|
What is Tai Chi
How can it Offer Stress Relief?
 Tai Chi Chuan, or Tai Chi for
short, is a self-paced,
non-competitive series of slow,
flowing body movements (“forms”)
that emphasize acute
concentration, relaxation, and
the conscious circulation of
vital energy throughout the
body. Though Tai Chi evolved as
a martial art sometime in the
13th century, it is primarily
practiced today as a way of
calming the mind, conditioning
the body, and reducing stress.
The basis of Tai Chi is the
principle of “softness defeating
hardness.” Proper stance, which
involves lowering the center of
gravity (“sinking”), is
emphasized over muscular
strength as a way to access
one’s innate power. Depending on
the style of Tai Chi taught,
there are between 13 and 108
forms that make up a set when
performed continuously. As in
meditation, Tai Chi employs
focusing on the breath and
mindfulness, or maintenance of
the mind’s attention in the
present moment.
Tai Chi works with the concept
of Qi (pronounced “chee”)—a
“bio-energy” that moves
throughout the body via
invisible energy channels called
meridians. Qi regulates and
maintains health in the various
systems of the body by supplying
healing energy to the organs.
When there are constrictions in
the movement of Qi due to
injury, a “slumping” posture, or
other problems, “dis-ease” or
stress results. The muscular
movements of Tai Chi remove any
blockages and stimulate the Qi
to flow freely.
Tai Chi is sometimes referred to
as 'meditation in movement' or
'swimming in air' as this is how
it appears externally.
Becoming aware
Learning tai chi
requires that the student
becomes physically aware to a
new degree.
Heightened
sensory awareness is necessary
for you to benefit from the
health aspects of the training
as well as the self defence.
You will learn to
use your vision more effectively
and develop an unusual
sensitivity to physical
sensation.
Your own body will feel
completely different as you
experience its movement with a
greater immediacy and awareness.
Tai chi is about
change, about being receptive
and open.
|
 |
|
Related
Products
Latest Articles