Tai Chi
by Krysta CardinaleTai Chi is formally known as T'ai Chi Ch'uan literally translated means 'Supreme ultimate defense'. It is an ancient Chinese system of exercise that promotes total health - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Practiced at a slow and even pace, the Tai Chi exercises promote improved posture, balance and relaxation, while also improving strength and coordination. These exercises are based on the balance of two fundamental forces termed Yin and Yang. Tai Chi examples of this can be seen in the change of light to darkness, summer to winter, and the interplay of male and female. Although these are apparently opposites, they can be seen to complement each other. Tai Chi exercises start a journey of discovery, getting in touch with whom you really are, and experiencing a freedom of movement.
There are five main styles of today and throughout history… Chen T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Yang, Sun, Wu/Hao, and Wu. However, in the modern world there are dozens upon dozens of new styles and techniques. Chen Tai Chi is the oldest form, but Yang Tai Chi is the most popular style practiced. Regardless of the style, all have influences from Taoist and Buddhist monasteries. There is a connection between this form of martial arts and the Sung dynasty Neo-Confucianism even though there is no formal written mention of it in this era of Chinese history. The practices are said to have been formulated by a Taoist monk, Zhang Sanfeng, in the 12th Century. It is said that Sanfeng studied Toa Yin breathing exercises and martial arts as a young man. As he matured he began to combine the two techniques and came up with what we know today. He began teaching this technique at the Wu Tang monastery.
Tai Chi Movements
It is generally considered a non-aggressive martial art which is based on the principles of balance, softness, timing and awareness, rather than aggression, force and resistance. In the same way as water can overcome rock, these principles can overcome strength. Tai Chi movements can calm a person's emotions and focus the mind; over time they can draw a person closer to nature and develop a more respectful attitude towards life.
As one starts to practice the slow flowing Tai Chi exercises, the muscles relax, the joints open, the mind clears and the Chi or energy starts to flow through the body. As the human body is composed mainly of water, Tai Chi movements are curved and spiral, and designed to gently stretch open the joints to keep the body fluid and relaxed. Similar to acupuncture, it aims to unblock and balance a person’s vital force (Chi), which flows through the body in a system of meridians.
Health Benefits
There have actually been recorded benefits from long-term practice of this ancient form of martial arts. These exercises work with the energy of the body. They balance and enhance it for the benefit of the whole system by involving breathing exercises with gentle mobilization of the whole body. The respiratory system and blood circulation is improved, and this in turn leads to greater oxygen supplies to the muscles and systems of the body. This can id in healing old injuries and allowing greater muscular movement and freeing up stiff joints. The exercises can also help with digestive problems by stimulating the gastrointestinal movements. This ancient art form has also had positive effects on the improvement of balance, cardiovascular fitness, respiratory functions, posture, and flexibility. Other studies reveal that it can also help reduce stress and anxiety, and pain. The gentle and flowing movements done in these exercises have been proven to reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition, it actually burns more calories than one does when one downhill skis. It helps boost the immune system, and improve one’s overall disposition and mood.
