Health Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai chi grew out of Chinese martial arts, and its roots are intertwined with traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy. In the early 20th century, the benefits of tai chi were discovered and it became an exercise for preventive medicine and wellness. There are several different forms of Tai Chi taught, however the most popular are Wu, Yang, and Chen. These different forms vary in what they emphasize. Some emphasize stress relief, while others emphasize health or self-defense. When deciding if one wants to learn Tai Chi, research should be done on the different styles.

The Chen style has jumps, kicks, and strikes and explosive movements. The New Wu style has a pronounced lean in many of the movements that is said to help gain leverage and power. The Kuang Ping style uses an upright stance and straight-leg heel kicks and jumping kicks and is done at a faster pace than later Yang forms. The Yang Cheng-fu style has slow, smooth and graceful movements. There are several other Tai Chi styles that a vast range of movements and speeds.

Tai chi can be done by anyone who can walk, as it is a low impact exercise. Even those suffering from impaired balance, joint stiffness or poor kinesthetic awareness can practice tai chi. A 1992 Australian study found that tai chi has the same effect as brisk walking on heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones. Tai chi focuses on muscle strength, flexibility and balance. Those who practice tai chi say that it helps them feel more alert, stronger, more focused and relaxed. Tai chi combines low intensity aerobic exercise, with meditation and complex, learned, motor sequence. There are countless intricate movements, combined with breathing exercises incorporated during sessions.

Stress can cause many illnesses and health problems. Tai Chi helps relieve stress as it teaches you how to move negative energy. It strengthens your emotional and mental shields. Tai Chi can be used to aid in self-defense. Tai Chi’s origins are in martial arts. Tai Chi works the smallest muscles of your body, such as your lymph nodes, to help strengthen your immune system. You’re less likely to come down with a cold, flue or infection because of this. It also helps with balance and coordination. The movements are very slow and at times you are standing with your weight on one leg.

Tai chi is rather inexpensive. It requires no special equipment and can be done indoors or our, and alone or in a group. When practicing tai chi, breathing and relaxation is key. When practicing, you should inhale and exhale through your throat and aim for long, continuous breaths without pauses. You should breath to and from your belly so that your organs can be invigorated. At first it may be hard to do this, but after a while you will find that your breath is longer and deeper.

When standing during Tai Chi, your feet should be parallel and shoulder width apart. Your knees should be slightly bent, your pelvis slightly tucked under and your tailbone perpendicular to the ground. Your chest should be slightly rounded, and your head and neck, and eyes should face forward, parallel to the ground. This stance is very important as it heightens your body’s energy, awareness and alignment. This stand is fundamental to fully practicing and reaping the benefits of Tai Chi.