T'AI CHI at the Peterborough T'ai Chi Association
What is T'ai Chi?
T'ai Chi Ch'uan or T'ai Chi for short originated from ancient China as part of the boxing system known as kung fu. If you visualize a spectrum to represent the whole range of kung fu schools, T'ai Chi would be on the extreme left side with other "soft-fist" schools while "hard-fist" schools would be on the right represented by the Shoalin school. "Hard-fist" schools demand very physical training and characteristics opposite of "soft-fist" schools. All "soft-fist" schools emphasize:
- Slow, relaxed, continuous, even movements
- Inward movement of the mind toward quietness, tranquility, and meditativeness
- Training does not necessarily demand hard physical conditioning
- Striking areas of the body through the use of bags is prohibited
Nowadays, T'ai Chi is practiced as an exercise for health. It:
- Is suitable for almost anyone
- Is easy to learn for health improvement
- Has gentle and circular movements
- Integrates the body and mind
- Has many different forms
- Is enjoyable to practice
- Is known in China for centuries to be effective for arthritis
Concentrating on correct posture and breathing control, T'ai Chi's movements are fluid, graceful and well balanced, promoting the complete harmony of body and mind. T'ai Chi provides the mental relaxation and physical fitness so essential in our modem stress-filled lives.
What are the Benefits of T'ai Chi?
T'ai Chi has been medially proven to improve:
- Arthritis
- Fitness
- Stress
- Balance
- Blood pressure
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- And many other medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia
How does it work?
Exercise is an essential part of health. The aim of exercise is to improve flexibility, muscular strength and fitness. Published studies have shown that Tai Chi stretches and strengthens joints, muscles and ligaments and improves cardio-respiratory fitness. It also offers other health benefits:
- Improves posture
- Helps relaxation and concentration
- Improves the flow of Qi (a life energy effective for health and vitality)
- Can be practiced anywhere
