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INTRODUCTION
The term Tai-Chi Chuan, usually shortened to simply Tai-Chi, is derived from a concept of ancient Chinese philosophy, meaning “Supreme Ultimate”. Tai-Chi is represented by a circle divided into a dark and light part representing the Yin (negative) and Yang (positive) energy forces.
Tai-Chi is named thus because its proponents felt that it expressed an ultimate physical principle, namely human beings cannot live fully without exercise. Exercise leads to health, a high spirit and rational thinking.
Tai-Chi helps one to achieve a balance between the yin and yang energies. Unfortunately, due to modern-age living, stress factors and a lack of exercise, we often fall out of this delicate balance. This affects us in many ways and one of the most noticeable is our good health, or lack thereof. The Tai-Chi masters say that whoever practices Tai-Chi correctly and regularly over a period of time, will gain the pliability of a child, the health of a lumberjack and the love and mind of a sage.
WHAT IS TAI CHI?
Tai-Chi consists of numerous harmoniously designed movements that flow naturally and imperceptibly into one another to make the Form. These movements are so varied that they bring every part of the body, from the smallest joint to the largest muscle, into play without creating any stress. It is often referred to as meditation in motion, focusing the mind and keeping one mentally alert, in this way helping to improve one’s concentration. Slowness, calmness, eveness, clarity and balance are the five basic qualities required and acquired for practicing the Form.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAI CHI
Because Tai-Chi, often compared to swimming on land, is a soft pliable art form, the body does not become tense or hard and the muscles remain resilient and flexible.
Eastern and Western beliefs about how to achieve a healthy body differ markedly. We in the West tend to think that by building up muscles and exerting ourselves during exercise we develop a strong, healthy body, but the results are often tension and fatigue. In contrast, the effortless movements of Tai-Chi eliminate unnecessary exertion and their “softness” actually develops energy and strength. For these reasons, Tai-Chi has long been used in the East for its healing and therapeutic values and during the last two decades many Westerners have begun to think this way too.
If you practice Ta-Chi with the correct posture, the movements place the vertebrae in their natural alignment. This allows the internal organs, which are attached to the backbone, to assume their correct position and prevents them from exerting undue pressure on each other.
Everyone will benefit from practicing Tai-Chi and numerous disorders can be alleviated. Besides relaxing the mind and body, Tai-Chi helps digestion, quiets the nervous system, and makes the joints loose. It also benefits the heart and blood circulation and rejuvenates the skin.
WHO CAN DO TAI CHI?
It is safe for anyone to practice Tai-Chi throughout their lives, without the fear of injury. In the East, some masters are still teaching past the age of 80. You do not have to be in great physical form, nor a mental genius. All that you need is a desire to be physically and/or mentally healthy. You must believe that Tai-Chi can work. Belief comes from understanding.
The best thing about Tai-Chi is that anyone can do it.