Traditional Exercise for Health and Self Development
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a set of postures practiced in a flowing series of movements. Each posture stimulates a particular energy meridian, or balances the homeostasis of the body. Practiced by Taoist healers since ancient times, it was considered to be a form of medicine, and is the oldest recorded form of exercise.
Who is Tai Chi for?
Tai Chi is for adults of all ages and physical conditions, children enjoy some of the exercises also, but often fell it is too "slow".
Physical Benefits
During most forms of physical exercise, certain muscles of the body are contracted as they perform, causing lactic acid to build up. In Tai Chi, movement is performed with relaxed muscles, and proper body alignment is stressed. This creates improved circulation, increased Chi (energy flow), and lastly, lactic acids and toxins are eliminated.
Practice of the traditional 108 moves of the Tai Chi form further develop Chi, builds strength in movement, stamina and the ability to relax in strength.. At the highest level of practice, the movements of the form become filled with Chi. This Chi begins to flow freely through the body, straightening weak points, reinforcing strong points and providing defense against toxins from foods, water, and stress of everyday life.
Mental Benefits
Tai Chi develops our ability to direct Chi through focussing the intention. In a broader sense, this practice develops our ability to focus the mind for improved concentration, creativity and production.
Spiritual Benefits
Just as the bud of a flower contains within it the innate form of the flower, within each of us is the innate form of our perfection. Under the proper conditions of sun, water and nutrients, the bud unfolds to reveal the flower. Likewise, under the proper conditions of our practice, that which is within ourselves begins to unfold. Chi Kung, literally "practice of vital energy," helps us break through a lifetime of old habits and programmed patterns of behavior, allowing what is essential in us to come forth. As these changes occur, they can be dramatic changes in our physical structure as well: improved alignment, better posture, etc.
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