The health benefits of Tai Chi
While most of us will never be able to achieve the same skill level in martial arts as Bruce Lee; we are all at least able to practice a non-combative form of Tai Chi. As it is mainly an exercise, Tai Chi helps in bettering one’s breathing and in turn, grants a great deal of stress release. The exercise also can help those with disabilities or physical limitations; as they require only minimal strain on the joints.
Peace and tranquility are some of Tai Chi’s main goals, and are attained through the art form’s many fluid movements of the arms and legs. Much research has shown Tai Chi to be helpful to people with anxiety, insomnia and hyper-tension. This is accomplished be redirecting or uninhibiting a person’s “Chi”, or a specific energy form. Because of this, these therapeutic motions are said to connect the body to the universe.
The focus of Tai Chi is to connect body with the spirit, the spirit with the mind and the mind with the body. In order to do this, the fluid movements (body) are used to put one’s thoughts at ease (mind) which, in turn, relaxes the body.
Tai Chi is excellent for people with chronic diseases like fatigue, high blood pressure, arthritis or coordination and balancing problems. Over-exertion is not an issue either, as the movements are slow and easy.
The origin of Tai Chi is shrouded in mystery. Some scholars believe that it emerged in response to Yoga as early as the year 200 B.C. The art form was later built upon by the highly-esteemed Taoist monk, Chang Sang Feng, in the 13th century. From this foundation, many different forms of Tai Chi developed; the most popular being the Chen and Yang styles.
In China, many choose to practice Tai Chi at daybreak in the parks. At this time, the air is at the peak of its crispness. The Chinese believe that the art form’s slow movements and concentrated breathing help the Chi of the body to become balanced. As this happens, the Chi unblocks points in the body that may be inhibited; reducing tension and pain and building balance, strength and stamina.
When used in addition to more modern therapeutic techniques, unique exercise plans can be developed that fit the specific needs of individuals. By doing this, many health problems or disabilities can be alleviated such as heart or circulatory conditions.
The Yang style of Tai Chi is one of the most common practiced today. The following are a variety of forms which belong to the technique:
The long form:
This form is divided into three different stages and includes a total of 108 movements. It includes all of the basic principles of Tai Chi, such as smooth breathing, strength, balance, calmness, flexibility, concentration and posture.
The short form:
A stripped down form of the long form, including only 24 of the 108 original movements. This is a more accessible form, as it is much less physically demanding. The short form would be ideal for a beginner or an elderly person, and when followed with discipline, can be as beneficial as the long form.
The sword form:
This form concentrates more on the hand positions (as it requires one to hold an imaginary sword) and consists of four stages including 32 movements in total.
The “push hands” form:
This is one of the most popular forms amongst younger adults. Two partners incorporate Tai Chi movements, but in a way that incorporates the offensive and defensive aspects of martial arts. The main focus of this form is to teach one to anticipate the other’s movements and redirect them.
In conclusion, the slow and focused movements of Tai Chi can help to improve physical and emotional health, release stress, halt disease, improve sleep quality, or any number of other things. Tai Chi can be easily accessed by people of any age, fitness level or health; but a regular practice of the art form is essential in order to reap its full benefits.
While most of us will never be able to achieve the same skill level in martial arts as Bruce Lee; we are all at least able to practice a non-combative form of Tai Chi. As it is mainly an exercise, Tai Chi helps in bettering one’s breathing and in turn, grants a great deal of stress release. The exercise also can help those with disabilities or physical limitations; as they require only minimal strain on the joints.
Peace and tranquility are some of Tai Chi’s main goals, and are attained through the art form’s many fluid movements of the arms and legs. Much research has shown Tai Chi to be helpful to people with anxiety, insomnia and hyper-tension. This is accomplished be redirecting or uninhibiting a person’s “Chi”, or a specific energy form. Because of this, these therapeutic motions are said to connect the body to the universe.
The focus of Tai Chi is to connect body with the spirit, the spirit with the mind and the mind with the body. In order to do this, the fluid movements (body) are used to put one’s thoughts at ease (mind) which, in turn, relaxes the body.
Tai Chi is excellent for people with chronic diseases like fatigue, high blood pressure, arthritis or coordination and balancing problems. Over-exertion is not an issue either, as the movements are slow and easy.
The origin of Tai Chi is shrouded in mystery. Some scholars believe that it emerged in response to Yoga as early as the year 200 B.C. The art form was later built upon by the highly-esteemed Taoist monk, Chang Sang Feng, in the 13th century. From this foundation, many different forms of Tai Chi developed; the most popular being the Chen and Yang styles.
In China, many choose to practice Tai Chi at daybreak in the parks. At this time, the air is at the peak of its crispness. The Chinese believe that the art form’s slow movements and concentrated breathing help the Chi of the body to become balanced. As this happens, the Chi unblocks points in the body that may be inhibited; reducing tension and pain and building balance, strength and stamina.
When used in addition to more modern therapeutic techniques, unique exercise plans can be developed that fit the specific needs of individuals. By doing this, many health problems or disabilities can be alleviated such as heart or circulatory conditions.
The Yang style of Tai Chi is one of the most common practiced today. The following are a variety of forms which belong to the technique:
The long form:
This form is divided into three different stages and includes a total of 108 movements. It includes all of the basic principles of Tai Chi, such as smooth breathing, strength, balance, calmness, flexibility, concentration and posture.
The short form:
A stripped down form of the long form, including only 24 of the 108 original movements. This is a more accessible form, as it is much less physically demanding. The short form would be ideal for a beginner or an elderly person, and when followed with discipline, can be as beneficial as the long form.
The sword form:
This form concentrates more on the hand positions (as it requires one to hold an imaginary sword) and consists of four stages including 32 movements in total.
The “push hands” form:
This is one of the most popular forms amongst younger adults. Two partners incorporate Tai Chi movements, but in a way that incorporates the offensive and defensive aspects of martial arts. The main focus of this form is to teach one to anticipate the other’s movements and redirect them.
In conclusion, the slow and focused movements of Tai Chi can help to improve physical and emotional health, release stress, halt disease, improve sleep quality, or any number of other things. Tai Chi can be easily accessed by people of any age, fitness level or health; but a regular practice of the art form is essential in order to reap its full benefits.
No comments:
Post a Comment