If you’ve ever heard of Tai Chi, you’ve probably wondered what this ancient art entails.
Many people who are seeking a healthier lifestyle are wanting to learn about Tai Chi and the benefits it provides.
Tai Chi can feel mystical or even foreign, so our goal is to help you truly feel and see the meaning and history behind this ancient art and how you can use it to improve your well-being.
In this article, we’ll share our knowledge and experience. We’ll discuss the history, philosophy, and benefits. We’ll also discuss why the practice is excellent for kids and adults alike.
What is Tai Chi?
Based on ancient martial art techniques from Eastern Asia, including Qigong, Tai Chi involves contrasting and complimentary movements of energetic forces: slow movements versus fast movements, soft versus strong movements, and so on.
The primary goal is to promote breathing, concentration, and centering to bring the mind and body into balance.
This is a rooting, grounding art that adds grace and stability to your daily life.
The practice of Tai Chi doesn’t end when you exit the Do Jang: Tai Chi is the philosophy of realizing the vitality that surrounds us, connecting with the strength of nature, and personalizing the practice to suit your life and improve your well-being.
The Philosophy of Tai Chi
The philosophy underlying Tai Chi is Taoism, which focuses on the natural balance inherent in all things and the need for physical beings to align with the patterns of nature to thrive and grow. While there are many ways to achieve harmony in life, Tai Chi is a time-honored path.
In addition to fostering inner peace, this practice generates respect for the path we walk (TAO), and promotes regeneration.
Tai Chi seeks to harness and balance three primary energetic forces: Qi, Ying, and Yang.
Qi is the ancient and elemental energy force that flows through the body. The practice of Tai Chi can open and encourage the flow of Qi.
Yin and Yang, meanwhile, are the opposing elements that make up the universe. Tai Chi balances these elements to promote physical, spiritual, and mental health. If you have ever felt out of balance, a little “off” or actually tripped over thin air, you have experienced Yin and Yang and how it needs to be balanced.
The practice of Tai Chi isn’t complete without developing a holistic view of health and wellness. Practitioners appreciate health and learn the importance of diet, consuming the appropriate foods for the seasons, and balancing and caring for the body in all ways.
5 Health Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi offers several profound benefits. These include the following:
Stress reduction
Tai Chi’s slow, deliberate movements reduce stress and increase relaxation. In fact, 21 separate trials found that regular practice significantly increases psychological well-being and also reduces stress.
Who couldn’t use a little less stress in their lives and not have those “trip over your own feet” moments?
People who practice Tai Chi move through slow, continuous, low-impact motions. Beautiful names like; Crane Spreads Wings, and Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail, provide the image and connection with nature that is part of the Tao, the Path. They also encourage the practitioner to use the mind and the imagination to create graceful movements. It’s amazing the peace and fluidity that envelopes you during these exercises.
Deep breathing accompanies all movements, and practitioners focus on bodily sensations throughout. This powerful mindfulness practice combats intrusive thoughts and generates a sense of peace and well-being. A goal, once achieved, you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
Increased strength
Unlike other types of physical activity, the movements in Tai Chi are circular and fluid. The movements are never forced. A conscious effort to tense and relax the muscles is how one internally balances the Yin and Yang. The joints never fully extend or bend, and the movements do not strain connective tissues.
Additionally, all the movements are highly adaptable and can be altered to suit everyone. This makes it an excellent fit for all ages and abilities, from advanced athletes to people using walkers or wheelchairs.
Better balance
Tai Chi improves balance, which is critical for older adults at a higher risk of falls, or for people recovering from strokes. In fact, studies have found that stroke patients who practice these movements once or twice a week enjoy better balance and more stability.
The slow, controlled movements help strengthen stabilizing muscles while also improving proprioception (the body’s awareness of its position in space).
Another animal pose, Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, is a great example of a posture that improves balance. If you have seen any bird stand on one leg, you can imagine how balance is paramount.
Our Tai Chi classes ask those that can lift one leg while sinking into the other to be strong like that bird. For those that are lucky to barely lift a heel, or just imagine that the other leg can rise, we work with what is best for you.
Chronic pain reduction
Thanks to its gentle, intentional movements, Tai Chi provides relief for people with chronic pain, arthritis, and also fibromyalgia.
Currently, there is a large body of research to prove that people who practice experience less pain and fewer depressive symptoms associated with chronic pain. They also enjoy better sleep than people who don’t practice these balance movements.
Improved cardiovascular function
Studies have shown that Tai Chi also improves cardiovascular health. The gentle movements increase blood flow and oxygenation to the body, lowering blood pressure and improving heart function.
Improve Your Balance and Well-Being With Tai Chi
Whether you want to improve stability, build strength, or enjoy a more peaceful, balanced outlook on life, Tai Chi is an excellent outlet.
This ancient practice promotes physical and mental well-being and is a perfect option for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re striving to create balance in your life or discover a robust spiritual practice that guides you toward finding the Path, Tai Chi can be an excellent pursuit.
Ready to learn more about Tai Chi or find kids or adult classes near you? Click here to learn more about Sawbuck Do Jang and Andy Hamer, our master instructor, or contact us today.