Tai Chi Health Centre - Preston, Lancashire

What is Tai Chi?

Tai chi is a set of internal Chinese exercises which is mainly practised in the west for its health benefits. Tai chi can also be practiced for a variety of other reasons; it can be used as a martial art, for artistic demonstration and competition, to increase health and longevity. The many different reasons for practising Tai Chi have given birth to many different styles and forms which correspond to those aims.

The Chen style of Tai Chi is generally accepted as the origin of Tai Chi but exactly when, where and by whom Tai Chi was created is the subject of much debate.

Tai chi's once secret techniques have now spread worldwide and most modern styles of tai chi can trace their development to at least one of the five traditional schools: Chen, Yang, Wu/Hao, Wu and Sun. The oldest documented tradition is that of the Chen family from the 1820's. The Chen style of Tai Chi is generally accepted as the origin of Tai Chi but exactly when, where and by whom Tai Chi was created is the subject of much debate.

The Chinese term "Tai Chi Quan" literally translates as "supreme ultimate fist". The concept of the "supreme ultimate" appears in both Taoist and Confucian Chinese philosophy where it represents the fusion of Yin and Yang into a single ultimate represented by the Taijitu symbol (Often called the Yin Yang Symbol in the west). Thus, tai chi theory and practice evolved in agreement with many of the principles of Chinese philosophy including both Taoism and Confucianism. Tai chi training first and foremost involves learning solo routines, known as forms (taolu). While the image of tai chi in popular culture is typified by exceedingly slow movement, many tai chi styles (including the three most popular, Chen, Yang and Wu) have secondary forms of a faster pace. Some traditional schools such as Chen teach two person exercises known as push hands.

Practising Tai Chi

Focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity similar to meditation. At a more advanced level, Tai Chi is often taught with some degree of Qigong which closely links it to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qigong refers to a wide variety of traditional cultivation practices that involve methods of accumulating, circulating, and working with the body's natural energies.

During practice of Tai Chi and Qigong the body remains relaxed with the practitioners consciousness, breathing and actions all closely connected. These unique features enhance benefits to health, fitness, and weight-loss and are just a few of the reasons why so many people, regardless of age and level of fitness, regularly practice Tai Chi throughout the world today.

Better internal heath is a fundamental goal of Tai Chi. Whilst many sports and exercise regimes concentrate on developing external force and building your muscles, Tai Chi is designed to increase your health from the inside out. Simple Qigong and meditative breathing exercises can greatly increase your internal health whilst helping you to concentrate and reduce stress levels throughout your daily life, leaving you calm and relaxed.

The exercises are performed in a slow and gentle manner at first which will gently increase flexibility and exercise the muscles. The breathing techniques used push your diaphragm lower drawing more oxygen into your lungs and therefore increasing oxygen levels in your blood. This causes an aerobic state in which you will become more alert and your body will be less prone to bacterial infections, such as colds and flu. The rhythmic movements increase internal energy flow and can improve the functionality of your immune system greatly.

Who can practise Tai Chi?

Well the answer to that is anyone who wises to receive the benefits described above, it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels so there are very few barriers to the Tai Chi world. Whatever you do in your daily life, Tai Chi can add some benefits, whether it is an increased level of confidence, recovery or rehabilitation after illness or injury, a way to make new friends and keep fit, or to gain an understanding of this beautiful ancient art.

If this short article has made you interested in learning more about Tai Chi then you should find yourself an instructor who suits your needs and start your journey. The Daolin Centre is based in Preston, Lancashire but you can find a list of instructors for your local area on the Tai Chi Union website: www.taichiunion.com