How to be Stress Free in Beijing

One visit to Beijing can guarantee you a 360 degree insight into traditional Chinese medicine, holistic treatments and its hearty cuisine. Not only is Beijing among the liveliest capitals in the world, it is also one of the best centers of health and well being.

When we hear about health, well being and relaxation, spas and yoga retreats are first to pop into our minds. However, the amount of options in Beijing to enrich your health and overall traveler experience is abundant here.

Acupuncture

Did you know that this complex art of inserting tiny needles into your skin could actually lead to a myriad of health benefits?

Acupuncture treatments reduce stress dramatically, making them an exceptional method of relaxation. Since it reduces physical and mental stress, it can also improve your heart health and lower your blood pressure. Acupuncture is an excellent mood-lifter and is also used as treatment for addiction and depression as it works with the neurotransmitters of your brain.2078fa_b3176c1877444f7f8b46a923314bb621~mv2.jpg_srz_620_340_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz

Additionally, acupuncture can improve your immune system health by helping in fighting off infection. A stronger immune system does not only keep you safe from sickness, it also keeps your energy levels up and stable.

If you’re suffering from insomnia, consider acupuncture as it targets neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and allows you to enjoy deeper sleep.

Other noteworthy benefits of acupuncture include better digestion and improvement respiratory problems and chronic pain. Some also believe that it may help with weight control.

End your Beijing trip with a relaxing session of acupuncture. Acupuncture centers can be easily found anywhere in Beijing such as in Hutong (Houhai) or CBD along the third ring road so be sure to pay a visit this time around.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient practice born in China that is often described as “meditation in motion.” However, we like to think it’s also a medication in motion, we will explain why shortly.

Beijing has been keeping this gem of a tradition alive for centuries as growing evidence states that this powerful mind and body practice can treat various health problems.tai-chi-bsp-918722-500x334

Although Tai chi is a martial art, you can be in any shape or health to try it. Tai chi is a low impact exercise that uses a series of slow movements that are named for animal actions, making it an incredibly fun experience.

As we mentioned earlier, it’s actually a meditation with movement involved. While moving, you breathe deeply and naturally while focusing all your attention on how your body moves. This resembles some types of meditation and can be incredibly calming for the body.

Tai chi is different from other exercises in many ways. The movements in Tai chi are not forced – they are free and circular. Your muscles are not tensed, but rather are relaxed and your joints are never fully extended or bent during practice, ensuring your connective tissues are not being stretched.

Tai chi can be performed by anyone, from the fittest to wheelchair bound people who are recovering from surgery.

If you’re interested in relaxing your body and mind with Tai chi, be sure to join the thousands of practitioners during sunrise at any park in the capital, such as the Summer Palace, Tian’anmen Square.

Beijing’s relaxing spasSpa

What better way to end a trip than have a spa treatment at one of the finest resorts in Beijing. Whether it is service provided by the hotel you’re staying in or a private service, nothing can beat the tranquility of Chinese hot springs cleansing your pores and relaxing all your joints and muscles. Chinese practitioners also use a special massage technique called cupping therapy that boosts blood flow and relieves your body off its toxins.

Beijing’s vivacious green cuisine

Relaxation is not limited to spas and massages. What you feed your body can have a major impact on how you feel as well. Unlike in other countries where fast food is the only safe bet, Beijing comes with a myriad of vegetarian dishes that will leave your stomach satisfied, and your body totally calm and relaxed.

Beijing is often considered a vegetarian paradise, even for the most hardcore meat lovers around the world. Be prepared to be astonished by its stunning array of vegetarian cuisine as most of it does not even taste different from a meat dish.

If you’re a meat lover, we highly recommend sautéed mushrooms with tofu from any restaurant as it will definitely have you thinking that it is better than beef.

When it comes to greens, think beyond salads and try the bean dishes, the wide range of soups and the tantalizing tofu dishes the beautiful city of Beijing has to offer.

Source

Author Profile: Meera Watts is a yoga teacher, entrepreneur and mom. Her writing on yoga and holistic health has appeared in Elephant Journal, Yoganonymous, OMtimes and others. She’s also the founder and owner of Siddhi Yoga International.

Website: https://www.siddhiyoga.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/siddhiyogaacademy
Relaxation response with acupuncture trial in patients with HIV: feasibility and participant experiences. J Altern Complement Med.2007 Sep;13(7):719-24.
A systematic review of the health benefits of Tai Chi for students in higher education. Prev Med Rep. 2016 Jun; 3: 103–112.