Tai Chi has been practiced for centuries by the Chinese and was originally developed as a martial arts system. In the west, it has grown in popularity over the last couple of decades as a way to keep fit and even prevent and cure diseases. “Today, it’s principally a tranquil, gentle and pleasurable means of attaining and maintaining health and harmony in mind and body, mobility, suppleness and mental alertness,”
Tai Chi Australia’s founder and Chief Instructor, Mr. Han Jin Song, said.
Tai Chi balances Yin and Yang (the positive and negative) in the human body and cultivates the internal energy Chi circulation within the body system, which promotes harmony and keeps you rejuvenated, refreshed, fit and healthy.
The theory behind it is that to be healthy and free of tensions, the Chi must be plentiful and circulate smoothly along the meridians in the body. If it becomes blocked or is weakened, certain problems will arise.
Tai Chi also benefits the mind just as much as it benefits the body. “From a psychological point of view, Tai Chi helps release emotional tensions, increases concentration and awareness and decreases stressful psychological and physiological reactions,” Mr. Han said. “One becomes more centred, more at peace with oneself and less subject to outside influences. This is another reason Tai Chi has become so popular, it’s a great way to relax and can help people learn to deal with stress.”
Regardless of age or level of fitness, Tai Chi is really for everyone. All routines are performed slowly and smoothly so that the movements are in accord with the natural motions of the human body.
Tai Chi is often performed in parks and many local councils and organizations offer free classes. It is best to perform Tai Chi in the morning so that the body can be gently awakened and refreshed for the day.
