Tai Chi Movements

for mind and body

Tai chi movements (pronounced "tie chee") originated in China as a martial art. Over time, many different styles and variations developed. Currently it is primarily used to exercise your mind and body.

Tai chi is sometimes also referred to as the "moving meditation"; a practitioner moves his body slowly, relaxed, gently and graceful, while breathing deeply and meditating. Many believe that Tai chi movements help the flow of the energy qi (pronounced "chee", meaning "air" or "power") through your body.

The Taoist monk Chang San-Feng developed an initial set of exercises imitating the movements of the snake and the crane.

The three important elements of Tai chi

Tai chi movement

The simplest style/form of tai chi uses 13 movements; the more complex styles can have a few dozens.

Each movement flows into the next, keeping your always in motion.

Meditation

It is considered important to concentrate and to let go of distracting thoughts.

Breathing

You will have to breathe in a deep, focused and relaxed manner. Practitioners believe that the benefits of this breathing and meditation are, for example:

- it makes you calm and aware;

- it improves your balance;

- it improves yours lungs intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide (the body’s waste gas);

- its massages your internal organs;

- its helps your digestive system to work better.

Tai chi also believes that the two forces of Yin and Yang, which according to Chinese philosophy are the two elements that make up the universe, should be in balance in order for you to be healthy.

- Yin: believed to have the qualities of water (coolness, stillness, darkness and inward and downward directions), and to be feminine in character.

- Yang: believed to have the qualities of fire (heat, light, action, and upward and outward movement), and to be masculine in character.

Specific reasons to practice Tai chi movements

- it is a low-impact form of exercise;

- it improves your physical condition, coordination, muscle strength and flexibility. With benefits to the heart and possibly cholesterol levels;

- you will improve your balance (especially for older people);

- it will ease pain and stiffness, for example, from arthritis;

- it improves sleep, and overall wellness.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

- If you are an older person, if you have a health condition for which you are being treated or if you have not exercised for some time, before starting Tai chi you have to ask your doctor for advice.

- If you do not do the exercises properly if you overdo the exercises, you may get sore muscles or sprains.

- Do not practice tai chi right after your have eaten, when you are very tired, or when you have an active infection.

- Be careful practicing when you are pregnant or have hernia, a fracture, back pains, joint problems or severe osteoporosis.