Tai Chi

Tai Chi, as it is practiced in the west today, can perhaps best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. There are a number forms which consist of a sequence of movements. Many of these movements are originally derived from the martial arts although the way they are performed in Tai Chi is slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them.

For many practitioners the focus in doing Tai Chi forms is as a meditative exercise for the body while others enjoy the combat aspects of Tai Chi forms.

One of the benefits of Tai Chi is to foster the circulation of 'chi '(life force energy) within the body, the belief being that by doing so the health and vitality of the person are enhanced.
Another benefit from Tai Chi is a calm and tranquil mind, from focusing one’s mind on the precise execution of the forms. Learning to do them correctly provides a practical avenue for learning body balance, alignment, fine-scale motor control and rhythm of movement and thus the practice of Tai Chi can contribute to being able to move the body better.


You might also like to read this article on the difference between Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
http://www.energyarts.com/difference-between-tai-chi-qigong

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