Exercise Information

What the Philosophy of Tai Chi Can Do For You


Taoist Philosophy
To understand the purpose of the form it is important to understand its basis and roots.

The origins of Tai Chi go back over 5,000 years and are based in Taoist philosophy developed and refined by the great Taoist thinkers such as, Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu.

The core concept of Taoism and Taoist philosophy is that everything in the universe is subject to change and when dealing with this change we should act not to fight it but work with it and avoid conflict.

The core Of Taoism is that action should always be effortless and come from spontaneous creativity, but this should not require mental or physical effort.

According to Taoist philosophy change is constant but, by understanding change and acting in accordance with the laws that govern it, we can work effortlessly to achieve our aims.

Taoism is about working within the laws of change, not struggling to oppose them, this is seen as futile and a waste of energy.

In Tai Chi this manifests itself in that a posture will always be difficult and a struggle, unless there is union of mind and body, to make the move an effortless interaction.

Yin and Yang
Another concept in Chinese philosophy related to change is yin and yang.

These two opposing, yet complimentary forces are constantly at work in the universe and in our lives.

Yin and yang are the basis of change but they also come together in harmony to create a balanced whole.

The simplest example of this is breathing. We breathe in and we breathe out - an opposing action that comes together to create balance and harmony. Change and harmony, is the basis of yin and yang and of Tai Chi.

The principles of yin and yang are reflected in the form the sequence of movements that make up the Tai Chi discipline.

The form is actually a sequence of movements that flow continuously representing both change and harmony.

A movement begins, grows completes and empties then another begins until the sequence is completed.

The Tai Chi Philosophy
The aim of the Tai Chi form is to create streams of energy to flow through the body.

In the philosophy of Tai Chi, it is said Chi (life energy) follows the mind; each posture and movement creates a different energy flow, which, has a beneficial overall affect on overall well-being.

Tai Chi stimulates circulation, aligns the skeleton and joints correctly, stimulates the organs of the body and helps digestion.

It increases muscle tone, strength, improves balance and co ordination and improves breathing.

Tai Chi does not just provide physical benefits; by raising energy levels, it also affects the mind and the spirit.

Tai Chi focuses thought, so that mind and body energy works together as one.

Tai Chi reflects both Taoism in terms of effortless interaction and yin and yang in terms of reconciling two opposing forces, to create harmony and equilibrium. This combination is the very essence of the Tai Chi philosophy.

Re Vitalise offer a warm welcome to both novice and experienced pupils. In addition to offering, regular Tai Chi tuition there are several weekend breaks available. To learn more about our services go to:
http://www.re-vitalise.co.uk


MORE RESOURCES:

SeniorJournal.com

Older Adults Who Exercise Boost Blood Flow in Brain
Washington Post, United States - 1 hour ago
1 (HealthDay News) -- Older adults who exercise regularly have increased blood flow and more small blood vessels in the brain, a new study shows. ...
Exercise Helps Prevent Age-Related Brain Changes in Older Adults MarketWatch
New Treatment Eliminates Heel Pain Caused by Plantar Fasciitis MarketWatch
Breast Cancer Treatment Offers Better Outcome to Women with Implants MarketWatch
all 83 news articles


Having a Baby: Exercise May Reduce Need for an Epidural
New York Times, United States - 3 hours ago
By NICHOLAS BAKALAR In addition to its other well-known benefits, exercise during pregnancy may help women reduce the need for anesthesia when they give ...


Push-Ups: 'It's Horizontal Jogging'
MarketWatch - 12 hours ago
What would happen if we could clone running with a strength and muscle-building exercise? The fitness world would certainly never be the same. 1. ...


US Rangers to conduct training exercise in area
The Times and Democrat, SC - 17 hours ago
“Soldiers will use training ammunition and other training devices to make the military exercise as realistic as possible,” states a release from the 75th ...


Exercise, diet aids type 2 diabetes patient
NewsOK.com, OK - 17 hours ago
His first doctor prescribed medication and exercise, but when his blood sugar fell too low, West went to a specialist who recommended he ditch the pills and ...


Exercise builds small blood vessels in brain, study says
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI - 4 hours ago
By John Fauber of the Journal Sentinel Chicago - Exercise is known to help prevent cognitive decline and maintain the brain as people age, ...


Columbus Body Transformation Expert Releases a Free Book Bag ...
PR.com (press release), NY - 15 hours ago
The main point of the manual is to drive home the fact that exercise needs to be done. It doesn’t have to be traditional. With a book bag, it’s completely ...
Yun Fitness Boot Camps Moves Indoors to a New Dublin and Hilliard ... PR.com (press release)
all 2 news articles


Phase II exercise a success with challenges
Schriever Air Force Base, CO - 40 minutes ago
by Master Sgt. Martie Moore 12/1/2008 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- Exercises are as much a part of military life as deployments, fitness tests and ...


RSNA: Exercise May Prevent Loss of Small Blood Vessels in the Brain
MedPage Today, NJ - 1 hour ago
1 -- Older adults who exercise regularly may have increased cerebral blood flow and a greater number of small blood vessels in the brain, researchers here ...


Traffic month -- an exercise in futility?
Times of India, India - 1 hour ago
The denizens here, however, believe that observing the traffic month is a gimmick and a money collection exercise on the part of the cops. ...

Exercise - Google News

home | site map
© 2006