Tai Ch'i Anyone?

By Aifei Wang, LAc, MAc

If you're looking for another way to reduce stress, consider tai ch'i. Tai ch'i is sometimes described as “meditation in motion” because it promotes serenity through gentle movements connecting the mind and body. Originally developed in ancient China for self-defense, tai ch'i evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and to help with a variety of other health conditions.

This ancient Chinese form of exercise blossomed between the ninth and thirteenth centuries. Despite its long history, tai ch'i has been studied scientifically only in recent years. And although more research is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that tai ch'i may offer numerous benefits beyond stress reduction, including

Reducing anxiety and depression

Improving balance, flexibility and muscle strength

Reducing falls in older adults

Improving sleep quality

Lowering blood pressure

Improving cardiovascular fitness in older adult

Relieving chronic pain

Increasing energy, endurance and agility

Improving overall feelings of well-being

Exerising twice daily morning and afternoon on a regular basis, is best.Early morning (before breakfast) is ideal, as it promotes elimination of stale air that accumulates overnight in the body (in Chinese Medicine night air = yin).Walking prior to and following exercise is considered common sense.?Exercising outdoors provides the increased benefit of breathing in fresh air to awaken the body and mind.

There are times not suited for exercise when one is tired, hungry, thirsty or within half an hour of a meal. To exercise under these conditions drains vital energy and makes one weaker.The duration and intensity of exercise varies by person, so one must know and listen to his body to prevent overexertion; otherwise, one becomes vulnerable to disease.

No Time For Competition

Chinese fitness exercises are designed for the purpose of improving health. As such, the routines are not competitive in nature, as are some Western forms of exercise (marathon running, cycling). Moderate exercise allows for us to exercise with a light heart in a communal way.Have fun, and stay well.