Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art form which concentrates the mind body and spirit. It is a form of meditation which strengthens the physical body, improves the mind and calms the spirit. It involves a series of slow, controlled and graceful movements.
Tai Chi is not an overtly strenuous exercise but rather works in a subtle way to stretch and strengthen muscles and improve the working of internal organs and systems. In addition it aids concentration and improves the memory. It works to balance the Yin and Yang. (Masculine and Feminine energies.)
There have been many theories about how it first began in the eight century but evidence is anecdotal. What is known is that the forms we recognise to-day came from the village of Chen in Hebei province during the sixteenth century.
Many Chinese families developed their own system of Tai Chi but to-day there are five main schools: Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao and Sun.
Of these the Chen style is a very vigorous demanding art and is close to the Martial Arts. Its popularity in the West is increasing. Wu, Hao and Sun styles are hardly known outside China.
The Yang style is the most popular and is the one which the Chinese Government used to promote health in the nation during the communist regime. Still many Chinese people practice outside everyday.
Although Tai Chi became known in the west in the early 1900s it was only in 1956 that the simplified Yang style the 24 posture – was developed. It is constantly developing and other styles have been introduced to suit the western way of life.
The eight form was introduced in 1999. It can be learned quite quickly and takes up only a small space so that regular practice at home is possible.
Once the eight form has been mastered the sixteen form can be learned, then the twenty four BCCMA and Chinese versions, the thirty two, forty two and so on. There is always something new to learn with Tai Chi.
Anyone at all can practice Tai Chi, it can be adapted to suit the needs of the individual. Although initially you may feel that there is a great deal of movement involved and that you will never remember all the moves, if you persevere you will find gradually it will become entrenched in your mind so that you hardly have to think about what comes next but are able to concentrate fully on the move you are on. Its benefits are felt quite quickly.
It is said that some medical problems can be helped by Tai Chi, particularly those involving the joints, circulation and stress, although if you should suffer from any of these it would be wise to check with your doctor before beginning classes.
There is a wide spectrum of the use of Tai Chi from those wanting to improve their mobility and general bodily and mental fitness to those wanting to engage in competition. There are already world-wide competitions and there is a move to have Tai Chi included in the Olympic
Games.
As with all exercise it is better to practice little and often rather than doing several hours once a week.
The biggest improvement for me was a general feeling of well being, feeling more alive. I can recommend Tai chi as a form of exercise anyone can try. Be kind to yourself, it needs to be learned which can take quite some time.
(Many thanks to Katherine Wheldon who has contributed this introduction to Tai Chi)
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