Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung)
Tai Chi Chuan - Benefits and purposes.
In modern times Tai Chi is best known for it' s beneficial effects on health, however it is also a martial art and can be used as a self defence. Tai Chi as a martial art. Tai Chi Chuan, the original combat form of Tai Chi, translated means Supreme Ultimate Fist, 'Chuan' meaning a method of boxing or combat. Unlike many other martial arts, which were 'aggressive' or outward, Tai Chi Chuan's main principle was that of a 'soft' combat - absorbing the opponent's aggressive energy and using it against him. This is a principle of yin and yang, a balance of opposites where soft is used to overcome hard: the maxim "four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds" or "overcome a weight of a thousand carries by four ounces" is often used. Imagine an opponent twice your weight throwing a powerful punch - the Tai Chi Chuan adept would step back, absorb the punch by grasping the fist and pulling it past him, using his opponent's own forward energy and motion to overbalance the attacker. Or he might respond in any number of ways, always using the same principles. Although 'soft', this was a very violent form, designed for killing and maiming (lest we forget), in an efficient and scientific way. Modern non-violent tai chi as a form on its own, rather than being a part of Chuan, was developed much later, as the need for combat gradually decreased - although the tai chi practitioner is always aware that the forms that he is using are the same as those of combat, but slower. (Mark Allen; www.taichido.com) Each movement within the forms has it' s own martial application, from the step out right at the beginning of the form, which when performed correctly can throw off balance an opponent who has grabbed you from behind (Tai Chi; L.Galante), to the more obvious moves such as the punches and kicks. It is easy to believe that the martial side of Tai Chi has been lost, as the forms are practiced so slowly and with great precision, but it is that slowness and precision that allows the practitioner to become natural at the moves and therefore relaxed. When the moves become second nature to the practitioner it is then that they will flow seamlessly in a confrontational situation. Tai Chi Chuan, once grasped at a high level, can be used very effectively against most forms of attack.
Tai Chi and Health.
An early Tai Chi master once wrote that the ultimate purpose of learning Tai Chi was to live forever in the spring season of your life. Tai Chi is not just for longevity, but also for robustness, even at an old age. (www.classictaichi.com) The main aim of Tai Chi is to allow the free flow of the Chi, part of the body' s life force. The Chinese believe it is the Chi that keeps the body and mind healthy. A blockage of Chi within the body can lead to illness and the loss of Chi, through stress and harmful activities, eventually leads to death. There has been much research carried out on the effects of Tai Chi within many groups of people both young and old. A lot of the research has concluded that Tai Chi, indeed, does have numerous beneficial effects on health. There are a number of basic beneficial effects of Tai Chi It is practiced slowly with an emphasis on deep rhythmical breathing. This allows the body to relax and the breathing helps feed the brain with oxygen, allowing it to function better. This will automatically help tension related illnesses such as insomnia and stress. The movements are gentle on the joints, allowing older people and those with joint problems to practice it. This in turn will help the body to gain in suppleness and mobility. The movements also help to maintain co-ordination and balance. Tai Chi although slow does increase heart rate and so helping to keep the heart and rest of the body healthy and improve, over time, fitness. "In Tai Chi, where the form is practised in slow continual fluidic movement, muscles and joints are in motion, and breathing is regulated as an integral part of this. The effect is a sedative upon the central nervous system which helps to stimulate improvements upon the body's other systems. It is calming and de-stressing, the movements themselves becoming physical poetry to a meditative process. When practised properly, Chi energy is increased, and one often feels a 'tingling' of fingers and toes, and a warming up of the body. The mind becomes clear, and relaxed. The movements give practically a means for motor control, balance etc. and can help posture and loosen tight muscles." (Mark Allen, www.taichido.com)
