Authentic Yang Family Tai Chi ( Taijiquan )

 Tai Chi gently twists and elongates tissues that have become tense or suffered physical trauma. It also opens the body to release the central nervous system.

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 Sophisticated methodical choreography encourages the mind and body to work together. This develops coordination and balance. Tai Chi boosts the brain and memory as efficiently as both serious mental exercises and strenuous aerobic exercise.

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 The grounding nature of the moves and emphasis on bringing awareness to the lower body can help people who are “stuck in their heads” after a day in the office.

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 Doctors acknowledge that Tai Chi improves arterial compliance, i.e. expansion and contraction of the arteries, which is crucial for heart health, whereas strength training alone brings about a decline in arterial compliance.

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 In Tai Chi the emphasis is on internal development powering the external.

The literal translation of Tai Chi into English is Grand Ultimate. 

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 Tai Chi helps reduce stress and anxiety. And it also helps increase flexibility and balance.

If you're looking for a way to reduce stress, consider Tai Chi. Originally developed for self-defense, Tai Chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, Tai Chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements.

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What is Tai Chi

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 Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.

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 Tai Chi, also called Taijiquan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

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 Tai Chi has many different styles. Each style may have its own subtle emphasis on various Tai Chi principles and methods. There are also variations within each style. Some may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect of Tai Chi.

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Who can do Tai Chi

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 Tai Chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because Tai Chi is low impact, it may be especially suitable if you're an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.

You may also find Tai Chi appealing because it's inexpensive, requires no special equipment and can be done indoors or out, either alone or in a group.

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 Although Tai Chi is generally safe, women who are pregnant or people with joint problems, back pain, fractures, severe osteoporosis or a hernia should consult their health care provider before trying Tai Chi. Modification or avoidance of certain postures may be recommended.

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Why try Tai Chi

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 When learned correctly and performed regularly, Tai Chi can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health. The benefits of Tai Chi include:

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• Decreased stress and anxiety

• Increased aerobic capacity

• Increased energy and stamina

• Increased flexibility, balance and agility

• Increased muscle strength and definition

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 Some evidence indicates that Tai Chi also may help:

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• Enhance quality of sleep

• Enhance the immune system

• Lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure

• Improve joint pain

• Improve symptoms of congestive heart failure

• Improve overall well-being in older adults

• Reduce risk of falls in older adults.

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 How does slow and easy Tai Chi and Qi Gong have any effect

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 From the Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view Tai Chi and Qi Gong are used to promote personal energy for self healing and wellbeing.

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 The Tai Chi model is based on the premise that there is a bio energy system in the body. The bio energy or Qi gets carried round the body in energy channels called meridians - a bit like the way the veins carry blood around the body.

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 There are 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians carrying Qi throughout the body and through the major organs. Interrupted, weak or blocked flow of Qi causes illness.

tai chi and Qi Gong work because the muscle movements in the exercises are designed to stimulate the flow of Qi through the body and the major organs. When Qi flows smoothly people are well.

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 Other Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises involve the cultivation or growth and storage of Qi leading to longer life, better health and faster recovery from accidents.

From the Qi perspective all health conditions - even the most serious can be treated and improved with Qi Gong.

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 The Tai Chi forms provide the same kind of stimulation for the meridian ( Channel ) systems.

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 A western perspective might focus on the purely mechanical effects of Tai Chi practice.

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 Moving weight from leg to leg is common to many tai chi exercises, as is extending and lifting the arms, legs and hands. All these different Tai Chi moves have one thing in common, they vary the load on joint surfaces increasing the flow of natural lubricant and nutrients into the joint, meaning that they move more easily and freely.

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 The flowing movements of a typical Tai Chi routine disguise the incredibly high number of joint rotations that are being used. The neck will move from side to side, palms will turn over, elbows and shoulders will rotate all increasing flexibility and range of motion of the joints.

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 At the same time the muscles, ligaments and tendons that protect and support the joints are being strengthened which keeps them mobile and healthy. All this while you are simply enjoying doing your Tai Chi exercises.

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 As a preventative measure regular practice of Tai Chi will mean that you will be less likely to become stiff and in pain due to the onset of things like lumbago, arthritis and sciatica.

And then there's the psychological benefits gained by the unique mind body link in Tai Chi exercises. As you direct your mind to focus on the moves you will find that you have screened out all the distractions.

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