The History of Tai Chi
Have you noticed that some of your friends or officemates are serious in attending their Tai Chi class? Or have you noticed that despite busy of daily life activities they remain energised? Maybe, it is time for you to attend a Tai Chi class and experience its benefits.
However, what Tai Chi is and where and when did it originate?
Over two thousand years ago in China, Tai Chi was developed. Its concept was based on the idea of balancing Yin and Yang could lead to the optimum level of achievement and success. It influenced the different concepts of life, including medicine, economics, science, calligraphy, music, literature and human relationships.
The free-flowing movements of Tai Chi are believed to be the most visible aspect. It teaches people how to seek stillness in motion. The different styles of Tai Chi share the following principles:
- Suspension of the head from the sky
- Loosening the waist
- Lowering the chest, raising the upper back
- Sinking the shoulders, dropping the elbows
- Using will, not the strength
- Distinguishing between full and empty
- Unifying external and internal movements
- Co-ordinating the lower and upper body
- Developing the unbroken continuity of flow
- Seeking stillness in movement
Tai Chi is designed initially to develop calmness of breath as well as mental and physical coordination. Over time, it can provide the students with stamina, suppleness, strength, confidence, and peace of mind. Also, it can be used as a form of self-defence while the internal energy is helpful to prevent illnesses, prolong life and promote health.
THE BEGINNING OF TAI CHI
Tai Chi is one of the ancient Chinese forms of exercises, like Chi Kung. It was created originally as a fighting art. It was accredited to Zhang San Feng, a Taoist Monk, and the creator. It was believed that the origin of Tai Chi is dated back more than 300 years ago, although some say it was 1500 years ago.
Tai Chi is considered a type of Chi that is practised by many people around the world. When practised appropriately, it creates a significant balance. Despite being developed to be a martial art, it is also an effective exercise offering plenty of health benefits. This is an exercise that uses movements, visualization, and breathing to make the entire body co-ordinated.
Through proper breathing and relaxation, Tai Chi can generate internal strength, longevity, power, and health. The philosophy of this martial art is considered to be simple yet profound in a way that the two opposing forces can harmonise with each other to create a whole.
WHAT IS QIGONG
Qigong is known to be an integral part of various martial arts where it involves gentle exercises. It highly focuses on 3 main elements, including mind, posture, and breathing. Different types of Qigong exercises vary from easy to be a challenging one. As an ancient set of movements, it combines visualisation and stretches. It is an ideal introduction to Tai Chi practice where it is easy to learn but highly beneficial to the mind and body.
THE POPULARITY OF TAI CHI
Today, Tai Chi is already known worldwide. People attend Tai Chi classes not just to improve their overall wellness, but to learn another form of self-defence. Because of day-to-day busy schedules and stress, people want to convert all the negativities into something that is beneficial to their health.
People believe that different forms of stress can impact their overall health condition. So, they exert an effort to learn the various techniques of Tai Chi. Even in the United Kingdom, there are already many people who applied the philosophy of Tai Chi to their daily activities.
If you live in different parts of the United Kingdom and want to learn everything about Tai Chi, you have nothing to worry since there are plenty of classes you can attend. This is because it already gained popularity. Thus, everyone has a willingness to improve themselves.