InnerSelf.com

Tai Chi For Health

by Chia Siew Pang
& Goh Ewe Hock

The majority of those who practice tai chi do so mainly for the benefits it gives as an exercise. Relatively few learn it only for its martial aspects. As an exercise, tai chi is suitable for people of all ages, particularly those on the wrong side of thirty. The very nature of the art stimulates blood circulation, loosens and limbers up joints and at the same time promotes mental relaxation.

Health Benefits Of Tai Chi

It has been claimed that tai chi, when practiced diligently, will help and even cure certain morbid conditions. Some have reported that the practice of tai chi can produce remissions for organic diseases like tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus, but do not offer any rational explanation as to how this is achieved. Although tai chi would undoubtedly promote health, the more extravagant claims of its therapeutic benefits should be viewed in their correct perspective. These claims should be based upon carefully planned and executed studies and not solely upon the observation of isolated cases.

How would tai chi compare with other forms of exercise? One unique feature is that it promotes mental relaxation. In this it is like yoga and has been described as 'meditation in motion'. In practicing tai chi the exponent never gets heated up over 'missing that damn putt' or losing a game. He is calm and relaxed with all tensions of the day eased away.

Tai chi exercises the cardio-pulmonary system, particularly when it is correctly practiced. A half-hour tai chi workout would be equivalent to the exercise benefit derived from a three-hour game of golf. It is, however, a less intensive exercise than either squash or tennis.

Advantages Of Tai Chi

One great advantage that tai chi has as an exercise is its convenience. Only ten minutes' exercise is all that is required for a practice session. It certainly beats rearranging schedules to fit in a round of golf or even a jogging session! What is more, tai chi can be practiced in a relatively small area, with no special equipment or companion. Your office, bedroom, lounge, patio, garden - just about any open space 15 meters square can be used for the practice of tai chi. It can, therefore, be practiced in your own home, at practically any time, with minimal expense and by yourself. Most important, you will always feel good, relaxed, refreshed and invigorated after a tai chi session.

As in other exercises, do not practice tai chi when you suffer an acute illness like influenza or diarrhea. It is much better and certainly safer to resume practice after your recovery. Although you do not require any special equipment, you should always use a pair of flat-soled shoes during practice to avoid injury to your soles. A soft, loose, sweat-absorbing shirt and loose, baggy pants will be an asset as they permit free movement. Avoid using skin-tight pants and shirts during practice - these not only hamper blood circulation, they also cause some discomfort. For the same reasons, tight-fitting rings should be taken off before practice.

The beauty of practicing tai chi is that, apart from getting considerable physical exercise, you are learning, quite by accident perhaps, an ancient martial art. Unconsciously you will imbibe its principles and when this occurs, you will inherit some of the values and qualities the Chinese prize highly - patience, perseverance, tolerance, discipline and confidence.

This article is excerpted with permission from the book "Tai Chi; Ten Minutes to health"
by Master Chia Siew Pang
and Dr. Goh Ewe Hock.

Published by CRCS Publications, PO Box 1460, Sebastopol, CA 95473.

Info/Order this book.

About the Authors

Master Chia Siew Pang

Master Chia first learned tai chi in 1933 from Master Li Yue in Kwangtung. In 1936 he studied the art under Master Cheng Mun-ch'ng. Not as generally well-known as his tai chi skills is the fact that Master Chia is an accomplished physician trained in administering traditional Chinese medicine.

Dr Goh Ewe Hock

Dr Goh is a medical practitioner, trained in western medicine and specializing in community medicine. Dr Goh lives in Sydney where he conducts small private classes in Yang's tai chi.

This article is excerpted with permission from their book "Tai Chi; Ten Minutes to health" published by CRCS Publications, PO Box 1460, Sebastopol, CA 95473.

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