When I think of the martial arts I think of kicking and punching and body contact. I have seen videos of people practicing tai chi and I would never categorize those movements as war-like. Even so, tai chi is identified as a martial art, a martial art that has slow, rhythmic, meditative movements to help you find your peace and calm.
There is evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. What's more, it is touted has an approach to health regardless of age and something people can do event if they aren't in great shape.
Tai chi is a low-impact, slow-motion exercise in which you go through a series of motions named for animal actions without stopping or pausing. As you move, you breathe deeply, focusing your attention, just as you do in some kinds of meditation, on how your body feels.
History says that tai chi dates back as far as 2500 years and that the slow body movements were originally designed for self-defense to promote inner calm. Tai chi masters are famous for being able to throw an attacker to the floor without anyone seeing how it was done. The movements use a small amount of internal energy and movements to neutralize the greater external force of an attacker and too subtle for others to see.
Tai chi differs from other types of exercise because the movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tense, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connected tissues are not stretched.
The beauty of Tai chi is that it can be easily adapted for anyone, from the very fit to someone confined to a wheelchair or recovering from surgery.
More on Tai Chi in my next post.
In the meantime, if you have any experience with tai chi will you share your thoughts about it with the rest of us. I am seriously considering about taking a class this fall.
Warm regards,
Ruthan
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