Originally published November 2 2005
Tai chi is a proven practice of healthy living
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dietitian Karen Schroder looks at the practice of Tai Chi and its claims of promoting physical and spiritual health.
Shift your body weight to your left leg and stretch your arms out to the left, now slowly sway your arms and your body weight over to the right.
Tai chi chuan According to Chinese medicine, the universe is run by a single principle, the Tao, which is made up of the yin and the yang two opposing, yet complementary principles.
For example, the yin includes femaleness, the moon, cold, and matter, while maleness, the sun, heat, and energy are relatively yang.
"Chi" refers to our energy, vitality, or life force.
Through the slow and careful movements of tai chi, Dr. Wayne explains, "people learn to focus on each motion, and become aware of the processes in their bodies and mind.
We strive for simple and peaceful quality of physical movement and mental thought.
Achieving and maintaining good health In Chinese medicine, pain or sickness is believed to occur when the flow of the chi is blocked, and yin and yang energies are out of balance.
A number of renowned tai chi masters are said to have experienced sickness in the past from which they could find no relief until they began to practice tai chi.
In other classes, the teacher may speak throughout and often use imagery to describe body movements ("let your spine hang gently like a necklace of pearls") and to guide meditation ("let the energy flow through you like water down a stream").
Ask potential instructors about their experience and their specific style, and compare sample classes if possible.
Balancing your chi Whether you have a specific health condition or wish to maintain your current state of health, balancing your yin and yang energies through the practice of tai chi can help bring peace and vitality to your mind, your body, and your life.
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