Tai Chi

If you're looking for a way to reduce stress, consider tai chi (TIE-chee). Tai chi is sometimes described as "meditation in motion" because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — connecting the mind and body. Originally developed in ancient China for self-defense, tai chi evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and to help with a variety of other health conditions.

Understanding tai chi

Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do tai chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai chi has many different styles, the style we focus on is named Wu/Hao Tai Chi. Each style may have its own subtle emphasis on various tai chi principles and methods. The Wu/Hao Style of Tai Chi can be summerized by the following characteristics. Simple postures, but complicated techniques. Strict demands of upright body and relaxed posture. To control the Qi (vital energy) with the mind. To be coherent

The practice of Tai chi includes rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing to help you achieve a sense of inner calm. The concentration required for tai chi forces you to live in the present moment, putting aside distressing thoughts.

Some may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect of tai chi.