Answer to Question 1
The four main types of stress-relieving benefits of t'ai chi are described as follows:
Effortless deep breathing: students get in touch with their breathing, making sure it comes from the abdomen rather than the chest.
Relaxation and tension reduction: as they perform graceful moments, students look for signs of tension that may inhibit the flow of energy.
Uniting yin and yang: students bring together opposing forces such as speed and stillness, force and relaxation.
Mind-body integration: students concentrate on the body and visualize its movement. When their minds stray, they return to focusing on their movements.
Answer to Question 2
Although its biological mechanisms are not fully understood, studies to date suggest that yoga leads to better regulation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, which help counter and control the stress response. Other stress-related benefits of yoga include: lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and of perceived stress; reduced physical arousal during stress; and reduced levels of anxiety.
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