What is Tai Chi Quan (taijiquan)
What is Tai Chi Quan?
T ai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan is part of the traditional Chinese arts for keeping fit, self-defence and improving one’s physical and mental well-being. It is known in the west simply as Tai Chi. Taiji means supreme, ultimate, quan (chuan) means martial arts.
Tai Chi has been practiced for hundreds of years and is known as one of the most effective selfdefense Chinese Martial arts systems. The subject of Yin Yang theory, the principles of inter-changing emptiness and solidness, softness and hardness as well as motion interacting with stillness consisted in Tai Chi, have captivated the imagination of people seeking a harmonious existence with nature and their quest for further understanding of the universe and its relationship to mankind.
The creation of Tai Chi was based on the Daoist principle of tranquility and harmony with nature, the Buddhist ideal of everything starts and results in emptiness as well as the Confucius philosophy of centredness. It also possesses the important Qigong element of Path Guiding and respiring into leading efficient Qi flow. It is truly the Dao of spiritual being and physical advancement.
Tai Chi is now regarded by millions of people as a pathway to the study of Philosophy, to an understanding of health from the view of Chinese Medicine, to the practice of Daoism and to the core principles of life-nurturing study.
Benefits of Tai Chi Quan
Tai Chi Chuan is used by hospitals and communities in China as a complementary treatment for all types of medical conditions as well as exercise for post-operation recovery and rehabilitation.
It is suitable for people of all ages, all level of physical fitness – whether it’s practiced for wellbeing, health and fitness, stress and relaxation management, or for its self defence application, there is something everyone can benefit from.
Just some of the great benefits of Tai Chi Quan practice include
- Improves concentration and relieves stress
- Enhances coordination and improves balance
- Regulate blood pressure and boost functions of the heart and build a healthy heart
- Encourages energy (Qi) flow and blood circulation to boost organ function and help treat chronic conditions
- Increase bone density to avoid or improve Osteoporosis
- Stimulate the production of Synovial fluid and enhance joints mobility, help ease, and improve Arthritis
- Strengthen muscle tones and elasticity of the cartilage and tendons
Why Tai Chi Quan?
T he way we move, breath, stand, and walk, even sit, can have a positive effect on our general health. Many people today spend much of their time feeling tense and anxious. The hectic pace of modern living, unhealthy foods and lack of exercise leaves us tired and exhausted.
We need a form of exercise that gently relaxes the body and refreshes the mind – Develop a healthy, spiritual and emotional resilience to put the demands of life in its proper perspective, to not be overwhelmed by them.
Conventional western exercises build muscles but lack the internal strengthening effect of mind and body. Tai Chi can help you achieve well-being and balance in your life, developing both physical and mental, external and internal health of our body. As a highly beneficial daily health care programme best known for its’ unique body and mind relaxing, stamina building, internal as well as external health enhancing effects.
The creation of Tai Chi was based on the Daoist principle of tranquility and harmony with nature, the Buddhist ideal of everything starts and results in emptiness as well as the Confucius philosophy of centredness. It also possesses the important Qigong element of Path Guiding and respiring into leading efficient Qi flow. It is truly the Dao of spiritual being and physical advancement.
Tai Chi is now regarded by millions of people as a pathway to the study of Philosophy, to an understanding of health from the view of Chinese Medicine, to the practice of Daoism and to the core principles of life-nurturing study.