Tai chi – a prescription for health
Everything that is alive moves. Therefore, life is perpetual motion. On this simple statement is based Tai Chi – an ancient Chinese form of movement that effectively works on the body and mind. Under the influence of Tai Chi, a person becomes “a sage, with the flexibility of a child and the strength of a woodcutter.”
Tai Chi’s roots come from martial arts, but today it is seen primarily as an exercise system that unites body and mind. This outlook is hugely popular around the world. However, this does not mean that Tai Chi has lost its original character. It is still a defensive system, but at the same time a health gymnastics (Tai Chi Chuan) that is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Tai Chi has a positive effect on mental and physical health.
Basic tenets
Tai Chi is based on Taoist philosophy. Taoists say that everything in the universe simultaneously contains two elements, feminine and masculine (YIN and YANG), which are opposite and complement each other. They also claim that humans have an inner energy – CHI. Through movement, we revitalize this energy, which spreads throughout the body. On the other hand, lack of movement means stopping it. Taoist philosophy also believes that the world is ruled by the elements: earth, water, wood, fire, metal. The five-change diet, which rightly points out that we are what we eat, is based on this premise. It says that food must be in accordance with the ruling element of the season and the flavor assigned to it. Then our mental and physical health is in the right condition. All these ideas are reflected in Tai Chi.
Tai Chi in practice
Tai Chi, as health gymnastics, involves slow and smooth rotational movements accompanied by deep breathing. Proper posture and foot placement are important, as well as alternating the center of gravity of the body from one side to the other. This alternately intertwines YIN and YANG, which in turn allows CHI energy to circulate throughout the body. The movements also affect the harmony between man and the world. And this is due to the fact that they are attributed to the various elements. Thus:
EARTH: starting posture
METAL: forward movement
TREE: backward movement
WATER: movement to the left
FIRE: movement to the right
What’s more, movements also regulate and support the internal organs. Each organ in the body is under the care of a specific element. Thus:
EARTH: spleen and pancreas (YIN), stomach (YANG)
METAL: lungs (YIN), large intestine (YANG)
TREE: liver (YIN), gall bladder (YANG)
WATER: kidney (YIN), urinary bladder (YANG)
FIRE: heart (YIN), small intestine (YANG)
Why practice Tai Chi?
Posture improves and back pain is a thing of the past
Oxygenation of the body increases, the brain works more efficiently, energy increases, and sleep quality improves
The cardiovascular system is strengthened
Blood sugar levels are lowered
Nervous tension is reduced
The metabolism improves
During exercise, the happiness hormone is produced, which improves mood
Immunity and physical condition are strengthened
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