TAI CHI

Discover the health benefits

The ancient art of Tai Chi uses gentle flowing movements to reduce the stress of today's busy lifestyles and improve health.

If you're looking for another way to reduce stress, consider Tai Chi (TIE-chee). Tai Chi is sometimes described as "meditation in motion" because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — connecting the mind and body. Originally developed in ancient China for self-defense, Tai Chi evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and to help with a variety of other health conditions.

Understanding Tai Chi

Tai Chi, also called Tai Chi Chuan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do Tai Chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai Chi has many different styles, such as yang and wu. Each style may have its own subtle emphasis on various Tai Chi principles and methods. There are also variations within each style. Some may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect.

The result of all this variation is that there are more than 100 possible movements and positions with Tai Chi, many of which are named for animals or nature. Regardless of the variation, all forms of Tai Chi include rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing to help you achieve a sense of inner calm. The concentration required for Tai Chi forces you to live in the present moment, putting aside distressing thoughts.

Who can do Tai Chi

The intensity of Tai Chi varies depending on the form or style practiced. Some forms of Tai Chi are more fast-paced and exerting than are others, for instance. However, most forms are gentle and suitable for everyone. So you can practice Tai Chi regardless of your age or physical ability — Tai Chi emphasizes technique over strength. In fact, because Tai Chi is low impact, it may be especially suitable if you're an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.

Give Tai Chi a try

Like other complementary and alternative practices that bring mind and body together, Tai Chi can help reduce stress. During Tai Chi, you focus on movement and breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Stress, anxiety and tension should melt away as you focus on the present, and the effects may last well after you stop your Tai Chi session. Tai Chi also might help your overall health, although it's not a substitute for traditional medical care. Despite its long history, Tai Chi has been studied scientifically only in recent years. And although more research is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that Tai Chi may offer numerous benefits beyond stress reduction, including:   Reducing anxiety and depression   Improving balance, flexibility and muscle strength   Reducing falls in older adults   Improving sleep quality   Lowering blood pressure   Improving cardiovascular fitness in older adult   Relieving chronic pain   Increasing energy, endurance and agility   Improving overall feelings of well-being

Get started with Tai Chi

Wondering how to get started in Tai Chi?

Even though you can rent or buy videos or books about Tai Chi, call United Tai Chi and we will provide the guidance to help you gain the full benefits and learn the proper techniques. We will teach you about the philosophy underlying this relaxation technique.

At United Tai Chi you will learn the specific positions and how to regulate your breathing. United Tai Chi will also teach you how to practice Tai Chi safely, especially if you have injuries, chronic conditions, balance or coordination problems.

Maintaining the benefits of Tai Chi

To reap the greatest stress reduction and other health benefits from Tai Chi, you must practice it regularly. While you may get some benefit from a 12-week Tai Chi class, you will enjoy longer and bigger benefits if you continue Tai Chi for the long term and become more skilled.