Wondering how to cope up with the stressful nature of modern living? Try Tai Chi
Along with yoga, Tai-Chi is one of the most recommended techniques in relieving stress. Tai-Chi (or Tai Chi Chuan) can be described as a low impact, self-paced, non-competitive series of slow, flowing body movements or "forms". This technique is primarily practiced today to calm the mind, perk up the body and effectively trim down stress. It highlights the importance of acute concentration, relaxation and the awareness of the circulation of vital energy throughout the body to achieve the desired effects.
In Tai-Chi, there are about 13 to 108 different movements or forms in a set depending on the style being used. Each move or form gently increases and opens up the internal circulation and negates the constricting effects of stress in the body.
Tai-Chi was originally practiced by martial arts experts in China during the 13th century and adheres by the principle of "softness defeating hardness". Being considered as a soft martial arts style, this technique is applied with the most degree of softness in the musculature that can be achieved as opposed to the hard martial art styles which employs a certain degree of hardness or tension in the muscles.
The concept of "Qi" (pronounced "chee") governs Tai-Chi. In the Chinese tradition, Qi is a form of bio-energy that moves all throughout the body through the meridians (the invisible energy channels). Its function is to regulate and maintain the functions of the various bodily systems by supplying the healing energy to the organs. The movements (forms) of Tai-Chi remove any impediments in the body allowing the Qi to flow freely. In this sense, internal balance is restored and the body experiences less stress.
Along with yoga, Tai-Chi is one of the most recommended techniques in relieving stress. Tai-Chi (or Tai Chi Chuan) can be described as a low impact, self-paced, non-competitive series of slow, flowing body movements or "forms". This technique is primarily practiced today to calm the mind, perk up the body and effectively trim down stress. It highlights the importance of acute concentration, relaxation and the awareness of the circulation of vital energy throughout the body to achieve the desired effects.
In Tai-Chi, there are about 13 to 108 different movements or forms in a set depending on the style being used. Each move or form gently increases and opens up the internal circulation and negates the constricting effects of stress in the body.
Tai-Chi was originally practiced by martial arts experts in China during the 13th century and adheres by the principle of "softness defeating hardness". Being considered as a soft martial arts style, this technique is applied with the most degree of softness in the musculature that can be achieved as opposed to the hard martial art styles which employs a certain degree of hardness or tension in the muscles.
The concept of "Qi" (pronounced "chee") governs Tai-Chi. In the Chinese tradition, Qi is a form of bio-energy that moves all throughout the body through the meridians (the invisible energy channels). Its function is to regulate and maintain the functions of the various bodily systems by supplying the healing energy to the organs. The movements (forms) of Tai-Chi remove any impediments in the body allowing the Qi to flow freely. In this sense, internal balance is restored and the body experiences less stress.