Tai Chi

An ancient practice performed by Chinese people, Tai Chi is a method of movement that’s part meditation, part martial arts, and part exercise. Tai Chi was developed more than two thousand years ago, and has the philosophical principles of Taoism, which relates to the “I Ching” and follows the “Yin and Yang” principles –dynamic duality in everything.

What Is Tai Chi

Tai Chi uses the techniques of slow and controlled deep breathing, combined with purposeful and graceful movements. Since it works the mind and the body in unison, Tai Chi movements relax the body’s muscles while soothing the nerves and the mind.

Basing on the principles of Taoism, Tai Chi is equally a philosophy as it is an exercise. “Tao” signifies “the path”, which is a universal concept that denotes conscious participation and thought. “Chi” means “vital energy”, which is the power force of life, while “Tai” simply translates to “great”. When combined together in meaning, Tai Chi is a method of finding oneself and one’s “unique path through life”.

The Basics

Among the appeals of performing Tai Chi is that there’s no special equipment or clothing needed. This mind-body exercise can also be performed in almost any type of space, outdoor or indoor. And while it’s based on a particular philosophical system, it’s not necessary to be a believer of a certain creed to be able to practice Tai Chi. Additionally, many people of different fitness level and age can perform and benefit from the gracefully controlled and free-flowing movements of Tai Chi.

The method isn’t for developing muscular strength and aerobic capacity; however, people doing Tai Chi have often felt increased strength. This is credited to learning how to move one’s body in a “kinetically” correct manner. An increased easiness in movement and enhanced posture allows for better use of a person’s strength capacity.

Good function and form are important in practicing Tai Chi, as well as a balanced distribution of weight, movement continuity, relaxation, good posture, and even breathing. Paying attention to these essential elements will lead to a balanced development of the body and relaxation, resulting to healthier responses of the muscles to stress.

Benefits

Diligently practicing Tai Chi can produce profound effect on every system of the body through reducing tension, increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and boosting one’s ability to focus.

Through restoring the proper circulation and alleviating the tension in tendons, ligaments, and muscles, Tai Chi makes it easy for maximum body functioning, maintaining proper performance of every system, tissue, and organs and restoring total health.

Eventually, Tai Chi becomes and internal and external art, penetrating deeper than just the muscles, and benefiting the whole body physiology. This harmony in body physiology leads to the calmness of the spirit, tranquility and vitality of the body, together with an improved personal creativity and “sense of purpose”.

Recent experiential studies on Tai Chi benefits also indicate that people practicing the method for over six months have increased their confidence and self-worth credited to the “sense of control” that they have gained through regular practice of the exercise.

Tai Chi has recently experienced a rise in popularity, and it is no longer uncommon to find Tai Chi classes on most fitness facilities, health clubs, gyms, senior centers, and spas. Additionally, there are also lots of Tai Chi home videos available in the market, so one can practice the postures in the convenience of their homes. One can also find groups of devotees of Tai Chi performing in Chinatown square or local parks.

Whatever way you want to experience and practice Tai Chi, one is bound to feel the “sense of relaxation” and rejuvenation that the method offers every participant.