What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is an ancient martial art form of slow movements for health. It teaches that maximum power comes from minimum effort and in order to attain this, the body must be firmly based, yet move as lightly as the wind.

History

There are many forms of Tai Chi. Qigong (or Chi Kung) is known as "the mother of Tai Chi," was developed before the martial arts influence. The art of Chi Kung evolved from Taoist monks in ancient China. These monks followed the belief that all things in the universe are governed by two interacting forces of nature. These forces are characterised as the Yin and the Yang. Yin and yang are complementary opposites within a greater whole. In ancient China Chi Kung was regarded as the key to immortality. When Chi Kung mixed with martial arts, it became Tai Chi.

How does it work?

Tai Chi is a component of traditional Chinese medicine taught as a "form" (a slow movement sequence) which may take years to master. Tai Chi has a calming and meditative effect that makes it particularly helpful for reducing stress and anxiety. In recent years, research has proved that Tai Chi is beneficial in the treatment of hypertension, gastric and abdominal ulcers, chronic hepatitis, arthritis, asthma and many other mental and physical ailments too numerous to list.

What are the aims of Tai Chi?

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