Relieve your stress with Tai Chi

As the stresses of the Western world continue to build, we seem to turn more and more to Eastern philosophies, therapies and ways of life and what could be more relaxing than early morning tai chi exercises with a group of people in the local park?

That is not to say that you will see many Scots out early in the morning practicing Tai Chi, but there are plenty practicing it indoors at various times of day and seeing huge benefit from doing so.

The full title for this gentle or soft martial art is Tai chi chuan, Mandarin for ‘supreme ultimate boxing’ or ‘boundless fist’ and the concept of the ‘supreme ultimate’ is the symbol of the Taijitu, known to Westerners as the yin-yang symbol. This is where the spiritual side of Tai Chi comes in.

There are three aspects to tai chi - the Hand Form, Qigong Exercises and Meditation, the first being the most familiar. This is the series of slow movements you can see performed in the parks, in China, early in the morning. There are many benefits to be gained from practicing the Hand Form.

According to the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain, on its simplest level, the Hand Form is an exercise system. But how can these slow movements be exercise? This is to do with the concept of Qi (Chi) energy. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is believed to be over 2,000 years old, has, at its roots, the principles of Yin and Yang. It is believed that there are meridians or pathways which travel through the body carrying Qi energy. If there is a problem, or imbalance in the flow of Qi energy, a TCM doctor would use acupuncture needles, or perhaps acupressure - the use of thumbs or hands, to stimulate acupoints, and release the blockages.

Tai Chi Chuan and more directly, Qigong promotes the smooth flow of this energy. By performing the postures of the Form, in co-ordination with relaxed, natural breathing and the application of Yi, which is the intent or focus of the mind, the Qi is is helped to move smoothly through the channels. Therefore, these external movements are assisting the free flow of internal energy.

Aside from promoting the flow of Qi energy Tai Chi Chuan can also help to increase flexibility, suppleness and exercise the muscles. The smooth, gentle movements also aid relaxation and help to keep the mind calm and focused. “These benefits are extremely useful in today’s stressful society,” says the Tai Chi Union.

If you move onto meditative Tai Chi, the focus and calmness cultivated by this aspect is seen as necessary in maintaining optimum health and in application of the form as a soft style martial art. The abililty to utilise tai chi as a form of self defence in combat is said to be the most effective proof of a student’s understanding of the principles of good Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is said by many to ameliorate the effects of ageing and you will find that many centres offer tai chi classes as a way of promoting good health of both mind and body. Places such the Maggie’s Centres for cancer sufferers and survivors find their Tai Chi classes are very popular.

As with many forms of exercise taken from other cultures, you do have to be very careful in choosing a teacher. Try and find out about their background and ensure they have been properly trained in the traditional art.

Once enrolled in classes, people talk of the health benefits almost immediately and studies have shown that there are many from improvement in hyperactivity disorders to the alleviation of multiple sclerosis symptoms.

To find out more about Tai Chi or to find a tai chi teacher in your area, visit www.taichiunion.com

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