November 2020

What is Tai Chi?

Tai chi or tai chi chuan is a Chinese form of health-promoting exercise. "Chi" refers to the flow of energy through the body. The exercises are bases on the ancient idea that health begins with the free flow of chi.

Tai chi has been shown to improve balance, reduce high blood pressure, and ease the discomforts of back pain, arthritis, and excess stress. During the series of tai chi movements you are constantly shifting your body weight, allowing each movement to flow smoothly into the next. The goal is to focus all your awareness on the movements, which, in turn, lets your breath and mind become calm and clear. 

Learning the sequence of tai chi movements and achieving the coordination of them in your body is a gradual process. With 20 minutes of daily practice, however, you are very likely to notice improvement in your posture, endurance, ease of movement, and ability to cope with stress. 

Chi King is another Chinesse form of movement that blanaces the flow of chi. It focuses on the use of the breath, slow movements, and meditation. 

If this sound appealing, check with your health care providers for respected teachers in your area, and consider finding a class, if this type of activity is acceptable for you to do.

[When I took a beginning Tai Chi course offered by the local "Y" in our area, there was a woman who said she had been able to avoid hip surgery by doing tai chi. Certainly this would not work for everyone, but I was amazed that was even possible with anyone.]

Adapted from Client Education Handouts for Self-Care. Information for People