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Exercises for Those in a Wheelchair
When in a wheelchair, there is a great need for as much mobility as possible as well as increased circulation. Following are specific exercises that can be done by anyone regardless of individual physical challenges, and all the exercises can be modified to adapt to any condition. The emphasis of these exercises is particularly on the function of breathing. Each exercise has three parts. One is on physical movement, the second is on breath, and the third is on visualization of or imagined movement.
The essential benefits of these exercises is in their simplicity. You can easily observe the benefits obtained from daily practice. If possible the environment should be filled with fresh air -- neither too hot nor too cold. The environment should be quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. Choose a time and space when you will not be disturbed (including taking the telephone off the hook.) It is important to allow specific quiet time for yourself. If there is some relaxing and peaceful music you enjoy, you may wish to play it softly in the background.
- Align the spine as much as possible in your chair, at the same time becoming as relaxed as possible. If necessary, this may be done in a reclined position. To facilitate a relaxed body, concentrate on "smiling" into the body, which can have a relaxing effect. If movement of the arms is possible, raise them at the sides palm up in a circular, gathering movement. While doing so, imagine that you are gathering in energy from all around you and bringing it into the body. Inhale energy as arms go up and exhale as the arms come down, with palms down, in front of the body, allowing the energy to sink down into the lower abdomen. Remember to smile and relax. If you are not able to move your arms, imagine these exercises as vividly as possible and concentrate on your breathing and relaxation.
- Inhale as you raise the arms in front of the body, arms extended, palms down. Bring the arms into the chest, and exhale as the arms float down in front of the body. Smile and relax.
- Rub hands briskly together until they feel quite warm, and place on the abdomen, breathing in as the abdomen expands and exhaling as the abdomen contracts. Remember to smile and relax.
Optimal benefits are received by doing these exercises daily when possible.
Robert S. Dickinson, L.Ac., has taught and studied T'ai Chi, Chi Kung, other martial arts, massage, acupuncture, and various branches of Oriental Medicine for over 15 years, He studied in the U.S. and China with leading teachers and masters, and has taught nationally and internationally.
Copyright © 1998, Robert S. Dickinson, L.Ac., all rights reserved.
Posted with permission by New Horizons for Learning
http://www.newhorizons.org
E-mail: info@newhorizons.org