Tai Chi
Tai chi history
Tai chi is a centuries-old Chinese martial art that descends from qigong, an ancient Chinese
discipline that has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. (The people that you see moving gracefully in parks are practicing tai chi.) According to some records, tai chi dates back as far as 2,500 years! It involves a series of slow, meditative body movements that were originally designed for self-defense and to promote inner peace and calm. Some tai chi masters are famous for being able to throw an attacker to the floor with the attacker and spectators unable to clearly see how it was done. Their movements use internal energy and movements too subtle for most people to observe, reflected in the notion that "four ounces can deflect a thousand pounds." At this high level of skill, a defender can use a small amount of energy to neutralize the far greater external force of an attacker.
Qi (“chee”)
In traditional Chinese medicine, human beings are considered miniature versions of the universe, and like the universe, they are thought to be made up of the constant interaction of five elements (metal, water, fire, wood, and earth). It is believed that these five elements flow in an interrelated manner throughout all the organs of the body as the five phases of universal qi (the life force), the intrinsic energy in the body that travels along pathways in the body called meridians. Health is achieved when the interactions between these elements cause the flow of your qi to occur in a smooth and balanced manner. You could say that one reason you study tai chi is to help your qi flow smoothly.
In China, it is believed that tai chi can delay aging and prolong life, increase flexibility and strengthen muscles and tendons, and aid in the treatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, digestive disorders, skin diseases, depression, anxiety and many other illnesses.
Why Tai Chi?
Improve Balance
Improvement in self-confidence
Strength and endurance
Improve Aerobic capacity
Improve Walking
Decrease Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Decrease Stress
Some more reasons to practice tai chi:
Movements are low-impact and gentle and put minimal stress on your muscles and joints.
The risk of injury is very low.
You can do it anywhere, anytime.
It requires very little space and no special clothing or equipment.
You do it at your own pace.
It's noncompetitive.
It can be done in groups or by yourself
There are lots of movements to keep you interested, and as you become more accomplished you can add those to your routine. |
