Tai Chi: A Great Mind-Body Workout
By Sylvia Anderson, IH Editor -- Published: April 19, 2010
Tai Chi (pronounced tie-chee) is a physical and mental technique that
integrates body, mind and spirit, and has been practiced for centuries
in China. It began as a martial art, but these days it is most
frequently practiced for its health benefits and meditative properties.
What exactly is Tai Chi? What are some of its health benefits? And where
can you get started with it? Keep reading for answers to all of those
questions and more.
Tai Chi has become a popular form of exercise for millions of Chinese
people, senior citizens in particular. Over the last ten to twenty
years, Tai Chi has caught on in America. Classes are offered everywhere
on a daily basis, from parks, community centers, senior-citizen centers,
and health clubs.
The practice of Tai Chi involves the performance of a series of slow,
graceful, and controlled body movements that are done while the body
remains straight and upright. It includes stepping, shifting weight, and
rotating through movements that are similar to those in yoga and ballet.
Throughout a session of Tai Chi, you allow your breathing to be deep yet
relaxed. It is a low-impact activity, which makes it especially
attractive to older adults and individuals with physical impairments.
The traditional purpose of Tai Chi is to view “dan,” a highly-focused
energy source. “Dan” can be divided into three areas of the body: lower
dantian, middle dantian, and upper dantien. For Tai Chi novices, it is
important to start with lower dantian, below the navel. This part of the
body is the foundation, the energy center, and is key for immunity,
vitality, stamina, and longevity.
Like acupuncture, Tai Chi is based on the concept of chi, a vital life
force that courses through the body through specific pathways or
meridians. The traditional explanation is that the practice of Tai Chi
improves health by breaking up blockages in the flow of chi, thereby
restoring the balance of energy. Good health is considered a reflection
of this type of energy balance and harmony of the whole body, while
blocked energy manifests in illness or disease. All forms of traditional
Chinese medicine aim to restore energy balance and to conserve the
body's chi or life vitality. This health system includes the practices
of acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine and Tai Chi's sister healing
art, qigong (pronounced chee gong).
Modern researchers have found that Tai Chi can yield numerous health
benefits. Regular practice builds strength, enhances muscle tone,
increases circulation, and improves balance, flexibility, posture,
coordination and range of motion. Some studies also show that Tai Chi
can lower blood pressure and heart rate as well as ease arthritis pain.
It can help prevent osteoporosis, making it particularly beneficial to
women, and reduce the incidence of falls. Tai Chi also can reduce
stress, improve concentration and increase energy.
If you would like to give Tai Chi a try, contact your health club or
local public community center and inquire about classes.
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