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Old ways
The Chinese public first became aware of tai chi
in about 1750. Until then it had been practiced in
secret for hundreds (if not thousands) of years.
Tai chi offered many of the same skills as other styles of Chinese martial art, but with a
twist. It contained none of the strenuous training methods and proved to
be exceptionally good for your health.
Health crisis
In the 1950's China was facing a major health crisis and turned to tai chi for
a solution. The system was stripped of it's
martial component and made accessible for the general public.
A new, simplified method was developed: tai chi
for health.
Why did Chinese Government choose tai chi?
Tai chi uses principles and insights that originate in ancient China. These are
concerned with 'naturalness'. The aim is to use the human body in a manner that
is harmonious and not forced.
The exercise is gentle and feels quite easy to perform. It is more about
coordination and motor skills rather than what most people associate with
'exercise' (e.g. sweat, aching muscles, fatigue).
No doctor required
The purpose of using tai chi was to reduce the likelihood of people needing
medical intervention. No doctors. No medication. An improved lifestyle and mild
exercise regime were preferable. And cheaper.
Preventative
The Chinese Government introduced tai chi to schools nationwide. It was taught
to people of all ages. The aim was to improve the national health without
creating new problems.
If we didn't tense our muscles, we're in good balance, not interfering with
our breathing, and if we're free, tall and expansive in stature, and used a
minimum of effort, then we could say we had done the job really well.
(Noel Kingsley)
Harsh
exercise?
Not all forms of exercise
are necessarily good for you. Exercise usually has
pros and cons; especially sport e.g.
you get fit but your joints suffer... 'No pain, no
gain' is a common attitude when exercising.
Runners often suffer from bad knees, weight lifting can distort the skeleton
and impede joint movement. In fact, most forms of exercise can lead to
muscular tension.
But we need to exercise. Not exercising leads to many health problems...
Intelligent
exercise
Tai chi is different. It works the body without exertion, physical stress or
taxing the joints. There is very little risk of injury. You will not get out
of breath.
In tai chi, much of the work will be performed by the mind. Students must
improve their memory, perception, awareness, insights, mindfulness,
presence, nervous system, acuity and intelligence.
To perform the art correctly, you must engage your whole being. Tai chi is a
fun, balanced way to exercise.
Naturalness
People typically don't use their body in a 'natural' way. They move in a
familiar manner and exert strength in a habitual fashion. It may feel
'natural' but is in fact simply what they are accustomed to doing.
Have you ever watched a cat move? Does a cat look 'pumped-up'? Is it ever
stiff or inflexible? Do animals ever perform activities that are unnatural
or strenuous? People do. All the time.
Prevention
Although many modern people seek to use tai chi as a means of curing
illness, this is not where its strength lies. Tai chi is best employed
whilst healthy, not sick.
When a healthy person does tai chi they are more apt to remain healthy. It
takes far less effort to prevent something than to cure it...
Strong
It is important to use the muscles for strength rather than the bones.
Tensing the body makes the joints immobile and causes stress on the
skeleton. Animals are strong without tensing-up. You can be too.
Energised
Modern life saps energy. People are often exhausted, unhappy, frustrated...
They are frequently emotionally, physically and psychologically unbalanced.
Feeling drained is commonplace.
Getting angry is normal. This is not a healthy way to live... Tai chi
teaches people how to find balance in their lives and use their mind/body in
a manner that is conducive to being energised.
Metabolism slows down 90 percent after 30 minutes of sitting. The enzymes that move the bad fat from your arteries to your muscles, where it can get burned off, slow down. The muscles in your lower body are turned off. And after two hours, good cholesterol drops 20 percent. Just getting up for five minutes is going to get things going again. These things are so simple they’re almost stupid.
(Gavin Bradley)
Mobile
Being strong is fine, but mobility and coordination are way more important.
How often do you really need to use your strength? You coordinate your body
from the moment you get out of bed.
Tai chi teaches: healthy skeletal alignment, balance, agility, ambidextrous
use of the limbs, gait (manner of walking), leverage and ergonomic body use.
You learn how to move freely, spontaneously and comfortably.
More to life?
There is more to life than shopping, fashion, politics, news, the internet,
mobile phones, TV, work, gossip. Many things in life can make you feel empty
and alone.
Undertaking a personal journey of self-discovery can be a wonderful way to
step-out from your everyday concerns and embark on a quest that promises
mystery, wonders and even danger.
Mind, body, spirit
Tai chi practice possesses a spiritual component. This may be enhanced
through Taoism and Zen, along with meditating, qigong, form and application.
An earnest student of tai chi becomes calmer, more harmonious. They have a
sense of deep connection with all things. People seek to move in accord with
events, rather than against.
Happy
Tai chi makes people feel happy. This is important in our stressed out
society. The philosophical background and attitudes employed in tai chi
practice are good for mental health.
They develop resilience, patience, friendliness and fun.
Taking lessons
Students in a tai chi school are encouraged to interact with one another in
a healthy, friendly manner, free from the competitive norms found in wider
society.
There is a supportive atmosphere of trust and care. The training hall is a
safe place to be.
Interaction with the instructor is of particular importance, as this
commonly entails the passing-on of knowledge, bespoke physical corrections
and the exploration of deeper philosophical issues pertinent to the
training.
A sanctuary
Ideally, a tai chi class should be a good place to be: a pure place. There
is no meanness or petty behaviour, no malice or sarcasm.
Good humour, camaraderie, polite manners, consideration, respect and fun
result in a pleasant training environment.
Gentle exercise
Dr Michael Greger (author of How Not To Die) recommends 90
minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day.
The three doctors who wrote The Okinawa Program maintain that
tai chi - with its ancient origins and incredible health benefits - is the
ideal form of exercise for modern people.
It doesn't have to be in one go. Little and often is better...
Page created
18 April 2005
Last updated
16 June 2023
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