Tai chi is helping Bendigonians take stock of their physical and mental wellbeing.
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Local practitioners marking World Tai Chi and Qigong Day inside St Andrew’s Uniting Church on Saturday espoused the benefits of the traditional Chinese practice.
Among those to participant in a Bendigo event were couple Heather and Jaemi Ranieri.
Ms Ranieri, 42, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis almost four years ago and recently turned to tai chi in a bid to ward off the symptoms.
The meditative movements were good for her balance and memory, both of which were affected by MS, Ms Ranieri said.
It also provided her some peace of mind.
“You’re so focused on the meditation and the deep breathing, you're so in the moment, you're not thinking about the doctor’s appointment tomorrow,” she said.
“It's a real stress reliever.”
She was also meditated, a practice that gave her the same calm feeling as tai chi.
Instructor Isaac Blecowe saw the health benefits of tai chi while teaching it to outpatients at Bendigo Health.
“People have just noticed it's a chance to slow down and I remember one lady saying she enjoyed the classes because its the only time in the week she can be in the moment of get away from her routine,” Mr Blecowe.
He said World Tai Chi and Qigong Day aimed to “spread a wave of positive energy around the planet”.
Mark Kearney
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
