Many philosophies in Ancient Chinese culture were integrated to create Tai Chi. The basis of this art form is a unity of the natural elements as well as the Yin and Yang energies of the male and female. The word chi represents the life energy that is in every living thing in the universe.
There are different styles of Tai Chi, and an individual who embarks on the training can learn five different elements of the discipline. Most people are familiar with the slow steady movements of the nei gung element, but this soft style is only one aspect of the martial art. There are four other elements that involve self defense moves and weapons as well as response drills and forms, which are individual hand routines. Many Tai Chi styles, called hard styles, are quite fast, unlike the images that many people in the West have seen in movies.
During the 1900’s the health benefits of Tai Chi were discovered in the Western world. Quite a few people who had no experience or even interest in understanding other forms of martial art began to practice Tai chi for well being.
While in practice, one learns how to focus his mental energies and quiet the body as well as the mind. The meditative technique of the soft style Tai Chi is very beneficial for relieving the stress and anxiety that can lead to both emotional and physical health problems. A person must focus on the movements, flow, and rhythm as opposed to any outside concerns. Soft styles are sought after because they can be performed by just about anyone, even people with mobility complications and the elderly. The movements aid in flexibility and meditation. The hard style ingredient of the discipline is good for the physical body since it provides exercise that improves cardiovascular health and improves strength. Learning Tai Chi as a self defense measure can not only help a person in the event of physical attack, but it can also improve self confidence.
There are plenty of possibilities for being taught Tai Chi. One can use the softer style elements to ease emotional stress and provide a calming daily meditative practice. There is also the choice of gaining discipline and excellent physical conditioning through one of the harder styles. The overall aim to this training is to produce a balance of emotional, mental and physical health.
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