The many physical, mental, and spiritual health benefits of the ancient Chinese healing art of Tai Chi have been extensively studied in the West. Now that these benefits are well-publicized, interest in Tai Chi has increased considerably. Many people want to take it up to live long, healthy, and productive lives while doctors advise practicing… Read more »
The ancient Chinese believed that the body and the mind should be in harmony for a person to be healthy. So they developed holistic wellness systems like Qi Gong and Tai Chi that combined physical exercises with deep breathing techniques and meditative practices. Like many Eastern practices, Qi Gong and Tai Chi too were shrouded… Read more »
The answer is a resounding “Yes.” Tai Chi does all this and more. Chronic mental stress. Addiction to junk food. Sedentary lifestyles. The ills of the modern life manifest in expanding girths and increased instances of cardiac diseases that are mostly triggered by high blood pressure levels. Burdened with rising healthcare costs and disillusioned by… Read more »
Tai Chi For Self-Defense: Stay in Motion and Combine Moves Ordinary Tai Chi, practiced for spiritual and physical health, mental balance, and fitness, teaches us an important lesson that carries over to using Tai Chi for self-defense: always stay in motion. When you are engaged in the “active meditation” that is regular Tai Chi today,… Read more »
Physical therapy is a crucial part of returning to full health after a serious illness, an operation, or a bad injury, and Tai Chi for physical therapy offers a blend of mildness and effectiveness that makes it particularly suited to people recovering from one or several of these problems. Physical therapy can help restore the… Read more »
Deflection and Lateral Movement in Tai Chi for Self-Defense Angles are important in Tai Chi for self-defense – you should always be thinking in terms of slightly oblique motions, rather than straight-on right angles. This is true both when you are making a defensive maneuver – deflecting a punch or blow sent your way by… Read more »
Tai Chi – a Tool for Multifaceted Physical Fitness Developed over the course of centuries in China, but only recently revealed to the West, Tai Chi is a series of movements that combine exercise and martial arts – and which today are an excellent source of physical fitness. The first records of Tai Chi come… Read more »
Tai Chi is a Safe and Time-Tested Method for Losing Weight Losing weight and getting a leaner, trimmer physique is an excellent idea for anyone who is overweight – with benefits including a more attractive appearance, easier, lighter movements, and improved health in many ways (including greatly reduced risk of heart disease, strokes, and heart… Read more »
The sounds in Qigong Sound is used in some forms of Qigong for various reasons primarily including the stimulation of various meridians (energy channels) and as a focal point for meditation. The organ channel sounds are as follows: Xu – For the liver, associated with the color green He – For the heart, associated with… Read more »
Tai Chi Philosophy Crash Course: Knowing the philosophy and history behind the art of Tai Chi is essential for developing a deep practice. There is common misconception that the name Tai Chi (taiji) is referring to the same subject as the word Qi (Chi). The first part of the art name Tai Chi Ch’uan, “Tai… Read more »
-Becca, A happy new member of our Qigong and Tai Chi community
