What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a holistic method of self-healing, a form of moving meditation and philosophical way of life that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Tai Chi has passed the test of time.

Tai Chi Chuan (full name) involves the use of meditation, slow movement and breath regulation to improve and rebalance the flow of Life Force Energy (Chi).

Each form activates the flow of Chi through certain meridians (acupuncture channels) that have been recognized and used in Traditional Chinese Medecine for ages.

Relaxation, techniques of deep abdomen breathing and focused attention, combined with the gentle movements of Tai Chi Forms improves the circulation of Chi in vital organs, nourishing the immune system, energizing your body and calming the mind.

There are different styles of Tai Chi that were developed in China.

Some of the styles like Yang style have slow, gentle movements and can be performed by virtually anyone, regardless of age or agility.  Other styles are more physically demanding. Some forms have to be performed in explosive, fast manner, like the Chen Style of Tai Chi.  There are also the applications of Tai Chi used by martial artists in Ancient China as well as in modern days. One of martial applications is “Pushing Hands” or Chin Na.

Tai Chi Chuan translates as “the Way of Supreme Harmony”. It is the most practiced exercise in the world and has passed the test of time. The legends about the origins of Tai Chi Chuan lead us back to the Taoist Master Chan Sang Feng who lived in China in the 13th  century and was a founder of Tai Chi Chuan or what we now call Tai Chi.

Tai Chi masters in China recommend practicing Qigong (Chi Kung) before learning Tai Chi. Chi Kung (Qigong) teaches the an important skill of collecting and moving Chi as well as how to open up the inner organs and meridians, allowing Chi to move freely.

This is why students who have taken Qigong (Chi Kung) classes first, will greatly benefit from Tai Chi exercises later. We have to learn how to walk before we learn how to run.

 

Who can benefit from Tai Chi Chuan practice?

For most people in present times the “enemy” is stress, overwork and a generally unhealthy life style.  We know that Tai Chi exercises is effective in combating these forces as it has long been realized in Eastern Medicine.

In my experience, the positive physical and mental changes are immediately noticeable. What I found quite surprising through travelling and learning in China was that I could barely guess the age of the Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong (Chi Kung) practitioners. I have had several meetings with Qigong\Tai Chi Teachers who seem not to have aged at all since their thirties. They have dark healthy looking hair without a touch of grey, firm, glowing skin and the bright, young looking eyes of people who feel excited about life and are full of vital energy. This is a very common result of Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) practice over time.

In addition, toned muscles, increased vitality, as well as improved flexibility and better posture will be complemented by a clearer mind, positive attitude, increased confidence and general sense of well-being.

The practice of Tai Chi relieves stress and calms the mind, stretches and strengthens the ligaments and tendons, and also gradually tones the body