Health
Tai Chi – antidote for a modern world Print E-mail
Want to stay active and shed stress but don’t like the idea of a gym? The spiritual and physical rewards of Tai Chi may be just what you are looking for, says Ian Fox. Tai Chi is often referred to as “moving meditation” and is well-known for its calming, healing and energising properties. In its various forms Tai Chi is one of the most widely practised forms of holistic exercise on the planet, with millions of people practising it daily to ensure health, vitality and longevity.

Because of its gentle nature, participants of all ages use Tai Chi to arrest the onset of age-related illness and restricted mobility. They experience profound changes with regular practice and most feel an overwhelming energy and sense of wellbeing after even one or two good sessions.

Channelling energy


No one really knows the true history of Tai Chi and there are many different forms throughout the world, but one thing is certain – its origins date back thousands of years to ancient China. The words “Tai Chi” mean “grand ultimate energy” or “ultimate force” because the energy produced by Tai Chi is both powerful and omnipresent. Chi (pronounced chee) runs along the meridian channels inside the body and the ‘pump house’ for this energy is the stomach or Dan Tien (meaning “elixir field”). When you combine the Chi breathing with the flowing movements of Tai Chi, changes occur both on a physical and spiritual level because the mind and body are totally interconnected.

The body has thousands of energy channels, but the main ones correspond to specific organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, pericardium (membrane surrounding the heart), bladder, gall bladder, spleen, small and large intestines, stomach and lungs. They are divided into three areas – respiration, digestion and elimination – that are complementary in function, and the total health of the body depends upon the harmonious interaction of these three functions. According to Tai Chi, when an energy channel is blocked, poor health will soon follow and if it is not dealt with, illness will ensue.

The aim of Tai Chi is to help the body restore its natural balance as the Chi flow becomes more regulated and precise and this can happen after only a few weeks.Tai Chi tends to follow certain patterns or forms and some produce more energy than others, but ultimately you get out of Tai Chi what you put in. Your body tends to extract what it needs when you are practising and, as with most Eastern arts, this is very personal and experiential. You cannot force the energy in or push it out; rather you attract it through the correct alignment of mind and body focus.

Tai Chi is simple to do and most people become very comfortable with it after only a few short sessions. Its movements are flowing and graceful. When you start you normally begin with a few short moves which are completed slowly and deliberately and that are easy to remember. Then as you become more proficient, and your Chi increases, you will feel comfortable adding more. There is never any pressure with Tai Chi as your ultimate goal is to feel more Chi and vitality, not to win competitions. Unlike most systems of physical fitness Tai Chi brings into play, and benefits, every part of the body. It stimulates the central nervous system, lowers blood pressure, relieves stress and gently tones muscles without strain.
 

Where to begin


With the rise in environmental pollution and the pressures of over-stimulation of modern living, there could never be a better time to embrace Tai Chi. It is easy to follow and the rewards are great. Tai Chi in its traditional sense is a martial art, so make sure you look for a style of Tai Chi that focuses on the health benefits rather than the martial art side. In the West we have discovered its usefulness as holistic exercise, especially good for anyone who doesn’t want the kind of regime offered by a modern gym.

Tai Chi allows you to follow your own path of discovery to acceptable health, vitality and positive energy. As well as toning and exercising the body, you are also massaging the internal organs with a calming yet stimulating force.

Your mind will be calmed and your thoughts disciplined, so dwelling on anxieties can be reduced. Many people find they can enjoy a newfound appreciation and awareness of the present moment without constantly projecting their thoughts into the past or an unknown future, as the story (see box “Mental baggage”) so aptly illustrates. You will come to realise that all problems in your life are outside this moment.

Tai Chi has its roots in Taoist philosophy. In essence the Taoist sees nature aligned with the powers of the universe, but in many cases humans work against this. Aligning with nature means being at one with all things and realising that everything is interconnected at some level with everything else. If you practise Tai Chi outside, say in a forest or open countryside, you will understand what I mean by this.

In essence, if everyone were to practise Tai Chi, the world would quickly change for the better because people would find the answers and stimulation they require. That may be wishful thinking, but what is achievable is for us as individuals to change our own world by this means.

Mental baggage


It was early morning and two monks set out on their last day’s journey back to their monastery. At mid-morning they came upon a shallow river and on the bank there stood a beautiful young maiden in a lovely silk kimono. “May I help you cross?” asked the first Monk. “That way your garment won’t get soiled.” “Why, yes, that would be most kind of you,” replied the maiden, bowing politely.
So the first Monk hoisted the maiden on his back and carried her across the river. Once across, they bowed and went their separate ways.

A few minutes later, after the maiden was out of earshot, the second Monk said to the first Monk, “I can’t believe you did that! I just can’t believe it! We take vows of chastity, and you touched a woman. You even asked her! I know that touching a woman doesn’t break our vow, but what will the Abbot think? This is awful.”

Several hours passed and the second Monk erupted again. “How could you do that? She didn’t even ask. You offered! What are we going to tell the Abbot when we get home? He’s going to ask how our journey was, and we can’t lie. What are we going to say?”

By late afternoon the two were nearing their monastery, and the second Monk, now filled with anxiety, said, “I can’t believe you did that! You touched a woman. You even carried her on your back. We must think of something to tell the Abbot. He’s going to be so angry we’ll be working in the onion garden for the rest of our lives.”

The first Monk stopped, looked at the second Monk and said, “Listen, it’s true that I carried that maiden across the river. But I left her at the riverbank hours ago. How is it you are still carrying her around?”
 
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