Doubtless, you know all there is to know about yoga--but what about Tai Chi? This ancient martial art from China is an increasingly popular low-impact sport that's captured the hearts, minds, and bodies of wellness buffs all over North America.
The focus of Tai Chi: relaxation techniques as ancient as the air. You'll often see groups of people going through the motions in public parks. The beautifully choreographed movements are actually an offshoot of Taoist philosophy, which promotes calmness, reflection, and attention to the details over erratic motion. Tai Chi itself is kind of a cross between meditation, dance, and an aerobic workout. It's somewhat like yoga--with a slew of postures done in sets and modeled on the movements of animals (like the crane or tiger).
The health benefits of Tai Chi run the gamut. Aside from relaxing muscles, promoting coordination and balance, and aiding in focused breathing, Tai Chi also promotes pain relief, relaxation and deep sleep, and cardiovascular health.
If you're a beginner, the easiest way to learn is to get an instructor. The International Taoist Tai Chi Society (www.taoist.org) has a comprehensive list of instructors and classes throughout the world.
What's the best time of day to do it to help with sleep. I see that it has cardio benefits so I'm guessing that late evening is out. Or does it not matter?
Going Through the Motions with Tai Chi
Posted by Nirmala N.
Doubtless, you know all there is to know about yoga--but what about Tai Chi? This ancient martial art from China is an increasingly popular low-impact sport that's captured the hearts, minds, and bodies of wellness buffs all over North America. The focus of Tai Chi: relaxation techniques as ancient as the air. You'll often see groups of people going through the motions in public parks. The beautifully choreographed movements are actually an offshoot of Taoist philosophy, which promotes calmness, reflection, and attention to the details over erratic motion. Tai Chi itself is kind of a cross between meditation, dance, and an aerobic workout. It's somewhat like yoga--with a slew of postures done in sets and modeled on the movements of animals (like the crane or tiger). The health benefits of Tai Chi run the gamut. Aside from relaxing muscles, promoting coordination and balance, and aiding in focused breathing, Tai Chi also promotes pain relief, relaxation and deep sleep, and cardiovascular health. If you're a beginner, the easiest way to learn is to get an instructor. The International Taoist Tai Chi Society (www.taoist.org) has a comprehensive list of instructors and classes throughout the world.