Tai Chi

The full name of tai chi ch’uan translates as something like ‘ultimate fist’. It has its roots in martial art, and some of its forms still include weaponry displays using ceremonial swords. Tai chi is thought to have developed from a yoga-style exercise system devised by the founder of Zen Buddhism, the 6th century monk Bodhidharma, who came to China from southern India. Since then, tai chi type disciplines have been practiced in China. Some say that a 13th century monk called Chang San Feng saw the dance-like movements of tai chi in a dream about a snake and a bird. Whatever the truth, in the 18th century, postures and movements that connected with each other in a continuous sequence became what we now call tai chi.

How Tai Chi Works?

Tai chi is seen as a preventive health care system that aims to promote good health by balancing chi, our so-called life energy, throughout the body. The theory is that if chi flows smoothly, the body is in harmony and better able to ward off illness. An exercise sequence - a number of postures linked by slowly flowing movements - can last from 10 to 40 minutes. The regular practice of tai chi is said to exercise all parts of the body, massage the internal organs, and improve physical vitality and mental clarity.

What Happens At A Tai Chi Class?

You should wear comfortable, loose clothes and flat shoes. The teacher will explain the philosophy behind the movements before you begin. You will be encouraged to relax and find your ‘preparation stance’; this involves standing with knees slightly bent so your weight falls through the front of your feet. After this you should be ready to begin the series of postures that build up into a continuous sequence.

Cleansing The Lungs

Breathing is an important part of tai chi. Deep, slow breathing encourages the relaxed positions in which stress and tension are dispersed. In preparation, you may be asked to breathe deeply into the lower half of your lungs to encourage your diaphragm to extend down towards the tan t’ien (a point just below the navel). Activating the tan t’ien - regarded as the center that controls the body’s energy system - is thought to improve all bodily functions. Long, deep breathing is said to help cleanse the lungs which can be particularly useful in areas of air pollution. Many Chinese people increase the effect by doing their exercises in the early morning when the air is clearest.

Do I need to be in good physical shape before I attempt tai chi?

Obviously this helps, but tai chi can be practiced by almost anyone, whatever their age, sex or level of fitness or flexibility.

Why do some people insist on doing tai chi outdoors? Are they just showing off?

Many people prefer to perform tai chi out of doors because they believe that in this way their own chi energy can connect with that of the earth. In China it is common to see large numbers of people practicing tai chi in the open air.

Tai Chi Is Good For:

• Stress related conditions
• Fatigue
• Hypertension
• Degenerative conditions

Tai Chi:

AVAILABILITY - Widespread

MEDICAL EVIDENCE - Limited

MEDICAL ACCEPTANCE - Limited

SELF HELP - Possible

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