If you’re looking for a holistic exercise practice that will unite your mind, body, and soul while fostering relaxation, and physical strength, try your hand at t’ai chi.
What is t’ai chi?
T’ai chi, also known as T’ai chi ch’üan and taijiquan, is a moderately intense aerobic exercise characterised
by slow, carefully controlled and continuous movements that embrace the connections between the mind, body, and soul. An internal Chinese martial art, t’ai chi is practiced for both its defence training and mental and physical health benefits. The term ‘internal’, or neijia, refers to the focus on spiritual and mental aspects of the art, and t’ai chi teaches that total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body. In bringing the mind and body together, t’ai chi represents a holistic approach to health and wellness.
History
T’ai chi has long been believed to have originated in Chenjiagou, China in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, and first developed by Chen Wangting, who created the style known as Chen style. As the Chen style evolved and was adapted over time, it is now generally accepted that t’ai chi can be categorised by five classic styles: Chen, Yang, Wu Hao, Wu, and Sun. Though each style has its own features and methods, the major family styles share the same essential principle of focusing on specific movements of the body to generate internal energy, mindfulness, and serenity.
The various t’ai chi styles and practices have since evolved from the ancient traditions and have been adapted in numerous countries around the world. Sophia Delza and Gerda Geddes are considered to have played pioneering roles in bringing t’ai chi to the martial arts culture of the West, after discovering the art separately in 1949. Geddes and Delza trained separately under renowned t’ai chi masters before bringing the practice back to their homes, the
United Kingdom and the United States of America, respectively. In 1954 Delza, a professional dancer and choreographer, performed the first known public demonstration of t’ai chi in the United States at the Museum of Modern Art. In the 1960s Cheng Man-Ching, considered one of the greatest t’ai chi masters of modern times, founded a t’ai chi school in the heart of New York City’s Chinatown, where he developed a shortened form of the Yang style. Since then, t’ai chi has become one of the most popular and recognisable martial arts in the world.
Health benefits
The multidimensional nature of t’ai chi means it is well-suited to people from all walks of life. T’ai chi was originally conceived as a fighting style; however, its emphasis on slow, controlled movements and controlled breathing has made it appealing over time as a more general exercise practice. As a traditional martial art, t’ai chi involves using careful, controlled combative actions such as kicking and striking to subdue opponents, rather than overt physical force. Flexibility exercises enable people to move more easily, facilitating healthy blood circulation that can enhance healing, as well as relieving sore joints and muscles. The slow and controlled movements of t’ai chi encourage weight transference, which can be beneficial in improving core strength and balance. Martial arts historian Ben Judkins suggests that while the medical benefits of practices like t’ai chi have been discussed in the West for more than a century, it is only relatively recently that scientific studies have been conducted to concretely support these claims. One such study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, for example, found t’ai chi to be beneficial for cardiorespiratory function and to strengthen the immune system, as well as improve muscle strength.
With its deliberately executed, slow, continuous, and flowing movements, t’ai chi is also recognised for its ability to foster spirituality and mindfulness as well as physical benefits. With deep roots in the ancient Chinese philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism, t’ai chi focuses on the blending of physical activity with breathing exercises to nurture the full integration of body, mind, ethics, and behaviour. The slow, flowing movements of t’ai chi help to foster calmness, the release of stress and tension, and a heightened awareness of the body in relation to one’s environment.
As Bill Douglas, the founder of World T’ai Chi Day, once said, “by introducing a consciousness of calm, healing, and connection, and surrounding our planet with it year after year, we may in some imperceptible and delicate way help move our species’ future toward global connection and the empathy and compassion that this awareness cultivates”.
How can you get started?
There are several recognised t’ai chi studios and practices around the world, so finding your nearest class is just an internet search away. The Australian Academy of T’ai Chi, for example, has offices all around Australia and provides specific tailored classes for individuals looking to introduce t’ai chi practice into their regular exercise routines. They also offer online classes for individuals, as well as tailored classes for corporations.
WORDS: Nicole Kennedy
This article was originally published in Issue 11 – Language of the Heart. You can purchase this issue and enjoy more enchanting content here.
