Why the RICE principle prevents sports injuries from healing

Healing is actually an inflammatory process. Applying ice to reduces swelling actually delays healing by preventing the body from triggering the inflammatory healing response as well as restricting the delivery of vital nutrients to the cells in the injured area. Apart from missing out on the initial healing process you may also experience tissue to die from decreased blood flow as well as permanent nerve damage. Pain killers such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac do more damage then good. Realise that they are called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory because they block the enzymes that trigger both swelling and pain. Anything that reduces inflammation also delays healing!

Continue reading

The easy tai chi sequence - Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi

Today I will give a short introduction to the Shibashi sequence I teach and practice. Shibashi is really nice as it is simple and allows everyone, novice or experienced, to practice and relax together. If you thought tai chi has to be serious and martial arts focused think again, this is definitely different, much more in line with a group fitness class such as Yoga. If you have been following me for a while you may have already read the “5 benefits of stress management and reasons to do tai chi before you draw your pension” and “I didn’t like tai chi…”, I think both of these posts are helpful for anyone that is hesitant about incorporating a slow movement practice into their fitness schedule just as much as I was once.

Continue reading

5 benefits of stress management and reasons to do tai chi before you draw your pension

You know you lead a stressful life in Leeds, you have been thinking about adopting a mindfulness practice to manage your stress but you are not sure what method would suit you? Your friends are recommending yoga but you feel bending into strange shapes it is not for you after trying it? You feel intimidated by the idea of sitting meditation because you think you are not allowed to have thoughts or feel you need more movement in your life? Have you thought about trying a form of Tai Chi Qigong?

Continue reading