An Extraordinary Achievement for the Benefit of Mankind

Taijiquan (Tai Chi Ch'uan) is the physical realization of Taoism and Chinese martial arts. It can be viewed in terms of how it comports with its philosophical roots to how it exemplifies many esoteric concepts, from a scientific basis to an artistic expression, Taijiquan is filled with intriguing information about what it means to be a human being.

Many people see Taijiquan as the slow-motion movement done by old people in the parks throughout much of Asia. But it is so much more than that. Ever more popular in the West, Taijiquan is available in a vast number of health clubs. Even health insurance companies are now providing class opportunities for their insured.

There are a great many facets to Taijiquan. Whichever one attracts you first will lead you to many other fascinating perspectives. Taijiquan is something a person can do all the days of his or her life. It's a great study that exercises the body, the mind, the Qi, and the spirit. It offers support for multiple areas. And depending on the individual, Taijiquan can be the entrance to an amazingly fulfilling practice.

Today, the majority of Taijiquan practitioners come to it because it is known to help with one or more of the many health challenges they face. Taijiquan is available in health clubs and studios. Some health insurance companies provide access to classes for their insured. There are many instructors with many levels of skill teaching. For the most part even studying with a novice instructor can help with health problems with little risk of injury.

Fulfilling the Promise of a Philosophy

The central Taoist premise is to observe natural rhythms and follow its ways. In addition to being able to defend against attack, Taijiquan promotes longevity by cultivating the vitality and suppleness of youth. Taijiquan combines kinesthetics, anatomy, physiology, physics, biomechanics, philosophy, and Chinese medical theory to provide deep insight into understanding what it is to be human. Taijiquan stands as one of mankind's great achievements.

For the serious practitioner there are a great many facets to Taijiquan. Whichever surface you find to admire first, it is bound to lead you to many other fascinating perspectives. Taijiquan is something a person can do all the days of his or her life. It's a great study that exercises the body, the mind, the Qi, and the spirit. It offers support for multiple areas. And depending on the individual, Taijiquan can be the entrance to an amazingly fulfilling practice.

The Freedom to Be

The martial arts are predicated on a moral foundation. Behaving with integrity, being relieved of worry and doubt as to your ability to withstand the threats of harm that can befall you is a primary goal in the martial arts. The fear of violence can incapacitate a person. Self-identifying as a victim or perpetrator may lock a person into a attitudinal trap leading to dangerous behavior.

Reality and Mis-perceptions

Many people view Taijiquan as a slow-motion dance. Slow practice is the method for training its underlying skills. The form contains a series of complex movements strung together into a continuous sequence. Taijiquan is an internal art, which focuses is on generating power through proper alignments and relaxation. Most of Taijiquan is secreted away inside its slow movements. The discoveries lie beneath the surface just as the ocean's secrets lie beneath the waves.

There are a great many facets to Taiji. Whichever surface you find to admire first, it is bound to lead you to many other fascinating perspectives. Taiji is something a person can do all the days of his or her life. It's a great study that exercises the body, the mind, the Qi, and the spirit. It offers support for multiple areas. And depending on the individual, Taiji can be the entrance to an amazingly fulfilling practice.

More than Exercise

Today many see Taijiquan merely as a form of physical exercise. However numerous recent studies demonstrate the health benefits gained from regularly practicing of Taijiquan. Starting day one people notice improvements in their many health challenges—even amongst novice students. Studies demonstrate reductions in blood pressure and increases in bone density. Many receive relief from arthritis. Noticeable improvements take place with balance. Patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease are seeing noticeable improvements and reduction of tremors. Many observe that healing from injuries and medical procedures is accelerated. Cardiovascular stamina increases. Digestion and circulation improve. Frequently from day one people notice improvements in their health. Anyone with a medical condition should consult a doctor before beginning a Taijiquan practice.

Mental and Emotional Improvements

In addition to the values found on the physical side are the benefits to the mind. Many people find that Taijiquan improves their sense of personal power, their self-esteem and their sense of wellbeing. Taijiquan gives powerful assistance to the work of self-improvement, especially for those working with professional therapists. Taiji assists in gaining access to the deeply hidden areas of the psyche with profound ease. Taijiquan has a powerful effect on elevating mood and relieving depression. Beyond addressing the symptoms of any affliction or illness, Taijiquan works to bring the entire body back into balance. It makes an ideal complement to many other forms of therapy.

Many people find that Taijiquan improves their sense of personal power, their self-esteem and their sense of wellbeing. Taijiquan gives powerful assistance to the work of self-improvement, especially for those working with talk therapy. Taijiquan assists in gaining access to the deeply hidden areas of the psyche with profound ease.