When learned correctly and performed regularly, tai chi can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health. The benefits of tai chi may include:
Decreased stress, anxiety and depression
Improved mood
Improved aerobic capacity
Increased energy and stamina
Improved flexibility, balance and agility
Improved muscle strength and definition
Some evidence indicates that tai chi may also help:
Enhance quality of sleep
Enhance the immune system
Help lower blood pressure
Improve joint pain
Improve symptoms of congestive heart failure
Improve overall well-being
Reduce risk of falls in older adults
Its circling, fluid movements stimulate the internal organs and open the energy pathways, known as meridians. Tai chi is layer upon layer of principles of movement which can seem quite complex to the beginner student. Often, then, those new to tai chi are introduced to Qigong first. Qigong literally means ‘energy work’ and it’s a quicker way to bring energy into the body. Qigong exercises are stand-alone and do not need to be completed in any order, although there are Qigong sequences, called Shibashi (meaning 18 movements). Tai Chi, on the other hand, is a series of different movements called ‘postures’. These sequences are known as ‘Forms’ - there is the 5 Form, 10 Form, 18 Form, Beijing 24, and 108 Form. The 5 Form may take 6 months to learn, but with practice and patience, we begin to develop a ‘tai chi brain’ so learning new Forms become a little easier.
Tai Chi and Qigong go hand in hand to provide a safe and enjoyable form of exercise. No equipment is required, (although there are Forms that use Sword, Fan, and Wands,) and it can be practiced anywhere.
Tai Chi is a very enjoyable, challenging, and continuous journey of skill development and discovery.