 Healthy Benefits Of Tai Chi
Tai Chi
is originally derived from martial arts. It is a non-combat, self-paced
series of physical movements incorporated breathing and relaxation
techniques. Because the movements are low impact with minimal pressure
on the muscles and joints, Tai Chi is well suited to older people.
Through the graceful movements, Tai Chi fosters a calm and tranquil
mind that connects the body with the universe, the heaven and the
earth. It can be applied therapeutically to those who constantly suffer
anxiety, stress, insomnia, or tension. Many studies have shown that
regular practice of Tai Chi can support, unblock, and redirect the flow
of "chi", the vital energy, and blood, to enhance our overall health
and well-being.
With the focus on the interactions among the mind, body, and spirit,
and with the intent to use the mind to affect physical functioning and
promote health, Tai Chi is especially good for people with chronic
diseases, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, fatigue, balance and
coordination problems, or even cancer. Since its movements are not
strenuous, practicing Tai Chi does not require any special flexibility
or physical strength.
The history of Tai Chi is difficult to sort out and the true origins of
Tai Chi are unclear but many scholars believe its roots can be traced
back to 200 B.C. with the practice of yoga in ancient India. It was not
until the 13th century that a series of movements were created by a
reputed Taoist monk, Chang Sang Feng. Those movements became the base
from which subsequent styles would be developed. Tai Chi later evolved
into many different styles and practices through time. The Chen style
and the Yang style are the most famous styles among them. The Yang
style was modified from the Chen style and is the most commonly
practiced form today.
Tai Chi masters usually prefer to practice Tai Chi in the early morning
when the air is abundant and fresh. In China, it is common to see
people gather in the park to practice Tai Chi in the early morning.
According to the Chinese, the slow movement with breathing technique
will cause the flow of "chi" to occur in a smooth and balanced manner.
The circulation of this "chi" in the body helps unblock the stagnation
in the meridians, hence, reduce tension or pain and improve physical
alignment while building strength, endurance, and stability of the
legs. For these reasons, many people practice Tai Chi to relieve stress
and body ache. In addition, some studies show that Tai Chi practice can
establish greater balance and flexibility and improve heart and blood
vessel function in both healthy people and those with heart conditions.
Combined with modern therapeutic principles to create an exercise plan
feasible to those people, Tai Chi can be used to treat a wide range of
health problems -- from arthritis to heart disease.
The most common form practiced today, the Yang style, includes the following forms:
Long form -
The long form consists of 108 movements divided into three stages.
Those movements represent the basic principles of Tai Chi: balance,
concentration, alignment, flexibility, strength, internal calmness, and
smooth breathing rhythms, etc.
Short Form -
The short form is a simplified version of the long form, including only
24 movements. It is less physically demanding than the long form, thus,
more appealing to beginners, especially to older people. When done
properly, the short form benefits the health as much as the long form.
Therefore, the short form has become quite popular and is now practiced
all over the world.
Sword Form -
The sword form is composed of about 32 movements divided into four
stages. Its graceful movements focus more on the positions of the hands
when you hold the sword as if it becomes part of your fingers.
Push Hands -
The push hands form is when two partners practice together that
incorporates the movements of Tai Chi into a defensive and offensive
aspect of martial arts. It teaches students not to resist force with
force; instead, use the body to yield to force and redirect it. This
form is more appealing to younger adults.
In conclusion, Tai Chi is a form of martial arts, with slow and gentle
movements. Regular practice of Tai Chi can enhance our physical and
emotional health, improve chronic illness, prevent diseases, relieve
stress level, increase energy, and improve quality of sleep. The key to
reap the full benefits of Tai Chi is to practice continuously. Its
various styles are available for people of all ages and it is generally
safe for people of all levels of fitness.
About the Author
S.E. Odom is an independent publisher and co-founder of The Samadhi Group, Inc. Stop by The Samadhi Group Inc. today for abundant living tips and resources.
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