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Ai Chi is a form of aquatic exercise that combines Tai Chi, Watsu, Shiatsu, and Qi Gong to promote relaxation, strengthen the body, and improve mental health. It is practiced worldwide and is suitable for all ages and physical conditions. It is recommended to focus on breath during the 16 postures in a warm water pool.
Ai Chi is a form of aquatic exercise designed to strengthen and tone the body, while promoting relaxation and a healthy mind-body relationship. This technique was developed in Japan in the 1990s, and is practiced all over the world; In North America in particular, Ai Chi is very popular. To practice Ai Chi, all that is really required is a group. People who are interested in exploring Ai Chi can check with a local aquatic center to see if they offer classes.
Various exercise modalities are incorporated into Ai Chi. The first is Tai Chi, a movement discipline associated with traditional Chinese medicine. In Tai Chi, practitioners move through a series of prescribed postures that encourage flexibility, contemplation, and good health. Tai Chi is widely practiced in many Asian communities, and is suitable for people of all ages and physical conditions due to its gentleness.
Ai Chi is also inspired by Watsu, a form of massage therapy that takes place in a heated pool. Jun Konno, the developer of Ai Chi, claims that he was struck by the idea when he saw Watsu’s sessions in a swimming pool. Watsu is a very soft and flowing style of massage that uses water as a tool to reduce tension in the body during the massage session, allowing clients to lean deeper. Many Watsu sessions encourage mindful contemplation and trust as therapist and client move through a series of exercises together. Shiatsu and Qi Gong are also integrated into Ai Chi.
In an Ai Chi session, a single practitioner leads the class through a series of exercises in shoulder-deep warm water. There are 16 postures in a complete Ai Chi session that are designed to work various parts of the body. Throughout the session, it is strongly recommended to focus on the breath, with students taking deep breaths and being mindful as they breathe.
Ai Chi has some clear benefits. Aquatic exercise is often recommended for people with limited mobility, due to buoyancy; People can move more easily and comfortably in the water with stiff joints and injuries than on dry land. The poses are similar to those used in yoga and Tai Chi, and when performed regularly they certainly contribute to muscle tone. Mental health can also benefit from regular Ai Chi sessions, and Ai Chi can help reduce stress.
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