Why You Should Learn Tai Chi Tai Chi combines movement,
meditation and breathing, to enhance the flow of vital energy in
the body, to increase both physical and mental well-being.
Tai Chi is one of the most broadly applicable systems of
self-care in the world and is suitable for both young and old
alike.
In China, it is estimated that 300 million people alone practice
Tai Chi.
Tai Chi however is not just practised in China, in the 20th
century it spread throughout the world and as we enter the 21st
century, it is more popular than ever.
Tai Chi - The Form There are several styles of movement and
approaches to Tai Chi, some of them historic and some developed
in recent years.
Each has its own individual charteristics and carries the name
of the clan or family who developed it i.e. Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun
etc.
All the principles of Tai Chi are put into practice in a non
stop sequence of moves called the form.
Each Tai Chi style has its own distinctive way of presenting the
form in terms of: The postures included, the order in which they
appear, the way they are performed and finally, how long the
form actually takes to complete.
Although the different styles of Tai Chi present the form in
different ways, the purpose and the philosophy behind them is
the same.
Tai Chi & Health When Tai Chi is practised, the movement creates
streams of energy to flow through the body.
In the philosophy of Tai Chi, it is said Chi (life energy)
follows the mind, each posture and movement creates a different
energy flow that, has a benifital overall affect on overall
well-being.
Tai Chi stimulates circulation, aligns the skeleton and joints
correctly, stimulates the organs of the body and helps digestion.
It increases muscle tone, strength, improves balance and co
ordination and improves breathing.
Tai Chi does not just provide physical benefits; by raising
energy levels, it also affects the mind and the spirit.
Tai Chi focuses thought, so that mind and body energy works
together as one. When practising Tai Chi, people find that they
are not just physically fitter but, happier, more alert, have
greater mental focus and are more creative.
It is this harnessing of mental and physical energy that makes
Tai Chi not just a form of exercise; it makes it a life
enhancing experience.
Learning Tai Chi Tai Chi is an exercise for people of all ages
and all levels of fitness.
The movements of Tai Chi are non-strenuous, relaxed, slow
moving, soft, and flowing.
It has often been described as moving meditation, as it relieves
stress and improves concentration.
It is the gentleness and slowness of Tai Chi that makes it so
applicable to everyone as a form of exercise.
When you watch Tai Chi being performed, it looks effortless but
this comes from a considerable amount of practice.
When taking up Tai Chi it is best to pick an experienced
teacher, who can guide motivate and encourage you. Simply, go
with someone you are comfortable with.
The style of Tai Chi you pick Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun or any other
form, is down to personal preference; the benefits described
however apply to all styles.
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