Why is Tai Chi considered by some people to be the best form of exercise?
Many studies have shown Tai Chi to be extremely effective with slowing the effects of aging, increasing balance and reducing falls, reducing stress, minimizing the effects of diabetes and increasing the potential for preventing strokes and extending life. The fact that it is now encouraged by HMO's and Kaiser Permanente (mostly due to public demand) shows its effectiveness. Another thing to consider is the fact that Tai Chi is practiced by over 80 million people daily! This makes Tai Chi is the most popular form of exercise on Earth! It is part of the 4,000 year-old system of Traditional Chinese Medicine practiced in China and now recognized by the U.S. National Institute of Health's Office of Alternative Medicine as an important method of Alternative Health Care. Thirty-four medical schools have included Complimentary Alternative Medicine programs in their basic curriculum and some have set up departments to incorporate Tai Chi into their research. The main conclusion from many studies is: Tai Chi helps the body heal itself. Another advantage is that Tai Chi is available to everyone, regardless of ability, age, belief system or life circumstances. Imagine this: 21st century- school children learning the health enhancement and self-healing techniques of Tai Chi as part of their PE class; office workers taking Tai Chi breaks, just as they do in China and Japan; seniors participating in gentle movement with breathing exercises to enhance balance and quality of life; care givers embracing a personal practice and finding renewal in their service to others; spiritual aspirants using Tai Chi to enhance their meditations and Tai Chi practice being instituted into prisons as a means to reconnect with life. Remember, society also benefits when an individual or a group of individuals assumes responsibility and takes action for their own health and healing.
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What distinguishes Tai Chi from other forms of exercise?
Most forms of exercise dissipate your energy, leaving you tired and hyper at the same time! The slow, gentle, dance-like movements of Tai Chi accumulates energy while calming you down, allowing you to feel refreshed when you finish. Tai Chi creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional exercise programs. Most exercises do not involve the meridian system used in acupuncture nor do they emphasize the importance of adding mind intent and breathing techniques to physical movements. When these dimensions are added, the benefits of exercise increase exponentially.
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Who can practise and benefit from Tai Chi Chuan?
Anyone can practise irrespective of age, gender or athletic ability. Because T'ai Chi Ch'uan does not rely on muscl e power it is not only practised by trained athletes. It does, however, provide an excellent cross training method for athletes while being accessible to people who do not consider themselves to be athletic. The regular practise of T'ai Chi Ch'uan helps i ncrease body coordination, balance, overall fitness and health. It has also helped many students increase their concentration, lower their stress and anxiety levels and they have found that their academic studies have benefitted greatly.
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What is Taijiquan (T'ai Chi Ch'uan)?
T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes balance and body coordination rather than muscle strength. This martial art requires relaxation of the mind and body and it is therefore not only practised for developing physically, but also mentally. The set of T'ai Chi movements can be practised slowly as a form of meditation or be adapted for self defense training.
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What is the correct term for a teacher? I have heard two titles "Sifu" and "Laoshi". I am confused.
Many are confused with the correct translations of Chinese names. This might help with your confusion.
Laoshi - teacher, in the sense of a classroom/academic/literary category
Sifu - teacher in the sense of a master in the whole master/disciple martial arts
More on this question. . .
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