Mindful Exercise

A persuasive picture of tai chi's healing effects bolstered by compelling data and enlivened by an array of personal testimonials. In this debut mind/body guide, a tai chi instructor details the unique physiological benefits of the technique's slow-moving exercises. For tai chi instructor Gryffin, what has been "missing in the research" in studies of the wellness/healing power of tai chi and similar exercises (qi gong, some forms of yoga, etc.) "was why these exercises were having such benefits." Here, he seeks to remedy this perceived gap by presenting research supporting his observations that, in conjunction with slow abdominal breathing, these kinds of exercises can relax the body and enhance blood oxygen saturation, diffusion, and metabolic function. Such enhancements create an "effect unique from other forms of exercise" to prevent or combat hypoxia, a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching various areas of the body, a condition that can lead to cancer; heart, kidney, and lung diseases; stroke; asthma; diabetes; and other chronic ailments. Given tai chi and similar activities are neither aerobic nor strength-based, Gryffin coins these exercises "metarobics" and asserts that they deserve the same kind of attention and uptick in popularity that aerobic exercises have achieved. Alongside his research discussions, first detailing the overall physiological effects, then going deeper into specific health conditions, Gryffin includes an array of first-person testimonials regarding these exercises' lifesaving effects and psychological benefits. Debut author Gryffin, who holds a Ph.D. in health and human performance from the University of Florida, makes a convincing case to draw more people to both practice and advocate for metarobics. He includes an extensive reference list to support his assertions and is careful not to tout his ideas at the expense of traditional medicine; at one point, for instance, he notes that boosted oxygen around tumors allows for more efficient chemotherapy treatments. The various testimonials, some 50 in all, also support his cause while offering readers relief from the occasionally dry, repetitive detailing of data.--Kirkus
Dr. Gryffin sums it up well. 'This is an exploration of a new science of an old tradition.' Ancient mind-body practices can benefit our health and prevent disease in exponential ways through complex relationships, and Dr. Gryffin has a compelling theory of how Tai Chi does just that. He creates space for an additional type of exercise, beyond aerobics and anaerobics. This is a fascinating book that adds to the emerging paradigm shift in healthcare away from surgery and pills and back to the wisdom of our bodies. This book will likely be a primer for deeper explorations into the Metarobic concept. I for one intend to use it in my course at Saybrook University.--Natasha Edwina, LMFT
Merges meditation and exercise ... may well lead to a new definition of optimal well-being.--Rudolph E Tanzi, PhD, Author of The Healing Self
Mindful Exercise and the metarobic approach opened my eyes, and they can open yours too.--Dr. John Day, Author of The Longevity Plan
Will surely become 'the prescription' of choice for all responsible medical providers! I am enthusiastic about recommending it!--Roger Jahnke, OMD, From his Foreword
Metarobics is a new spin on validated evidence-based research on the healing abilities of Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga. This approach is excellent. Your research and anecdotal vignettes supporting these practices will have a positive impact on health, with the idea of oxygen perfusion being a vital component for their healing abilities.--Denise DeForest Pastoor, MEd, APRN, CS, CHTP/I, CWP, RYT, Organizer of the Integrative Health Academy for the National Wellness Conference
This book is a portal that will change the way Tai Chi and Qigong are approached so that modern medical science can join hands with these ancient-mind body sciences to become co-evolutionary. This seminal work should be read, not just by all those in my own hospital classes, but by every Tai Chi and Qigong student, by every teacher of the arts, by every health professional and government health ministry or department employee, and by everyone seeking a more enjoyable and profound life, and a more abundant, clear, and healthy society.--Bill Douglas, Founder Wold Tai Chi and Qigong Day "Authr "Tne Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi & Qigong" "