What is Tai Chi
What is Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong?
Tai chi is an exercise that focuses on promoting a harmonious state in your body. This is done learning how to move your qi and create a balance between the mind and the body. Tai chi has also been called "moving meditation" because it produces a tranquilizing effect on the body, thus improving your mood and providing health benefits on the mind as well. The history of Tai chi suggests that the form began in the 1300's during the Ming dynasty, but there are reasons to believe it has much older roots, including the inclusion of the philosophy of Confucius and the teachings of the I-ching. Many find that tai chi fits perfect within their lives. It can be practiced anywhere, at anytime. It is invigorating to know that you have the power to change your attitude, change your day, and change your life just by taking a few minutes to help your mind and body relax and reconnect.
The research on Tai chi is beginning to take notice within the mainstream and there are many studies available that demonstrate the benefits of this exercise. It has been shown to have positive psychological and other health effects on conditions such as Parkinson's, cardiovascular disease, and AIDS2. It has also been shown to be beneficial in conditions such as Fibromyalgia1.
Tai Chi and Yoga
Tai Chi and Yoga are similar exercises with different methods of achieve relaxation, toning the body, and creating optimal health. Both utilize different slow motions and stances. Tai chi however focuses more on breathing while moving. I believe yoga is one of the best exercises for women to shape and tone themselves physically. I believe Tai chi is one of the best exercises to relax the mind and body, massaging the internal organ and improving functionality, improving body strength and creating balance.
Tai Chi Chuan for Self Defense
Tai chi is a very effective martial art for self defense. Some fighting arts such as boxing are more direct and easier to implement, hence why it is taught more on a wide scale level. However, tai chi chuan for martial arts application takes time, patience, and the willingness to learn suffer defeat before achieving victory. Today modern day times call for activities that fit into our schedule, so tai chi is not practiced with the martial intent or as intensely in the general population. However it is still used and studied in China in villages as a primary martial art, as well as in professional sanda fighting.
Tai Chi for General Exercise, Fitness, and Weight Loss
Tai chi chuan and Qi gong exercises can easily be incorporated with your current regimen, and can be done as a primary exercise program. As with all exercise programs, proper nutrition and adequate personal care is a must in order to achieve maximal fitness benefits and to lose weight. Many people have the misconception that just because you are moving slow that you are not exercising or burning calories, but on the contrary when you do proper tai chi your body is receiving one of the best workouts it can possibly receive.
Tai Chi’s Physiological Health Benefits
Bruce Lee speaking about Tai Chi Chuan
1. Busch AJ, Webber SC, Brachaniec M, Bidonde J, Bello-Haas VD, Danyliw AD, Overend TJ, Richards RS, Sawant A, Schachter CL. 2011. Exercise Therapy for Fibromyalgia. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2011 Oct;15(5):358-67.
2. Zhang L, Layne C, Lowder T, Liu J..2011. A review focused on the psychological effectiveness of tai chi on different populations. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:678107. Epub 2011 Jul 18.