What is Tai Chi?

This is an art embracing the mind, body and spirit which originated in ancient China. Tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. For many, it continues as a lifetime journey.

Principles

There are many styles and forms of tai chi, each having its own features, but all styles share the same essential principles.

The essential principles include: mind integrated with the body; control of movements and breathing; generating internal energy, mindfulness, song (loosening) and jing (serenity). The ultimate purpose of tai chi is to cultivate the chi (or life energy) within us to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. Total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body, empowered through healthy chi through the practice of tai chi. Tai chi for health programs are modernised tai chi, incorporating medical science to deliver health benefits more quickly.

Tai Chi is aesthetically pleasing, easy and enjoyable to practice. It can be a meditation and an integral exercise for all parts of the body and the mind. It brings tranquillity and helps you think more clearly. Regular practice will bring better health and wellness.

Internal Energy

The flowing movements of tai chi contain much inner strength, like water flowing in a river. Beneath the tranquil surface there is a current with immense power – the power for healing and wellness. With consistent practice, people will be able to feel the internal energy (chi), convert it to internal force (jing) and use it to generate more internal energy. This process greatly enhances tai chi development, leading to a more balanced mental state; at the same time fitness, agility and balance will improve. The unique feature of tai chi is that it is internal. Internal means building the inner strength from inside out, therefore you can continue to develop at any age.

Health Benefits

Numerous studies have shown that tai chi improves muscular strength, flexibility, fitness, improves immunity, relieves pain and improves quality of life. Muscle strength is important for supporting and protecting joints and is essential for normal physical function. Flexibility exercises enable people to move more easily, and facilitate circulation of body fluid and blood, which enhance healing. Fitness is important for overall functioning of the heart, lungs, and muscles. In addition to these components, tai chi movements emphasise weight transference to improve balance and prevent falls.