversal.com/megadosing

Yoga
Practised in India for thousands of years, yoga today enjoys huge popularity in the western world. One of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, it is a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation.

Common to most forms of yoga is the practice of concentration - dharana (binding of consciousness to a single point) and meditation - dhyana (absorption). The awareness is concentrated on a fine point of sensation, for example, the breath entering and leaving the nostrils. This concentration gradually leads to meditation (the intense contemplation and absorption of the true nature of reality). Meditators sometimes report feelings of peace, joy, and oneness.
Yoga classes are offered by most fitness centres and even by some local authorities in the form of day or evening classes. For further information, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga

Zazen (Za-Zen)
Za-zen, meaning seated meditation, is a form of meditation that has been at the heart of Buddhist practice for over 2000 years. It is closely linked to yoga. As well as calming the mind and the body, the purpose of zazen is to experience insight into the nature of existence and gain enlightenment.

The classic position for Za-Zen meditation is full lotus where the legs are crossed and each ankle is lifted up and placed over the opposite thigh, and the spine erect but settled. For the hand position, the palms are up, fingers are parallel, and the left-hand fingers are on top of, and directly over, the corresponding right-hand fingers. The thumbs lightly touch, forming a bridge over your fingers. This position represents union of all opposites, with the left and right hands coming together to form an oval. Eyelids are normally half-lowered, so that the practitioner is not distracted by outside objects but at the same time is kept awake. See also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zazen