Tai Chi, popular in China, is based on a series of slow, dance-like movements, usually performed in the open air. It is good for those recovering from physical or emotiomal problems. It aids blood circulation, posture and co-ordination, and helps to improve muscle tone. Here is one basic exercise:

1 Stand with your legs apart and breathe normally. Let your arms hang by your sides and, with your hands open, gently press your thumbs and first fingers of each hand against your thighs -so that your palms are facing down.

2 Slowly lift up your arms in front of you, with your hands drooping down, until your arms are at chin level. Bend your knees slightly.

3 Keeping your hands in the same position, drop your arms to chest level and let your elbows fall so they are pointing towards the floor.

4 Bring your fingers up so that they are pointing towards the ceiling.

5 Slowly and gently, move your hands away from your body, as though you are pushing, until your arms are almost straight. Hold this position for as long as is comfortable, then drop your arms and shake them out.

Tai chi has become very popular in the last twenty years or so, as the baby boomers age and the art's reputation for ameliorating the effects of aging becomes more well-known. Some hospitals, clinics, community and senior centers host classes in communities around the world.

As a result of this popularity, there has been some divergence between those who say they practice tai chi primarily for self-defense, those who practice it for its aesthetic appeal (see wushu below), and those who are more interested in its benefits to physical and mental health.
Tai Chi written by Monique Barb for FamousWhy.com

Tai Chi - External Links :

Tai chi chuan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Tags: tai chi, sport, health, movements, physical, emotional

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Category: Health  - ( Health Archive)

Date Added: 15 November '07

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