Is it enough for you to spend the Sundays idly by being a couch potato and watching the action packed dramas of Bruce Lee, Jet Lee and Jackie Chan? Do their slender bodies, swift movements and fighting styles impress you? And, do you spend the following hours in daydreaming and imagining yourself in their places? It really feels great to dream, but it will take a little effort from your part to convert this dream into reality. You have to move your body and change the status of being a couch potato! Join a Tai Chi class and you will be able to identify yourself with your heroes.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi (tie chee), is a system of exercises developed over a span of hundreds of years in China. It is basically a fighting method designed from Kung Fu. It is non-impact and aerobic in nature. The exercises and movements of Tai Chi are performed in a slow and relaxed manner and thus, Tai Chi can be safely performed by any age group and with any fitness level. Chi ("Qi") refers to "energy". Qi is divided into two phases known as "yin" and "yang", the two aspects of the body's energy. It is the job of Tai Chi and every other exercise to balance these two aspects.
The benefits of Tai Chi are not confined to the physical aspects alone, but they also address the mental and the spiritual issues as well. Let's explore benefits in each area:
The Physical Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi cultivates health benefits beyond the ones studied by Western medicine. Tai Chi conditions the acupuncture meridians (energy pathways) of the Chinese medicine, thereby bringing positive health benefits. The slow and the rhythmic, controlled movements like turning of the trunk flexes the spine, producing some of the same benefits as twists in yoga (improved spinal flexibility, release of tension on the paraspinal muscles, alleviating imbalances that can lead to back pain while improving blood flow to the discs). Proper Tai Chi practice places certain demands on the body and its organs. Blood flushes out as the organs are compressed and then it flow backs when the movement compresses another part of the torso. This flexing and contracting reduce the pockets of stagnation in various organ systems.
- Physical Strength: Tai Chi exercises all the joints and major muscle groups in a slow, rhythmic and mindful way. Leg strength increases with practice, which pays off with every single step you take, every time you stand in line and every time you climb a flight of stairs. Your joints stay loose and flexible, so everyday chores around the house and garden don't take as much out of you. When you practice Tai Chi in the morning, it's easier to move for the rest of the day and concentrate on what you have to do. Studies have shown that even people in their 70s and 80s can learn a simplified series of Tai Chi forms and benefit tremendously. Study subjects have shown a marked decrease in injurious falls and blood pressure along with improved measures of balance and confidence.
- Stress Reduction: Tai Chi is a great way to reduce stress. The focus of the mind while leading the movement; thinking only of the movement; the slow, flowing shifts of balance; the regular, deep breathing; the harmonious turning of the limbs; and the circular openings and closings of the Tai Chi form make it one of the best stress reducers available. Unlike so many other physical exercises practiced today, Tai Chi does not harm the body. Its slow, gentle movements are designed to soothe the muscles, joints or the connective tissues without placing an undue strain on them. Even walking can be a higher impact exercise when compared to Tai Chi.
- Increased Energy: Any person will feel energetic after a session of Tai Chi. This is due to the simple fact that he is moving. Today, we are so much devoted to sofas and easy chairs! Tai Chi offers a safe way to get moving again and to regain and retain that mobility!
- Coordination and Circulation: The effects of Tai Chi upon the body's coordination are well known, whether you are a golfer or a family man lugging the groceries! Tai Chi will help you get energized and will allow you to move in the most efficient, safest and in an ergonomically way. Tai Chi also provides an effective feet massage. Tai Chi massages the bottom of the feet, stimulating the acupuncture points over there and contributing towards circulatory and balance improvements.
- Self-Diagnosis: Another physical benefit accrued from Tai Chi practice is that of learning to "listen" to your body. This helps to gain a new self-diagnostic tool to use it to fight against crippling diseases.
- Weight Loss: Tai Chi helps you to lose weight in a healthy manner. It works from the inside out, bringing you peace of mind and positive self-image to bear on the weight issue. When you are healthy and happy, you don't feel the need to overeat!
- Posture:Your posture is perhaps one of the most important considerations in your overall health. Correct posture not only leads to a healthier outward appearance, but to a more efficient use of oxygen by the lungs and to an improved blood circulation as well. The bones and muscles in the body will work in tandem rather than in opposition and the joints and the connective tissues will be lubricated and stretched comfortably. Tai Chi can address postural problems stemming from stroke, arthritis, fibromyalgia and many other afflictions.
The Mental Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi improves focus and concentration. It can help in promoting focus in the movements of the form, and later, with sufficient practice, into your everyday lives. It also promotes mental stimulation, and studies have shown that the more you use your brain, the sharper it remains.
The Spiritual Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai chi has an ability to calm you through its deep breathing techniques. Tai Chi can indeed lift up your spirit! When you feel better and more energized, you will treat others with more compassion. The mental escape from your everyday problems may allow you to realize that your problems are actually quite insignificant!
You can see that Tai Chi's scope exceeds beyond its practice as a physical activity. Practicing Tai Chi with others in a class under the guidance of an expert will allow you to stay well physically as well as mentally. Group activity is itself very motivating and it will allow you an easy escape from your daily hassles.
