–The Ancient Promise of, and Modern Need for–
Tai Chi is a martial art that originated centuries ago in the Chen Village in China. During the early years, Tai Chi had been passed down as a family secret for generations. Later on it was taught outside the family members and developed into various styles of Tai Chi. Today, most existing styles can be traced back to Chen Style Tai Chi.
In general, Tai Chi was developed based on different components of various styles of martial arts, including healing arts, philosophy, and spiritual practices that span thousands of years. It is a complete training system that uses graceful and slow movements to improve balance and strength. It focuses on building up the flow of energy in the body to generate power through methods such as coordination of movement and muscle relaxation. In addition, Tai Chi was modified and integrated different elements of Chinese philosophy into the martial arts training to create a new approach that we now recognize as internal martial arts.
The vast majority of Chen Tai Chi practitioners believe that Tai Chi is first and foremost a martial art. In recent decades Chen Style Tai Chi has come to be recognized as a major style of martial art within China. In Western countries, Chen Style Tai Chi is rapidly growing in popularity as a martial art or healthy lifestyle reasons.
Recent studies suggest that Tai Chi may be safe for heart patients as well as patients with other physical issues. It may offer patients additional options, as to formal rehabilitation program, as a part of maintenance therapy, or as an exercise alternative. Benefits of practicing Tai Chi include:
- Ease congestive heart failure
- A safe, adaptable form of aerobic exercise
- An effective exercise to reduce joint pain
- Reduce stress and improve psychological well-being
- Improve breathing efficiency
- Improve confidence to exercise and motivate healthy behavior
- Leads to social support
Today, Tai Chi is practiced worldwide for its enormous health benefits. It combines physical exercise, stress reduction, emotional regulation, improved breathing efficiency and social support to vastly increase the well-being of its practitioners.