Tai
chi was developed in China in the 1300s as a martial art, not
unlike karate and judo, which were used for self-defense. It
evolved into a technique for promoting health, and meditation
with people using it primarily for its health benefits. A person
studies Tai chi, takes classes, and then performs it on one's
own. It can be used for the general harmonizing and balancing
of the body and is wonderful for stress management and many
illnesses. Tai chi translated means, “supreme ultimate”.
The central
element of the practice is the 'internal discipline' that dictates
how a movement should be made from the internal core of the
body, the abdomen and the back, not from the external parts
of the body, such as arms and shoulders. This discipline is
essential to gain the full health benefits of Tai Chi.
Initially
there is some awkwardness, the same as learning any new thing.
After some facility is gained though, it becomes quite magical
whether or not you are "pushing hands" and engaging in an energy
conversation with someone else or whether you are practicing
the solo form.
The
yin and yang of tai chi is the feeling of excited and calm,
exercising and relaxed, soft and powerful, yielding and overcoming,
and not moving in movement are a few of the opposites which
occur simultaneously. This very interesting exercise, while
never boring, is challenging. It challenges your preconceived
way of being in relationship to gravity, your physical self,
your mind, and with other people.
Health benefits
of Tai Chi? Tai Chi is a way to learn how to relax and concentrate
intensely at the same time while actually using your body. There
are many people who are turned off to the idea of meditation,
or are just too wired to try to meditate. Those people tend
to want a physical basis for the relaxation practice. It can
be focused around a specific symptom, so it could be someone
who has a headache problem or an acid reflux problem for example
or one of the many other problems that are related to a high
level of stress.
Much like
yoga, there are many different styles of tai chi. Some have
fast movements and are more martial arts-type movements. Some
of them are done more slowly and gently. Check with your local
martial arts instructors and ask what kind of Tai Chi they offer
for your age and fitness level.
There
actually have been studies now with the elderly and Tai Chi
to show that it has helped elderly balance problems. In cases
of osteoporosis, it helps strengthen the bones. Because of the
relaxation aspect, it can help with stress-related problems
like high blood pressure. Because it is low-impact, it can help
lubricate your joints and strengthen your body in a way that's
not as harmful as maybe running or some high-impact exercises.
Tai chi is wonderful at any age. Many older people practice
it twice a day in China.
When you
practice Tai Chi wear comfortable clothing and a flat shoe or
sneaker. There are traditional Chinese uniforms, but usually
in tai chi schools they are a little more relaxed than some
of the other martial arts. So, find a Tai Chi video at the library,
or rent one to see if this is something that feels good to you.
At first it may feel very awkward, but not painful. To your
health!
Tai
chi was developed in China in the 1300s as a martial art, not
unlike karate and judo, which were used for self-defense. It
evolved into a technique for promoting health, and meditation
with people using it primarily for its health benefits. A person
studies Tai chi, takes classes, and then performs it on one's
own. It can be used for the general harmonizing and balancing
of the body and is wonderful for stress management and many
illnesses. Tai chi translated means, “supreme ultimate”.
The
yin and yang of tai chi is the feeling of excited and calm,
exercising and relaxed, soft and powerful, yielding and overcoming,
and not moving in movement are a few of the opposites which
occur simultaneously. This very interesting exercise, while
never boring, is challenging. It challenges your preconceived
way of being in relationship to gravity, your physical self,
your mind, and with other people. 
There
actually have been studies now with the elderly and Tai Chi
to show that it has helped elderly balance problems. In cases
of osteoporosis, it helps strengthen the bones. Because of the
relaxation aspect, it can help with stress-related problems
like high blood pressure. Because it is low-impact, it can help
lubricate your joints and strengthen your body in a way that's
not as harmful as maybe running or some high-impact exercises.
Tai chi is wonderful at any age. Many older people practice
it twice a day in China. 
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