All About Tai Chi

\"AllOne of the martial arts that originated in China many centuries ago is Tai Chi. Because of its popularity, a lot of people are practicing it even in an open area. Further, it is also noted as a form of discipline, exercise and is thought to promote energy that comes from inside the body. It is done with precise movements that are achieved through a distinct and slow-paced routine. The movement in Tai Chi does not cause any impact on bones at all. In fact, it empowers its followers to achieve greater flexibility with the joints, while building stamina and increasing the strength of the body. Moreover, it has also been known as a great way of relieving stress. Your movements and breathing patterns are focused in Tai Chi and you will feel the tension in your body subside almost immediately. This calmness will carry you through long after you have finished your Tai Chi session.As in most Chinese practices the body is used as a whole in a disciplined manner incorporating both your mind and your body and linking them as one. Tai Chi is effective in refining your coordination and increasing your balance. The movements in Tai Chi are slow and consistent in a steady fashion. Even the breathing is also coordinated that you have to breathe in through the nose and exhale during expansion of each movement. Additionally, you are continuously moving when practicing this exercise but you are in complete control of your movements and you also do it unhurriedly.There are 13 postures and 13 principles that are focused on in Tai Chi. Under posture, the first eight are dedicated to the energies and are known as the Eight Trigrams while the remaining five postures are devoted to steps and are known as the Five Elements. The 13 principles of Tai Chi on the other hand are designed to bring the body into one unit. These principles involve movements of all body parts and control them.Interestingly, there are over 100 movements involved in Tai Chi. No one is limited in their ability to partake in Tai Chi in some manner. However, it is not necessary to do all the 100 movements in order to participate in Tai Chi. Few movements can be selected which is most fitted to your health condition and of course those which you can easily follow through and that is enough as long as you focus on them.Additionally, there have been a lot of Chinese tradition studies which showed that Tai Chi has a contributory effect in relieving depressive symptoms, control blood pressure, improved ambulation, it can also relieve insomnia, pain relief, retards bone loss, and improved heart efficiency.As a safety precaution, it is always advisable to seek the guidance of your primary care physician prior to engaging self in a new health program such as Tai Chi.

RESOURCES

MayoClinic: Tai Chi: a Gentle Way to Relieve Stress

Natural Products that Make a Difference: All About Tai Chi

Guardian: All You Need to Know About Tai Chi

Tai Chi Oracle

Everyday Tai Chi

Master Lu\’s Health Center

Stanford: A History of Tai Chi Chuan

Better Health Channel: Tai Chi Health Benefits