Written By Alan Good
Embracing something foreign to us, at any age, can be difficult. Practicing an ancient oriental art, like the martial arts—Karate, Taekwondo, or jujitsu—may not be in your wheelhouse. But Tai Chi may be.
Having tried various exercises, this writer searched for something that wouldn’t damage an aged body, like weightlifting, or pulled muscles, like exercise bands. Now, I still recommend the above as good strength training methods, if you keep within your limits and not try to overdo things.
“Tai” means “Supreme”, and Chi means “Boundary”. Together the term implies a method of movement to cultivate a form of power that has no boundary. Tai Chi originated from ancient Chinese cosmology and philosophy.
About 3,000 years ago, the book “Yi Jing”, or “book of changes”, sought to explain the causes and laws of motion and change in the natural world. Tenets include change (or evolution) as an inevitable process of all matter which follow certain laws and are predictable. Balance or the state of equilibrium is a part of this constant evolution.
The writings advocate the human body follows laws that apply to all matter. Changes in the functional conditions of the body is the result of the interplay of the energies called Yin & Yang and a state of equilibrium, or a healthy state, is manifested by the apparent harmonious interaction between these two energies.
When the state of equilibrium is threatened by improper diet, hygiene, lifestyle, emotions, harmful environmental factors and bodily injuries, functional disorders will occur. These can stagnate the pathways of vital energies inside the human body causing dysfunction within the organs. As discussed in earlier articles, science has proven that we can determine how our bodies respond to, say stress, and can enjoy a better life, one less sickly.
To maintain health and prevent illness, it is essential to sustain a state of equilibrium between Yin & Yang by engaging in activities that would promote a balanced growth and functionality.
“A wise man prevents diseases rather than treating them and prevents disorder rather than restoring order,” a Classic of Internal Medicine states.
Over centuries, the concept of prevention and the beliefs about illness causation and health maintenance have been adopted into the daily life of the Chinese people. Proper diet and personal behavior, emotional balance and exercise, have been seen not only as ways to prevent illness, but also as a most important method in treating health problems.
Contrasted to the other styles, the movements of Tai Chi are much gentler, smoother and flow together at a more even pace, thus it attracts a wider range of people. In Tai Chi the mind commands body movements thoughtfully, intentionally.
The structure of the body is held with minimal or no tension and all parts of the body, especially the joints involved in the movement, are connected and integrated to perform the movement.
The practice of Tai Chi emphasizes the use of pliable muscular strength in performing the movement while relaxing, loosening, and sinking at all the joints. The proper relaxation of the musculature and avoiding the use of tensed strength while moving at the same slow pace not only helps to develop body sensitivity and motor control (balance for example), it also improves the circulation of energy and blood throughout the body providing an ideal environment for healing.
