T’ai Chi for well being
The supreme ultimate fist or t’ai chi ch’uan, popularly called tai chi, is a form of Chinese martial art that is focused on the internal arts. This form of slow martial arts is believed to focus the movement forms of the practitioner to allow for greater balance and mental clarity and relaxation. As much a self defense technique the tai chi practitioner brings together a harmony of his movements, breathing and meditation to reap the benefits of this form of martial arts. Beyond the defensive aspects, there is an apparent awe for the poetry in motion in this form of martial arts, the slow repetitive movements of tai chi is designed to focus the mind on the movement forms there by bringing mental clarity, while the breathing techniques work on the internal systems of circulation and lymphatic, thus giving a holistic benefit.
Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai chi is believed to address various illnesses and is traditionally believed to delay ageing thus prolonging life. Some of the medical conditions, where practicing tai chi may help are:
Arthiritis: the slow gentle movements are found to improve the musculo-skeletal system whereby giving relief to arthiritis
Bone density: the exercises are found to help maintain bone density in post menopause women in cases not amounting to osteoporosis
Breast cancer: the improved circulation and cleansing of the lymphatic systems through proper follow of tai chi exercises are found to improve the general quality of living of patients’ suffering from breast cancers
Cardio vascular diseases. The slow exercise form is found to stimulate the circulation system, lower blood pressure, control cholesterol, triglycerides whereby decreasing the possibilities of cardiovascular problems
Parkinsons’s disease: patients with mild parkinson’s disease are found to benefit in their abilities of balance and walking ability through practice of tai chi
Sleep disorder: like most forms of exercise tai chi is also found to help in sleep disorders both in terms of the quality and duration of sleep.
The Principles of Tai Chi
The tai chi exercise regimen is based on 3 pillars-movement, meditation and breathing. The 3 combine to give the benefits of tai chi. Movement brings in the discipline, works on the musculo skeletal and cardio vascular system to strengthen and improve them. The aspects of meditation bring the mental aspects, lowering anxiety, improving focus and clarity. Breathing again promotes discipline and supports the basic movement of the body. But more importantly it helps flush out toxins from the body, releases tensions and helps improve circulation. Breathing techniques also form parts of meditation techniques. The amalgams of these add up to put in a complete regimen to improve general well being and often help in diseases.
