Wellness

 Health Benefits of Stretching

  1. Boosts Mood In TCM, the concept of “soothing the liver to relieve depression” suggests a connection between negative emotions and blockages in the liver meridian. According to the ancient Chinese medical text “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing),” the liver governs the tendons, meaning the relaxing and contracting of the body’s fascia are closely linked to liver health.
  2. Joint Mobility Stretching improves muscle elasticity and flexibility, which in turn enhances joint mobility. The movement of bones and joints is driven by muscles, and limited flexibility—particularly in muscles near the joints—can restrict joint mobility. Additionally, overly bulky muscles may hinder the range of motion of the joints. Chinese martial arts emphasize that while large, bulky muscles may appear strong, their size often shortens the contraction distance, limiting true power and reducing flexibility. In contrast, elongated muscles improve joint mobility and generate greater explosive force, as power multiplied by distance creates a more impactful strike.
  3. Increases Range of Motion Improved flexibility increases the body’s range of motion. For athletes, stretching helps expand their movement range, thereby boosting overall performance.
  4. Promotes Blood Circulation Stretching allows muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves to contract and relax, promoting better blood circulation
  5. Relieves Muscle Soreness Stretching activates Golgi tendon organs (sensory receptors that monitor muscle tension), which trigger muscle relaxation. This relaxation aids in clearing lactic acid and other waste products built up after exercise, thus reducing delayed onset muscle soreness
  6. Enhances Nutrient Delivery Nutrients Absorbed by the body are transported through the bloodstream. Proper blood circulation ensures these nutrients are efficiently delivered to all parts of the body.
  7. Reduces Muscle Compensation Stretching helps reduce compensation caused by muscle tightness or a limited range of motion. Muscle compensation occurs when the primary muscle group responsible for a specific movement cannot function effectively, causing other muscle groups to take over. For instance, improving thoracic spine mobility can reduce the need for excessive neck and hip rotation during movements like looking over your shoulder.

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