In the ancient East, there was a hidden health secret, which has been baptized by the years and is still respected by many people who pursue health and longevity. In the treasure trove of traditional medicine, an 86-year-old master of traditional Chinese medicine, with his profound medical attainments and rich practical experience, has shown the world a simple but effective way to maintain health - shaking hands and exercising every day. The master, with his advanced age but good physical condition, proves the unique effectiveness of this habit in driving away the minor problems of everyday life.
Unlike workouts that require complex equipment or specific venues, the simplicity of the handshake is that it requires no special preparation and can be done anytime, anywhere. It is not only a physical activity, but also contains the concept of "movement generates yang" in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, emphasizing the stimulation of the body's potential and the promotion of qi and blood circulation through limb movements, so as to achieve the purpose of preventing diseases and enhancing physical fitness.
1. The scientific basis of the hand-shaking movement
Shaking hands, a simple physical activity, hides a complex physiological mechanism behind it. When we wave our arms, it's not just the upper limbs that move, the whole body is actually involved. This action stimulates blood circulation, especially in the upper limbs and neck and shoulders, which is especially important for those who are in a static state of work for long periods of time.
From a physiological point of view, shaking the hand increases muscle activity, which in turn promotes blood return to the heart. This activity also promotes lymphatic flow, an important part of our body that helps remove waste and toxins from the body. In addition, the handshake exercise can also strengthen the flexibility of muscles and joints, reducing muscle stiffness and joint pain caused by holding the same position for long periods of time.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the movement of shaking hands can regulate qi and blood, and traditional Chinese medicine believes that "qi is the handsome of blood", and the flow of qi drives blood circulation, which helps to improve the condition of poor qi and blood, and thus achieves the purpose of promoting overall health.
2. The practice of shaking hands in daily life
Incorporating hand-shaking exercises into your daily routine is a simple and effective healthy habit. The basic method of shaking the hand movement is to stand with the legs naturally shoulder-width apart, then relax the whole body, especially the shoulders and arms, and then swing the arms naturally, just as the arms swing naturally when walking.
For beginners, it is recommended to start with 5 to 10 minutes each session and gradually increase to 15 to 20 minutes per day. The speed of the shake should be adjusted according to the individual's fitness and comfort, not too drastic, and it is important to maintain consistency and rhythm.
The good thing about shaking hands is that it is suitable for people of all ages, young and old. Even for some older people with limited mobility, it is feasible to perform hand-shaking exercises while sitting, which can reduce pressure on the lower limbs while still enjoying the benefits of upper limb exercises.
3. The health benefits of hand-shaking exercise
Exercising your hands daily can have a range of health benefits. First of all, it helps to improve blood circulation, especially for those who are sedentary, and can effectively prevent blood circulation disorders caused by sitting. Secondly, the hand-shaking exercise can also reduce stiffness and pain in the shoulder and neck, which is especially important for modern people who use computers for long periods of time.
In addition, hand-shaking exercises can also help reduce stress and anxiety. When we shake our arms, this repetitive movement is able to create a relaxing effect that helps to reduce psychological stress. To some extent, this simple physical activity can also promote the quality of sleep, especially after a light handshake exercise at night, which can help relax the body and prepare it for sleep.
4. Comparison with traditional health habits
Comparing handshakes to other traditional health habits, such as tai chi, yoga or jogging, we can see that one of the significant advantages of handshakes is their simplicity and ease of implementation. No special equipment or venue is required, and the handshake can be performed anytime, anywhere. This is a huge advantage for those who have a tight schedule or have a handicap for complex movements.
Compared to exercises such as Tai Chi and Yoga, which require specific postures and techniques, the handshake exercise has a lower learning curve and can be easily mastered by almost everyone. Not only is it suitable for people of all ages, but it is also a very good choice for people with limited physical conditions.