Health Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan

Are you looking for a new way to relax? Is there a method of calming your mind while exercising your body? Tai Chi Chuan is a good choice if you are looking to enhance your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being.

Alternative therapies aren't just a modern concept. Thousands of years ago in ancient China, holistic methods of healing were being developed using the philosophy of Tai Chi.

This ancient art, that has been handed down from Master to pupil over the centuries makes it still available to us today. The principle behind Tai Chi Chuan is of relevance in today's stress-filled world as it is a great natural way to relax and reduce that stressful feeling.

Many people are aware of the benefits of t'ai chi, a relaxing Chinese system of slow physical exercise. Tai Chi Chuan is a gentle martial art form cultivating the chi for physical and spiritual benefit.

Sometimes described as Moving Meditation Tai Chi Chuan links the mind with synchronised movement until, with practice, the movement becomes automatic and the mind tends to empty and relax.

Anyone can benefit from this ancient system of gentle physical exercise and stretching comprising a precise series of slow, dance-like movements that actually look like King-fu done in slow motion. Each movement flows into the next like the gentle motion of water flowing in a stream and the whole body is involved in this smooth, rhythmic pattern.

These relaxed movements and breathing exercises bring a strange sense of both peace and well-being. Tai Chi Chuan is self paced. Some forms are faster but most are gentle and can be practised and enjoyed by people of all ages.

Keeping the moves slow and smooth helps to relax the mind and body. The constant practice and repetition of a sequence of moves will slowly ease away the tension and anxiety often caused by everyday responsibilities. With regular practice the moves become automatic and start to flow without conscious thought. This helps relax the mind. Exercises that assist the breathing bring a feeling of calmness.

This is not a competitive art. Exercises can be performed with a partner and this emphasises the value of yielding and co-operation. The intention is to assist your partner in deepening their knowledge of Tai Chi Chuan and of their real self. While by yielding to and redirecting a partner's energy, whether it is physical or emotional and staying calm and centred within yourself, you are able to deal more effectively with everyday dilemmas.

What might you hope to gain from practising Tai Chi Chuan? There are many health benefits including greater physical flexibility, a more relaxed state of mind, calmer breathing and improved balance as well as learning more effective ways to handle inter-personal relationships.

Another benefit, as well as it being generally safe and gentle is that Tai Chi Chuan is free: no special equipment is required. It can be performed outdoors, indoors, in a group or by yourself. All you need is the time and the inclination.

Tai Chi Chuan has been considered for centuries to be a natural form of healing being particularly effective against stress and anxiety because the gentle, graceful movements encourage people to 'let go.' The art of Tai Chi Chuan can also help improve breathing and posture, stimulate the circulation and generally tone-up the body.

Sources

Shou-Yu Liang "Tai Chi Chuan: 24 and 48 Posters with Martial Applications" YMAA Publication Centre (1996)

Soo Chee "The Chinese Art of Tai Chi Chuan" Aquarian Press (1984)