Tai Chi Touches Many Lives

Tai Chi Touches Many Lives

The ancient study of tai chi chuan (usually abbreviated in the United States as tai chi) is a series of slowmotion movements ideally done outdoors to reduce stress, to keep the mind sharp, and to maintain the body’s suppleness and muscular strength by moving the chi, or energy, through the body. Visualization is the key to success with tai chi. Its origins are in the martial-arts realm, but it is now thought of more as a way for people to remain fit and flexible. In China, the morning ritual of tai chi and a related discipline called chi gong is credited with helping create positive attitudes, emotions, and a sense of well-being. It also is said to help elderly people maintain their mobility, agility, and physical fitness.
Here is a sampling of some of tai chi’s basic moves. The lyrical names mask the strength and control you will obtain if you practice them:
? Sinking the Chi. The image is one of gathering the energy surrounding you,bringing it into your body, and letting it flow through you to the center of the earth.Standing straight, slowly lift your arms out to your sides with your palms down. When they are at shoulder level, bend your elbows to bring your hands over your head with your palms still down. Exhale and let your palms float toward the ground or floor.
? Supporting the Sky Like a Pillar. The image is one of gathering energy and propelling it skyward with your hands. Raise your left foot, and turn it outward at about the level of your left shoulder, if you can. Keeping your shoulders relaxed, lift your arms in front of you with your palms facing each other. When your hands are at chest level, turn them so the palms face outward. Exhale and allow your hands to float down,inhale and raise them up, and exhale and let them float down again.
? Penetrating Heaven and Earth. The image is one of propelling energy both down to earth and up to heaven. With your arms extended to your sides at chest level, bend your elbows to bring your hands in front of you. Rotate your hands so that the right palm is up and the left palm is down. Exhale and raise your right palm toward the sky and lower your left palm toward the earth. Exhale and bring your hands closer to your body. Inhale and reverse.