Tai Chi

Tai Chi in the Modern World

2012-01-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

Gone are the days wherein Tai Chi is only recognized within the homes of those who made it. Tai Chi have become very popular to people nowadays. It is not recognized as a way of exercising but of treating and preventing certain ailments that can’t be done through ordinary medications alone. With all of its proven advantages and outcomes, Tai Chi was recognized as an exercise that doesn’t merely involve physical strength and outcome but also inner strength. Not only have Tai Chi become famous in the treatment industry but also in sports and tournaments.

Tai Chi in the Medical Aspect

Tai Chi grew as one of the most effective exercise to treat, prevent and boost certain systems in the human’s body. Classes were included in hospital programs that involve arthritis problems as their main course. It is also popular in clinics, senior and community centers and as well as those places wherein stress management is applied.

Stress, one of the leading causes of many ailments today is present almost everywhere. It can be a pinch or a bundle of stress. It is common in workplaces wherein you meet deadlines every waking day. It has been concluded that, with the help of the principles of Tai Chi and what it is doing to the body, stress can be reduced or better yet, eliminated and prevented. Some of these workplaces include Tai Chi as one of their programs for their beloved employees.

Self-defense, Aesthetic or Physical and Mental Benefits?

Tai Chi is both. Although, the result of its popularity in the modern world made people’s opinion has broken into three dividing beliefs. This is true especially to those who are already applying and practicing it. But however the opinions may pave its way, it always depends on how it is done. If you are practicing Tai Chi because you wanted peace of mind, body and soul, then be it. If you are using it for aesthetic (wushu) purposes, then let it be done that way. But if you enrolled in a Tai Chi class because you believe in the power of Tai Chi to help you get through defending yourself, then, for you, Tai Chi is for self-defense.

Thing is, wushu is made only for show. The forms that were done and taught are all designed to amass points in a competition. Wushu techniques are really not concerned with any of the physical, mental and martial art aspect of Tai Chi. Instead, it is done to impress judges of certain tournaments.

But traditional stylists has this belief that martial arts and health are strictly necessary in the convergence of Tai Chi. Elements of the yin and yang must be there. Tai Chi schools still include their teachings in a martial art concept whatever their students’ intentions may be.

Tai Chi, like Yoga, is one of the fastest and most famous growing health maintenance and fitness program in the U.S.

Tournaments

A standardized form of Tai Chi competition, wushu had made it big as a Chinese sport. Rules for the competition were made to be succeeded within six minutes. It was formed by the Chinese Sports Committee and made many different forms of the competition.

Modern versions have become a very integral part of the international tournament. Tai Chi has also been included in movies and in very important competitions like the Asian Games.

Tai Chi Uplifts External and Internal Systems

2011-12-16T03:11:00.000-08:00

What is an external system? What is an internal system? The answer lies beyond its difference.

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that incorporates between the inner and outer aspect of a human being. When one says that is affects the external system, it means that Tai Chi settles within the depths of a human’s body strength. One that exhibits efforts and movements and is equated with the aspects of his or her environment. The external system involves how the body initiates movement and react to how outside factors is expressed.

While the internal system, as opposed to the latter, means that the mind’s conscious directions and the spirit’s way of rejuvenating itself, as it performs, can affect the entire body. It affects the body’s way of interacting with its environment.

Even though these two aspects may differ with the way they interact, there is purpose. When the body’s external systems can no longer define the solution, the internal systems come in. Through Tai Chi, both systems are equal.

One unique factor that can be noted about an internal system is that once the mind develops and directs energy, it circulates within the body even if it seems almost impossible. This is one key factor to acquire energy from within without producing intense feelings, eliminating nervousness, and promoting tranquility without experiencing lethargic reactions. Unlike the external systems, which require perspiration in order to work, using the mind as a tool to is very effective in terms of body relaxation and meditation. Exercising using the mind require complete concentration and needs sustained attention.

This is where Tai Chi comes in. Combining the two most essential aspects of a person’s human form can increase a person’s resistance to possibilities of breaking down. There are several types of exercises that can relieve tension and stress. However, these exercises are only concerned with the temporary view. It can’t promise relief in an everlasting manner. Re-accumulation of stress and tension can still be possible through repetition of routines made daily intended to target a person’s emotional, mental and physical patterns.

But if Tai Chi is managed in a person’s life, it will not only teach that person how to conquer the stressors in his life but also manage to maintain the positive aura without moving a muscle. Increasing one’s awareness of Tai Chi can reorient the mind, body and emotions to stay healthy and respond to stress in a proper way without inhibiting signs of anxiety or tension.

Many of those who admire Tai Chi appreciate it in every respect. As one advances in time, he will notice that the results of Tai Chi is indispensable compared to exercises that needs further retaining. Tai Chi can be done even in the absence of equipments. All you need to be equipped with is a steady heart and a decisive mind.

In the continuous fight against the different ailments of the body, it is important that people recognize Tai Chi’s valuable contribution. Different parts of the body are developed. For example, breathing is enhanced because oxygen can freely move about through the help of Tai Chi’s principles.

Not only is the pattern improved but it is clearly visible to the one practicing the art that Tai Chi is a very effective way for the external and internal systems to communicate as one and work as one.

Tai Chi Versus Stress

2011-12-10T01:25:00.000-08:00

Life is a stressful series of events wrapped in one package. All around us are contributing factors to add stress in our lives. Even the littlest things can add a certain amount of stress. But it doesn’t matter if your life is full of stress because it is one factor that you can’t shrug away unless you are numb. The one thing you can do to kill stress is recognizing what causes it to arise inside of you then do coping mechanisms to lessen it. That’s when Tai Chi comes in.

Stress can be harmful. So before it gets worse, you must block it. Stress can have its advantages because you can learn how to cope but the moment you can’t deal with life’s stresses, you must do something about it. Because once stress enters the body, it stays there and releases certain toxins that are very dangerous to the body.

How will you know that you are stressed? First, your body will react differently. You can experience headaches, breathlessness, chest pains, sleeping problems, feels sick or dizzy, sweating so often, muscle spasms or cramps, and lack of appetite. Somehow, when this occurs, you will feel more irritable, aggressive, neglected and depressed.

The way you behave is also affected which shows through inability of showing the way you truly feel, crying frequently, has difficulty in making decisions (even the easy ones), trying to avoid situations and somehow, denying that there is a problem.

If you have experienced few of these, then you are indeed incurring a difficult level in your life and needs some help to eliminate it.

Tai Chi is very effective in relieving stress. It somehow has this magical feeling in it that contributes a certain magical and renewing feeling. It can battle out stress and further enhance a person’s well-being.

For beginners, there will be a certain level of awkwardness but as time passes, it diminishes the feeling. Alright, before giving into the feeling, you must first forget every worry once you walk into the door where will perform your Tai Chi activities. Then work your way through and recognize the benefits of what Tai Chi is doing for you.

Tai Chi can reward you with the most astonishing feeling of self-sufficiency and relaxation. It will keep your mind at ease and will make you deal with life more positively. Whoever practices Tai Chi are rewarded with improved flexibility and balance together with stable breathing, stronger lymphatic and circulatory system, it also reduces hypertension. In an overall performance, you will manage to feel an overall greatness and well-being.

Tai Chi can reduce and somehow eliminate the harmful effects of stress. The marketplace is very competitive and the retention of superior quality employees can be made possible if only Tai Chi can be incorporated. This will not only have a positive effect on the employee but for the whole company as well.

What does Tai Chi do to decrease stress flowing inside the body? It increases the vitality of every cell composing the entire element of the body. There are long term benefits like increased energy, decreased stress, uplifted spirit, enhanced relaxation and concentration, and finding inner peace.

If this therapeutic way of dealing with stress is offered in every company, then that will make the workplace a bit friendly and stress free.

Tai Chi used for Self Defense

2011-12-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

Tai Chi or Tai Chi Chuan is a kind of exercise that doesn’t entail only meditative and relaxing states but also the martial art aspect. If can be a sort of self defense like judo or karate.

Tai Chi Chuan is also known as “Supreme Ultimate Fist”. Which means that it can be used in terms of grand styles in fighting. It uses the philosophy of the positive and negative energy which is known as the yin-yang symbol.

Tai Chi Chuan is somehow based on duality as the philosophy applies. It came centuries ago since the time of Taoism which is the basis of the martial art. This kind of martial art uses slow movements that flow through the different nerves and vessels of the body to develop relaxation, inner power (known as Chi) and leg strength.

Many questions involving the usage of Tai Chi in terms of martial art is given such contradiction. Tai Chi is an advanced level of martial. But that is all supported by backbone theories.

So the question goes, “How does this kind of slow motion exercise be a matter of self defense?” Contradictory to what other arts teaches you, in Tai Chi, you are taught to move slowly in order to move quickly. The precision of Tai Chi and impeccable coordinated movements give justice to the query. If done in a fast form, Tai Chi can doom to fail because it is equated to coordination and the sense of being one thus being done in quick but imprecise motion can end up with the crucial details to disappear.

Every posture has applications with regards to martial arts. You just have to find an instructor that is adept in explaining it all. Don’t settle with teachers that are fixed in one structure. An instructor who is skilled enough can teach you wide assortments of defenses and attacks.

Practice is a durable way of perfecting a specific move. You first start with your techniques. Through the practice of Push Hands, you can be trained about dynamics of the body and balance. It can be curtailed like that of the Judo enthusiasts.

Once Push Hands techniques are learned, you can naturally convert it as a form of martial art self defense or in an offensive manner. Now, if you already have joined any kind of martial art before, Tai Chi can be pretty effective in reconstructing your skill and enhancing it into something that can be translated as an improvement and a challenge.

Even though it was already stated several times now, people who are attracted to Tai Chi never consider it as a kung-fu type but as a form of relaxation and meditative process. And some would rather follow the crowd than make a jump out of the ordinary and consider other options that the exercise can be applied to.

Practically, Tai Chi is not a martial art BUT can be applied as one. You can’t be a black belt by being an expert in every Tai Chi strategy and movement, though the principles of fundamentality are always present. But if your teacher is really good, he or she can make you learn specific Tai Chi techniques and add-ons that will make you a better martial artist. Like the one with Push Hands.

It needs a specific kind of softness, pushing, yielding, pressing, neutralizing and rooting. These are only very few to mention but will greatly help you to become more potent.

Tai Chi to Battle Parkinson’s Disease

2011-10-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

There was a study that was recently published that there was a way to possibly slow down the progress of Parkinson’s Disease through Tai Chi. Although, it doesn’t necessarily promise a one-of-a-kind treatment to the disease, basically because Parkinson’s disease is incurable, it is very effective and is recommended by neurologists after diagnosis.

Facts About Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, neurodegenerative disorder that is progressive. It is also called as “Shaking Palsy” or “Paralysis Agitans”. Primary signs and symptoms of the disease would include rigidity, tremors, poor balance, bradykinesia or slow movement, and difficulty in gaiting. Parkinson’s, in general, has no traced cause, in other words, unknown. Some says that it is caused by trauma or genetic factor but aside from that, there is still no known basis.

What happens in Parkinson’s is that there is a certain degeneration of the dopamine receptors inside the brain. These nerve cells, which are responsible for producing dopamine, are affected thus resulting to the minimal or probably no production of dopamine. Dopamine is the one that sends signals to the muscles for proper movement and coordination. Without enough amount of dopamine inside the body, there will be no proper coordination of the different muscles in the body thus, different symptoms occur.

Because Parkinson’s is a disease that can only be prevented, it will prevalent that, as the disease progresses, the person may experience trouble in talking, walking, and doing tasks that are simple. They may also have emotional problems like depression, anxiety, etc. Sleeping problems may also occur. These are some of the signs that the person’s situation is getting worse.

One of the widely known risk factor of Parkinson’s is old age. It begins at an age on or before the age of 60. Parkinson’s is also a disease that is more common in men but there are also few incidences in women. It is also said that Parkinson’s is hereditary.

Bad news is, since Parkinson’s is a disease that affects the neurons of the brain, and neurons are cells that don’t regenerate, there is no cure for the disease itself. Good new is, medicines can help lessen dramatic effects of the disease’s symptoms.

Tai Chi and Parkinson’s

Although Parkinson’s disease is degenerative, it is surprisingly a slow progressive event in the life of old people. And because it will take years before the disease can overcome a person’s entire system, there are several interventions that may help slow the progress of Parkinson’s. That is why, Tai Chi can be very effective in slowing it even more.

With Tai Chi’s elaborate movements in which 95% in the body works in connection with every system, it can enhance a person’s well-being who is suffering from the disease. Tai Chi’s movements can reduce a patient’s gradual lose of coordination. It is said that Tai Chi is far more effective than any kind of sport or exercise that most medical experts suggest in battling Parkinson’s.

Obviously, Tai Chi can be a very good reason to regain coordination and balance. Major universities have indicated that Tai Chi is twice as effective as other balance enhancing exercises in reducing falls. Upon the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s, it is a must to be informed with the major benefits of Tai Chi.

It is effective enough to save the balance of someone before it gets wobbly or physically gets lost.

About Tai Chi Techniques and Training

2011-09-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

Derived from the Taiji symbol which, in the Western areas know as the yin and yang, Tai Chi was said to be the practice that preserved the oldest schools of learning which study the receptive and active principles.

Core training has two features primarily: the solo form, which emphasizes slow sequence of movements maintaining a straight and firm spine, range of motion and fine abdominal breathing; and the Push Hands which involve training of the principles of movement in a more practical and convenient way.

As the word implies, the solo form of Tai Chi, requires only the one person to conquer the movements. It would take the students through a natural and complete range of motion over gravity’s center. If repeated accurately, the practice of the solo form can retain posture, maintain honest flexibility going through the joints and muscles, encourage proper circulation from any point of the student’s body, and let students be more familiarized with some of the important martial art application sequences that are usually implied by the different forms.

Major styles of traditional Tai Chi have forms that somewhat differ from the others, cosmetically. Some differ in the wave of the hands, in the position of the legs, the reaction of the body and the pace of the movement. But these are all irrelevant because what is important to Tai Chi training is that it benefits not only the body but the mind as well. Although, there are many similarities coming from the point of their common origin that are obvious enough to recognize.

Solo forms, weapons and empty-hands are movements that are commonly practiced individually in martial arts application and pushing hands. Scenarios like these are intended to prepare the students for training of self-defense.

The philosophy goes: if one becomes stiff and equally uses hardness in attending to violence, otherwise resisting it, then it is expected that both sides can be injured at a certain degree. An injury like that is a Tai Chi theory that coincides with the consequence of fighting brute with brute, which, in Tai Chi is far beyond the right attitude and style.

Unlike in other martial arts wherein force is applied to some measure, in Tai Chi, students are taught that instead of battling it out or directly resisting an incoming force, they should meet it with the must subtle movements and softness, following every attacking motion and in the end, exhausting the attacking force. This is all done while remaining at a close contact manner. This is the principle wherein the yin and yang is applied. If this method is done correctly, the yin-yang balance in combating is the primary goal of training Tai Chi.

Aside from that, Tai Chi schools also focus their attention on how the energy of a striking person affects his opponent. For example, the palm can strike physically looking the same and performing the same but has a different and dramatic effect on the target.

A palm can strike and push the person either forward or backward. It is done in such a way that the opponents are lifted vertically from the ground thus breaking and deforming their center of gravity.

After which, this technique can literary terminate the striking force within the body of the person with the dearest intention of causing traumatic internal damage.

Ten Principles of Yang Style Tai Chi

2011-09-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

1. Head Straightening

Do this by holding the neck and head at an erect position, naturally, together with the mind while concentrating on top. Brush away the feeling of being tensed or else the needed vital energy and blood will not circulate properly.

2. Back and Chest Position

To correctly position the back and chest, you must feel that air properly “coming in”. The chest must be inward, slightly, so that you are can sink to the lower belly through breathing. Avoid chest protrusion for it will make you feel uneasy and breathing will be heavy. Vital energy that is derived from your lower belly can launch massive force.

3. Waist Relaxation

The most dominant part of the body is the waist part. The moment you relax your waist, your stance will be strong, forming a base that is firm. All movements that are made depend on the reaction of the person’s waist.

4. Stances: Empty and Solid

Primarily, it is quite important to distinguish the difference between empty and solid. It all depends on the shifting of energy in both feet. The moment you put the weight of your body on your left leg, it will become solid and the right leg will become empty. On the other hand, if you shift your weight on the right leg, it will be the one that becomes solid and the left leg being empty. Recognizing these tactics will enable the person to move and turn the body without any stress and additional effort. Otherwise clumsiness and slow movements will arise thus making you unstable to stand firm.

5. Elbows and Shoulders Sinking

Always keep your shoulders in a relaxed, natural position because the moment you lift it, the energy (Qi) will go up with it thus leaving the whole body in a strength-less state. Maintain your elbows down so as to keep your shoulders at a relaxed state and make your body move with ease.

6. Use the Mind and Not the Force

Upon practicing Tai Chi Chuan, it is expected that the body be relaxed. And it is also expected that the mind is the one that tackles all aspects of the human being. There are no presence of any clumsiness or stiffness in the joints and veins that will hinder the body’s movement.

7. Coordination

There is but one theory that supports the elements of Tai Chi. It will start at the roots which is the feet, launching the force to the legs, controlling the waist and elevates through the arms that is expressed by the hands and fingers. Therefore, the feet, legs and the waist must communicate well to pass the energy in a harmonious manner.

8. Internal and External Harmony

Tai Chi Chuan lets the mind be the commander of the entire body. Let it be the one to direct orders and let the body to follow. If the mind is in a tranquil state, the body observes it by producing graceful and soft movements.

9. Continuity

Practicing Tai Chi Chuan requires an upbeat continuity. It must never be lost. The mind must always assert the attention and movements from beginning till the very end.

10. Tranquility

Tai Chi Chuan is always based on peacefulness. In every performance, there must be strict tranquility in order for the mind to interact effectively with the entire system of the body. Tranquility can make the movements slower and precise and make the body move smoother without stiffness and pain.

10 Important Concepts of Tai Chi

2011-09-02T05:20:00.000-07:00

Practicing Tai Chi is not merely a swing of the arm and the movement of the feet. There is a reason behind every movement and style that is made. These concepts paved the way to building every form of Tai Chi. So you have to pay close attention on the things that are not brought up every once in a while because even though if things seem so basic, they are indeed important.

Here are 10 of the most important concepts of Tai Chi that you should never take for granted. Remember these and it will make you appreciate more the forms that are performed.

Concept #1

Tai Chi is done with emphasis on every movement and the fashion of every pattern must be in connected with one another. Meaning every motion made must always start from the spine, going down to the waist, then moving lower to the legs and the feet, then it is simultaneously going up to the body then the arms, hands and last, the fingers.

Concept #2

Maintain your shoulders dropped so that any tension will be eliminated. Shoulders that are always propped are said to have overflowing tension.

Concept #3

Your wrists must always be straight in order to form a lady’s hand if you are performing the Cheng form. All points apply to all forms of Tai Chi but the lady’s hand is basic and a very important trait of the Cheng form in order to cultivate the energy flowing in the body.

Concept #4

Moving slowly should always be done every step of the way. It can never be overemphasized because the slow smoothness of your motions will improve the connection of your body and your environment.

Concept #5

Never let anything disconnect you. You should always stay connected with every instruction. If you have been disconnected, continue to perform the movements and listen carefully to the instructions so that you can overcome any distraction.

Concept #6

Your knees must always be bent during the entire form. Your height must not bob down and up. There are some considerations but all the while, your height must always be maintained at a level that is constant.

Concept #7

The power of Tai Chi travels differently from the movement of Tai Chi. Power of Tai Chi will start from the feet going up to the legs, controlling the shoulders, and will be expressed by the fingers and hands.

Concept #8

Your head must be maintained as if it was suspended on air.

Concept #9

Your chest must be depressed and your back should be raised but this must be done without exerting any force.

Concept #10

Your breath must be focused on your dan-tien but force must not be exerted. As time in the program may pass, there will be accomplishments that will fulfill you like synchronizing your breathing with the movements that you make.

You should always consult your teacher when to exhale or inhale.

Tai Chi History

2011-08-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, was handed down from different generations since its creation by Chang San-Feng. It was during the Sung Dynasty that this was introduced and from that moment on, there were numerous accounts of the form.

The form, or kung chia in Chinese language, are the different movements made through Tai Chi. One of the most common and famous form is the manipulation of the snake and the crane fighting. Master Chang, one of the advocates, copied this kind of fighting style and transformed it into a softer version of their coiling movements. The form that was developed had 13 postures that correspond with the trigrams and the Five Elements.

Master Chang’s lineage was not clear but what historians know is that he is a certain Chiang Fah. Chiang’s form was taught to a young man named as Chen Wang Ting. Chen was known to practice the art of Tai Chi in 1644. Descendants of Chen Wang Ting practiced their family form. Some of the characteristics of their form is done with emphasis on low stances, a silk-reeling move, and fast movements and were practiced periodically.

Tai Chi that was formed by the Chen family was secretly practiced and no one was allowed to use it outside of their home. But during the time of Chen Chang Hsin, which was in the year 1800, the tradition broke. He taught all of his family Tai Chi secrets and styles to his student, Yang Lu Chan.

The modern-day Yang style came from the grandson of Yang Lu Chan named Yang Cheng Fu. This paved the way to introducing one of the longest accounts in the history of Tai Chi. Its form consists of 128 postures. It is characterized by the warding off of energy using leaning movements with slow motion techniques.

The generation of the Yang family taught their students the techniques on Tai Chi. The masters chose their earnest students and made a lineage that gave birth to other styles namely Sun, Wu, and Hao. These styles may differ in the way they are portrayed and the performance differs as well but the principles that were observed by Chang San Feng remains the same.

There was this one student of Yang Cheng Fu named Cheng Man Ching. Cheng became the master of his own generation because of the revisions that he made with Tai Chi Chuan. One of the most famous changes that he made was shortening the form to a 37-posture Tai Chi. This is change made by Cheng is now the most famous form of Tai Chi that is practiced till this day.

When Cheng came to the U.S., he tried to teach and took on the interest of some students in all aspects of life. By doing so, he made the form popular to every men and women. This new form introduced by Cheng is originally known as the Yang Style in the shorter form. It become widespread, today, it is more popular with the name Cheng Style of Tai Chi.

The form of Cheng’s Tai Chi is characterized by an upright spine position, rolling back of energy and a softness that has its powerful attitude.

Taoism is the main contributor of the idea why, in the first place, Tai Chi was formed. This is because Taoism reflects teachings that fundamentally contribute to the reflective, mystic and serene view of the world and the nature we live in.

Tai Chi Facts: A Beginner’s Guide

2011-08-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

For those who are thrilled in experiencing Tai Chi, it is all-possible. Although, there are certain points to remember if you are really thinking of joining the group.

First, know some facts about Tai Chi. Tai Chi and Tai Chi Chuan is not different after all. There might be an additional character on the latter but the meaning stands the same. Tai Chi is just the shorter version. Tai Chi Chuan means “Supreme Ultimate Fist”. It is derived from a series of kung fu techniques so it can be applied as both a therapeutic activity and a medium of self-defense.

Range in the number of students in each class varies but you can expect about 20-30 students in each class. The age factor is between teens and up to the 90s. This art is not common for children though, because the slow movements will just bore them. But most likely, classes like this target people from the early twenties and so on. Men and women alike can enroll in the class. It is quite seldom to see a men-only or women-only class within a Tai Chi program. Generally, it is much more beneficial if men and women mix because of the energy that elevates inside the class.

Being fit is not a requirement. It’s okay if you are stout, thin, overweight or so. Even those who are permanently attached to their wheelchairs can adapt to the movements of Tai Chi. But a certain attention is required. But if you have undergone certain medical treatments, ask your doctor if Tai Chi is really meant for you because if it is contraindicated, might as well drop it. And if your doctor has approved with your Tai Chi, tell your teacher about your disability so he can adjust or restrict movements that you can’t handle.

Tai Chi is both an exercise and a martial art. But there are teachers that give out only the movements that are purely for health. There would be like at least 80% of those who are engaged in the art embrace the idea of Tai Chi being an art. So if you think that you are the type who needs self defense more than an exercise, you can achieve this in some art that exhibits kung fu actions than health exercises. But if you are the type who wants the best of both worlds, Tai Chi is best for you.

Tai Chi is a form of internal martial art that is characterized by soft movements and is trained to be a relaxing and slower speed than other kinds of martial art.

If you keep on thinking what to wear on a Tai Chi class, you don’t have to shop for cool clothes. Special clothing is not a requirement. You just have to wear something really comfortable like snickers, T-shirts and jogging pants. Remember, it must be something that would allow you to move freely while performing every move. Never wear jeans or any constrictive clothing.

Things to expect while in a Tai Chi class are Qigong, which means meditation that is done by moving your body, or otherwise is in a stationary state. Push hands or what is known as tui shou, is an exercise that requires two persons who exchange energy by performing movements leveled with each other. You can also expect the use of weapons like swords.

These will be used in advanced classes and those who enroll are the ones who have already experienced the basics.

Tai Chi: An Overview

2011-08-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

If you translate Tai Chi (Taiji), it would mean “Supreme Ultimate Force”. It is somewhat a state of infinite and absolute potentiality. It tackles on the concept between yin and yang or the Two Aspects governing the Four Realms and Five Elements. Using those very important aspects, the world is created. Tai Chi also means “unity, one, or being able to attain oneness.”

With the use of the concept of the positive and negative energy, Tai Chi is a form of force that can be assumed as a dual dynamic state in which force coming from within the body is used in means of achieving the supreme and ultimate discipline in oneself.

Today, Tai Chi is practiced in many parts of the world including the Western World. It can be a sort of moving meditation and yoga combined. Tai Chi has its many forms or sets that consist of a number of sequential movements that was derived from martial arts that can be in the form of imitating the movements of different kinds of birds and animals in the most gentle and invigorating way. Even if it is a kind of movement involving martial arts, Tai Chi is done in a soft and graceful manner entailing smooth transitions in between.

Practitioners see Tai Chi as a form of meditative interaction between the mind, body, soul and the environment. They don’t see it as a martial art technique but as an exercise to calm the body. Some consider Tai Chi as a combat interest because of its considerable force.

With regards to Chinese medicine and philosophy, the existence of “chi” is important to the vitality that enables to animate the body. One of the many aims of Tai Chi is to promote circulation of the “chi” throughout the body. By promoting this belief, the vitality and health of a person is normally enhanced. Once the “chi” circulates around the body, it goes to the pattern of the vascular and nervous system and any organ correlated to it. Thus, making Tai Chi connected with the principles of oriental healing and acupuncture.

One of the most familiar aims of Tai Chi is fostering the calmness and tranquility of the mind. One’s mind must be focused on executing the exercise precisely because doing it in a proper manner provides an avenue to learn things about balance, motor control, alignment, movement rhythm, and the list goes on. If the person practicing Tai Chi can practice it every day, then he or she will reach to the extent of being able to stand, run, move, and walk in a better position. It also touches some of the spheres in a person’s life as well.

There are numerous benefits seen by practitioners regarding Tai Chi. One of which is inhibiting the correct posture and alignment of the body which lessens further injuries and tension.

Push-hands is a kind of Tai Chi that involves two persons. Here, principles regarding Tai Chi are applied in a manner that the response of the other person is developed in a more sensitive way. It is an opportunity to exhibit martial arts aspects in a kind of a slow motion combat, without hurting the opponent.

An emphasis that Tai Chi has channeled through its practitioners is that they can give out an energy that may be in a form of a destructive behavior or context without dissipating that energy in a harmful way.

Benefits of Tai Chi to People’s Health

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As believed, Tai Chi can increase the flow of energy thus increasing the strength and promoting the serenity and harmony in every system of the body. It’s the meditative and calming aspect of Tai Chi that makes the movements useful in every aspect that can reduce or otherwise eliminate anxiety and stress forming inside the body. It was confirmed by those who underwent sessions of Tai Chi that it really works for personal well-being.

As an exercise, Tai Chi can increase the strength of muscles and enhance the flexibility and balance of a person. Those who practice Tai Chi is exploiting the powers of yin and yang therefore the exercise are designed to especially express the forces in a harmonious and balanced form.

Not only can Tai Chi relax the mind and the soul but also prevent the extent of certain illnesses to spread through the body. It is a very good way of maintaining health. Tai Chi is not a disease curing technique but can be complemented as a form of therapy.

Balance

One of the major causes of disability and death among the elderly is loss of coordination or in more ways than one, falling. By practicing Tai Chi, balance in older people can improve thus reducing the risk of falling.

Arthritis

Tai Chi can be used to increase the range of motion without even causing a twinge of pain to the arthritic joint plus improving the flexibility of the bones and strengthening the surrounding muscles. It is not to be addressed that Tai Chi can cure the disease itself but it only lessens its severity and the contributing pain by working on those joints as early as possible.

Circulation

Problems regarding the circulatory process of the heart can be remedied by involving oneself in Tai Chi. By practicing Tai Chi, it can enable the heart to pump enough blood throughout the body and thereby improving the system’s circulation.

Multiple Sclerosis

Through Tai Chi, a person can reduce the risk of having, in time, multiple sclerosis. This was stated under foremost studies that Tai Chi can improve the mental and physical well-being of a person.

Stress

Studies show that stress is one of the major causes of numerous diseases and disorders that is why there have been ways used to lessen a person’s stress. One of which is engaging in Tai Chi. As a meditation function, Tai Chi can reduce the production of toxins and hormones that contributes to stress reflected into the organs in the body.

For your Tai Chi experience to become more reproductive and effective, choose a practitioner that is a master of the different aspects and knows what is best for your present day situation.

There are no age limits when it comes to practicing Tai Chi. Everyone is welcome to join. Although, if you are really old and can no longer take such vigorous activities, better consult your physician on what is best before engaging in Tai Chi.

Always remember to inform your instructor of any health problems that you have so that he or she can make certain measures to provide you with the ability to do such movements. Tai Chi must not make you feel any pain. If you do feel any pain, tell your instructor right away.