TAI CHI CHUAN
Tai Chi Chuan is a mind-body practice that originated as a martial art in ancient China. It combines slow, gentle, and physical movements with breathing, awareness, meditation, and relaxation. Tai Chi Chuan is based on spiritual and philosophical ideas of balance and harmony.
Tai Chi Chuan (taijiquan) originated from ancient Chinese cosmology and philosophy. It first appeared in the writings of “Yì Jīng”, one of the oldest of the Chinese classic texts describing an ancient system of cosmology and philosophy that is intrinsic to ancient Chinese cultural beliefs.
As legend tells us, Zhang San Feng, a 13th century martial arts master created Tai Chi Chuan after watching a snake and a crane fighting on the Wudang Mountain. This would have been nearly 800 years ago.
Over the years, although still regarded as a Marital Art, the focus has moved more towards its physical & mental health benefits which include decreased anxiety and stress levels, your emotional well-being, and self-awareness.
It can also help with: Improved sleep, Weight loss, Improved mood and Physical Strength
Tai Chi Chuan is a slow and enjoyable exercise that can improve balance, especially for older adults and people with neurological challenges. Tai Chi targets the physical components needed to stay upright, such as leg strength, flexibility, range of motion, and reflexes.
Tai chi also reduces the fear of falling and increases the awareness of the body and the surrounding environment. Tai chi strengthens and improves ankle and foot flexibility and helps to distribute movement more evenly among the joints.
Tai Chi Chuan is also often associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) because it is believed to promote health and well-being by balancing the body’s energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”). Tai Chi Chuan is also used in TCM to treat various conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure.
Tai Chi Chuan & Qi Gong
Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong go both hand in hand, although they can be practised separately, they complement each other charmingly.
Qi Gong is a practice that involves breathing techniques, meditation, and gentle movements. Qi Gong is also closely associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is believed to help promote your health and well-being by balancing the body’s energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”).