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What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi Chu’an, translation ‘supreme life-force boxing’ , is ancient Chinese movement. With roots going back thousands of years and movements drawn from Taoist exercises imitating animals, martial arts and chi-gung (meaning ‘energywork’) it is gentle, flowing and slow-moving exercise. The use of physical force is discouraged, with the emphasis on being

RELAXED

CENTERED

BALANCED

Tai Chi is generally and holistically beneficial to human health and well-being. Regular practice develops leg and core strength, suppleness and flexibility, improves posture, balance and co-ordination along with the ability to focus and concentrate. Not least, it helps us to relax both body and mind.

Medical research has shown improvement in counteracting a long list of conditions from the physical, such as arthritis and joint pain, osteoporosis, high blood-pressure, ME, etc to the mental and emotional such as reducing levels of anxiety and stress. Behavioural and development problems in children have been helped with Tai Chi-style brain-gym exercises as have balance problems and degenerative conditions in older people. GPs are increasingly becoming aware of its many benefits and we find they are now starting to recommend Tai Chi for a wide variety of conditions.

LATE TEENS TO LATE TENS

Students range from young adults to those in their 80’s and even 90’s! Not yet, the first Tai Chi Centurion but it is only a matter of time as we all get older and live longer as Tai Chi students (and hopefully their teachers!) tend to do.

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