Yoga therapy center

Yoga, tai chi and qi gong three disciplines to work on balance

Yoga, tai chi and qi gong are perfect to restore and maintain flexibility, particularly in the ankles and legs.
What scientists say. Difficulties with balance increase with age. Epidemiological studies indicate that each year more than two million French people over age 65 experience a fall. The balance depends heavily on sensory acuity, hence the interest in physical activities that stimulate the senses (sight, hearing, touch, proprioceptive receptors contraceptives under the arch), such as yoga, tai chi and qi gong.

The explanation. Muscles are more fatigable insufficiently sought. A vicious circle: little movement causes a decrease in appetite, with the resulting risk of malnutrition responsible for muscle wasting. Walking becomes increasingly difficult. By habit and lack of physical strength, we tend to further reduce its scope of works. “The body is programmed to be moving, says Cristina Cuomo, physiology and pathology specialist sport and author of The Walk, a vital movement (eds. the Dolphin, 2007). Muscles are not the only ones to suffer inactivity. The venous penalty because the small pump located under the foot needs to be stimulated to return blood to the heart with each step. Note that intestinal transit is also slowed. ”

Limits. The longer one waits, the more active again require efforts. Sometimes, the help of a physiotherapist is necessary.

And also: water aerobics, the gym or soft simple exercises to do at home! For example, walking by putting one foot before the other, the toes of back foot touching the heel of the foot before. Sit and stand up without arms, taking all the strength in the thighs. Keep a few seconds on one foot, then on the other. With a minimum of ten minutes morning and evening!