Tai Chi - A Little History Lesson

Tai Chi Chuan is a form of exercise developed by the Chinese, but is more than just exercise, much more. Tai Chi Chuan is an internal cultural art and is the Chinese path to mental, physical and spiritual fitness.

The art of Tai Chi Chuan originated about 500 A.D. and people from all walks of life have practiced it to promote their health and inner tranquility by releasing the natural energy of the body.

In 1999 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognised Wushu as a sport, which incorporated Tai Chi under the banner of Wushu.

Tai Chi for Health. Traditional Chinese doctors have believed for several millennia that illnesses occur when the internal energy of your body, called Chi, is weak, unbalanced or failing to flow correctly.

Tai Chi helps maintain good Chi energy with gentle fluid movements making it a perfect form of exercise for everyone. Many studies, around the world, have been conducted in the benefits of Tai Chi producing positive results. 

The Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, England, have demonstrated the benefits to patients recovering from myocardial infarct. A study reported in the Journalof the American Medical Association (3rd May 1995) demonstrated that TaiChi  was the only exercise / activity to show a statistically significant decrease in the number of falls among the elderly study participants. The TaiChi practitioners also recorded a 25% decrease in injury from falls. The study involved eight medical facilities including Harvard, Washington University School of Medicine and Emory University Atlanta. Tai Chi can provide an even wider range of benefits for sufferers of other conditions, more than any other form of exercise.

Below is a summary of some of the most common benefits from regular practiceof Tai Chi

• A significant increase inT-lymphocyte count.
• Toning of body muscles.
• Increase in co-ordination,balance, flexibility, agility and general mobility of all joints.
• Reduction of Hypertension.
• Migraine sufferers are oftenrelieved of symptoms.
• Asthma sufferers are able toreduce their use of ventolin.
• Sufferers of depression have shown rapid improvement within a few months, having been on medication for several years.
• Develops Proprioception.
• Doctors are increasingly recommending Tai Chi as a form of exercise, to their patients. But, as with all forms of exercise, you should first consult your doctor before you start practicing Tai Chi.

To discover more visit the web site

www.taichi-online.com/start.htm