| Tai Chi - you may have heard of it but do really | | | | Now, with respect to Chinese medicine and |
| know the meaning behind the term? | | | | philosophy, it is believed that the "Chi" or life |
| The term Tai Chi, literally translated as "Supreme | | | | energy is essential to the overall vitality of the |
| Ultimate Force", is a well-known ancient martial | | | | body. When Tai Chi is practiced, it creates an |
| arts originated in China. It aims to transform an | | | | energy flow that will circulate throughout the |
| individual into a state of infinite and absolute | | | | entire body and enhance the well-being of a |
| potential - a concept that conforms to the age-old | | | | person. Once the "chi" circulates around the body, |
| Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. Moreover, | | | | it goes to the pattern of the vascular and |
| the term Tai Chi also denotes "unity, one, or being | | | | nervous system and any organ correlated to it. |
| able to attain oneness." | | | | This is why the art is often connected to the |
| Although a martial art, it is different from other | | | | principle of traditional Chinese healing and |
| conventional forms of martial arts. It may have | | | | acupuncture. |
| forms or sets consisting of many sequential | | | | Practitioners have proved numerous health |
| movements derived from martial arts, but the | | | | benefits of the art. Among the benefits they |
| manner in which these are performed can be | | | | have acquired are improved blood circulation, |
| likened to the gracefulness of meditating in Yoga. | | | | correct posture, healthy vital organs and good |
| So, instead of explosive kicks and hard-core | | | | digestion. With practice their muscle tone and |
| punches, it utilizes force expressed it in an | | | | strength increased, their balance and coordination |
| graceful, efficient, and invigorating way. | | | | improved. And Tai Chi does not just provide |
| Over the years, the popularity of Tai Chi has | | | | physical benefits, it also enhances the mind and |
| increased and it is practiced in many parts of the | | | | the spirit. Tai Chi teaches you how to focus, so |
| world including the West. The reason behind its | | | | that mind and body energy works together as |
| popularity is due to the health benefits it can bring | | | | one. When practicing, people find that they are |
| to a person. Practitioners perceive the art as a | | | | not just more physically fit but, happier, and |
| form of meditative interaction between the mind, | | | | vigorous as well. It is this harnessing of mental |
| body, soul and the surroundings. Many | | | | and physical energy that makes Tai Chi not just |
| practitioners discover its primary benefit may not | | | | any form of martial arts but an exercise that |
| just be for martial self defense, but as an | | | | helps you cultivate the highest level of physical, |
| exercise to promote wellness and balance. | | | | mental and spiritual development. |