What Is Tai Chi?

By Lenzie Williams

Tai Chi is a form of exercise characterized by slow moving forms varying in sequence and postures, performed in a relaxed and conscious manner, creating vitality with calmness, release of accumulated stress and tension, balanced strength with flexibility, and controlled energy with awareness.

Traditionally, Tai Chi is considered a complete physical conditioner, a health and regenerative exercise, a way to longevity, a moving meditation, a self-defense art, and a philosophical way of life that brings harmony and balance through developed consciousness and awareness of one's body, emotions, mind, and the spirit.

Internal vs. External Exercise Systems
Tai Chi is distinguished from other exercise forms as it is considered an internal (mind-body) system, as opposed to an external (muscle strength) system. The uniqueness of the internal system is that the developed or conscious mind directs the energy, and the energy in turn directs the body (often in ways that are physically "impossible.") This is a key factor in acquiring energy without tenseness, strength without nervousness, and tranquility (as vigilant attention) without lethargy. While exercising, the mind cannot be anywhere but on the action, since the variation and repetition of postures demand total attention. A result of this conscious effort is a heightened and more sustained concentration.

Most existing forms of exercise are sufficient in their capacity to relieve stress and tension; however, these reaccumulate as the individual goes about a daily routine repeating the same habitual physical, emotional, and mental patterns. Through increased awareness Tai Chi not only relieves existing stress and tension through slow relaxed movements, but also reorients the body, emotions and the mind to healthier and more appropriate responses to stress, preventing chronic anxiety and accumulated tension.

Physical Health
As one practices Tai Chi an important method of breathing develops. Normally we only use the upper third of our lungs in breathing, resulting in poor oxygen absorption, and minimal elimination of carbon dioxide and other toxic metabolic wastes. This results in the bloodstream being polluted and inefficiency in supplying nutrients and oxygen to the body's vital systems. However, in practicing Tai Chi the breathing develops naturally into a deep, rhythmic pattern, producing a balanced exchange in the lungs, purifying the bloodstream, and producing a rhythmic massage to the liver, kidneys, and other visceral organs.

Tai Chi can be important in preventing heart disease, as this daily stretching exercise prevents arteriosclerosis. Due to the continuous relaxed movement, it has a strengthening, endurance building, and stabilizing effect upon the circulatory system.

Slow conscious movement has a beneficial effect on the Central Nervous System, as it tends to balance the erratic impulse behavior of the nerves that result from environmental stress and shock.

From the versatile, slow stretching all 700-plus muscles, all joints, ligaments, and tendons are exercised, resulting in good muscle and skin tone. This also reduces tendencies toward sprains, strains, arthritis, and other joint-related ailments and injuries.

One of the principles of movement in Tai Chi is the turning of the waist, and the associated areas. The turning of the waist produces significant stretching and manipulation of the digestive organs, increasing digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination efficiency.

Philosophy
Tai Chi in the essence of its philosophy represents the Way of balance and harmony between the Supreme Spirit, Man, and Nature. As one practices Tai Chi and begins to comprehend the Truths of the art one begins to find the balance and truths in themselves, in their relationships, and in their day to day living experience. Through consistent and devoted practice, and through sincere adherence to the highest values and virtues of this art, the deepest, highest, and most profound levels of Spiritual Awareness may be realized.